How to celebrate Black History Month in Cleveland?

CLEVELAND — Black History Month is officially here, and Northeast Ohio has many ways to celebrate throughout the month of February. 

Throughout the weeks ahead, many organizations in Northeast Ohio will celebrate and honor the contributions and impacts Black people have made in America. 

3News has compiled a list of ways to celebrate Black History Month, which you can see below. As more events are announced, 3News will update this list. 

Cleveland Cavaliers 21st Annual Black Heritage Celebration

• The Cleveland Cavaliers will kick off their weekend-long Black Heritage Celebration on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. against the New York Knicks.

During home games in February, the Cavs will celebrate and showcase Black excellence in the areas of Economic Empowerment, Education, Mentorship and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The team will recognize these efforts through halftime performances, in-game recognitions, special video presentations, as well as on team social media channels, Cavs.com, in TV and radio game broadcasts and shows.

Dear: Birthing Beautiful Communities

• Jan. 24 – June 1
• Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
• Free for Ohio residents and all youth 18 and under; $10 for non-Ohio residents

‘Dear’ is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and beauty of Black motherhood and the community that supports it. This exhibition focuses on the Cleveland non-profit Birthing Beautiful Communities, highlighting the significance of care and affirmation in their work. Dear is an ode to the power of community and the enduring bond of motherhood.

Presented in partnership with Birthing Beautiful Communities & moCa Cleveland.

52nd Annual Black History Month Flag Raising 

Black Cinema Through the Decades 1920s-1960s 

• Saturday, Feb. 1, 1-2 p.m.
• Cleveland Public Library – Main Library/Downtown
• Free
• Audience: adults ages 19+

Join us to discuss black cinema through the 1920s to the 1960s. 

Cleveland Pops Orchestra: Music of Motown

Hear hits from legendary Motown groups including The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Jacksons, Earth Wind & Fire & more when we take the stage with LEGACY to pay homage to the best of soul.

Cleveland Museum of Art: Black History Month Tours

Celebrate Black History Month with guided tours highlighting Black artists in the museum’s collection. The museum celebrates African American Heritage Month in February and all year round. Learn about Black artists in the museum’s collection in daily guided tours and Art and Conversation tours. To schedule private tours for adult groups of 10 or more, please contact grouptours@clevelandart.org or call 216-707-2752. 

• Monday, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; 4-5 p.m.
• Cleveland Public Library – Mt. Pleasant Branch Meeting Room
• Free
• Audience: ages 1-18

Each Monday in February we will learn about people that made a difference in Black History in the fields of Politics, Music, Sports, and Business. Activities will include a mock election, writing a song, basketball cup and ball craft, and designing a business.

Spotlight Series: Celebrating Black Artistry

• Tuesday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; 4-5 p.m. 
• Cleveland Public Library – Memorial Nottingham Branch Main Floor Children’s Room
• Free
• Audience: ages 6- 18

Every Tuesday in February, we will focus on a different artist or medium and learn about their technique. Then, we will apply what we’ve learned and create works of art using those same techniques! The final program date, February 25th, will culminate in a student art show with works displayed at the branch.

Artists Run the Streets BHMX Edition: A Celebration of Labor & Legacy

• Thursday, Feb. 6-Friday, May 30
• Cleveland City Hall, 2nd floor
• Free

Curated by the For Art’s Sake artist collective — led by branding, design, and marketing visionary Kumar Arora, a Transformative Arts Fund Awardee — the exhibition brings together works that align with the national theme. Featuring the thought-provoking artistry of Christa Freehands, Chris Goody, Ryan Harris, Mike Miller, Sampson Smiley, and Lacy Talley, the exhibition honors the resilience of Cleveland’s Black community while inspiring fresh perspectives on art, economy, and community.

Black History Month Film Series

• Thursday, Feb. 6, 20; 4 p.m.
• Cleveland Public Library – Memorial Nottingham Branch Meeting Room
• Free

February 6: Hidden Figures – The story of a team of female African American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program

February 20: The Tuskegee Airmen – The true story of how a group of African-American pilots overcame racist opposition to become one of the finest United States fighter groups in World War II. 

Happy Birthday Langston Hughes! (observed)

• Tuesday, Feb. 4, 4-5 p.m.
• Cleveland Public Library – Langston Hughes Branch Meeting Room
• Free 
• Audience: all ages

We will celebrate Langston Hughes’ birthday as we share cake, recite his poetry, and learn about the time he spent in Cleveland.

Midday Matinee: Celebrating African American Movies from the 90’s

• Saturday, Feb. 8, 22; 12 p.m.
• Cleveland Public Library – Memorial Nottingham Branch Meeting Room
• Free

Join us for a Saturday matinee as we watch iconic African-American movies that entertain, enlighten, and provide insight into love, family, and community.

February 8: “The Best Man”

February 22: “Set It Off”

Pathways to Freedom: Stories of Strength and Legacy

• Saturday, Feb. 8, 1-4 p.m. 
• Hale Farm & Village – Gatehouse Visitor Center
• Free, registration is encouraged. Tickets available here.

From the Western Reserve Historical Society: 

Join us for an intimate and heartfelt celebration of Black history as we honor the inspiring legacies of Sara Lucy Bagby and Eliza Bryant. Explore historic artifacts that bring their stories to life and experience this meaningful gathering in a warm and cozy setting.

Last Teen Standing: Black History Month Edition!

• Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4-5 p.m.
• Cleveland Public Library – Memorial Nottingham Branch Meeting Room
• Free
• Audience: teens ages 12-18

In recognition of Black History Month, join us for a spirited game of trivia focused on people and events in Black History. Let’s see if you’re the Last Teen Standing!

Homeschool Field Trip Day: Black History Month

• Thursday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Cleveland History Center
• Students (ages 3-18; pre-registration highly recommended): $8
  • Parents/Guardians: Free
  • Children ages 0-2: Free
  • Parking: $8 per car, flat rate – paid onsite at CHC before leaving.

Cleveland’s Black community has played a critical role in making our city what it is today. For February, we explore their contributions.  

• Ages 3-5 will learn about prominent African-Americans who influenced the transportation industry in Cleveland.  
• Ages 6-8 and 9-12 will examine how African-Americans in Cleveland during the early 20th century built strong community bonds.  
• Ages 13+ will explore Cleveland’s contributions to the Underground Railroad in the lead-up to the Civil War.
• More information

History on Tap: National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame

• Friday, Feb. 21, 5-9 p.m.
• Cleveland History Center (10825 East Blvd, Cleveland)

From the Western Reserve Historical Society:

Join us from 5-9 pm as we partner with the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame to celebrate Black entertainment in Cleveland. Explore iconic memorabilia, including stagewear from legends of R&B like Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and the O’Jays, along with rare photographs and artifacts from Leo’s Casino and the Rhythm & Blues Legends collection. This event highlights Cleveland’s rich contributions to music history. Celebrate the R&B Hall of Fame’s dedication to preserving this legacy and meet founder Lamont Robinson for a signing of his new book, Music and Entertainment Memories of Black Cleveland. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening honoring Cleveland’s contributions to the music industry.

Go Tell It: A Homecoming with Quartez Harris 

Celebrate the final stop of Quartez Harris’s book tour for Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer.

This special event, part of Black Children’s Book Week, honors the homecoming of Cleveland author Quartez Harris and his powerful story inspired by James Baldwin and his legacy. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the author and his work and explore the brand NEW Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch*, an engaging space dedicated to community and creativity. 

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt

• Feb. 2-28, all day
• Mentor Public Library – Main Branch
• Audience: children

Grab a sheet from the Children’s Desk, and follow the clues to learn about and locate some important black historical figures hidden around the department.

Sunday Series: Billie Holiday

• Sunday, Feb. 2, 3-4 p.m.
• Lorain Public Library – North Ridgeville Branch
• Registration full — join waiting list here 

Debra Rose from Women in History portrays Billie Holiday, legendary Black jazz singer/songwriter also known as “Lady Day.” Preregistration required.

Black Artists for Kids: Alma Thomas

Celebrate Black History Month by learning about the career and legacy of Alma Thomas and doing a project inspired by her work. 

Black History Month Vibes 

• Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13, 27; 4:30 p.m. 
• Lorain Public Library – Main Branch

Celebrate what being Black means to you through arts, culture, food, dance, games, history, music and trivia. Preregistration required.

Black History Film Screening: “John Lewis: Good Trouble”

A screening of the documentary which chronicles the extraordinary life and legacy of civil rights icon and U.S. Congressman John Lewis, whose tireless fight for justice and equality left an indelible mark on American history. Preregistration required.

Black History Month 55th Anniversary Celebration 

• Saturday, Feb. 1, 6-9 p.m. 
• Kent Student Center Ballroom 
• Free admission for students, $25 for general audience. Tickets available here

Please join us as we honor the 55th anniversary of Black History Month, celebrating its origins at Kent State University and the pivotal role the university played in advocating for its national recognition. In partnership with the Kent State Black Alumni Chapter, E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center, Black United Students (BUS), and the Center for Student Involvement, this event aims to raise awareness about Kent State’s groundbreaking contributions, commemorate the legacy of those who championed this cause and inspire continued engagement with the history, culture and progress of Black communities. The evening will include dinner, drinks, featured speakers, interactive displays and recognition of the founders of Black History Month. A portion of ticket proceeds will support the Black Alumni Chapter Scholarship Fund.

False Positive: An Evening with Harry ‘Butch’ Reynolds and Ismail Al-Amin. 

• Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.
• Oscar Ritchie Hall, Kent State University

We are proud to announce the Department’s annual Oscar Ritchie Endowed Lecture Series presents a screening of the ESPN 30 for 30 film, “False Positive,” a documentary about the life and career of Olympic gold medalist and former 400-meter world record holder, Butch Reynolds. The screening will be followed by a discussion with filmmaker/director Ismail Al-Amin and with Butch Reynolds.

Note: A full list of events happening during Black History Month at Kent State University can be found HERE.

Welcoming Our Curator of Black History: A Special Community Event 

• Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m.
• McKinley Presidential Library and Museum
• Free, registration required. Tickets available here

The McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Canton, Ohio invites guests for a celebratory meet and greet with our new Curator of Black History, Dr. Tameka Ellington.

Guests attending the event will enjoy light refreshments, an African-inspired performance, and the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with our new curator as well as the driving force behind the upcoming exhibitions, the Committee to Preserve Stark County’s Black History.

Catering from Sister’s Soul Food will delight guests with southern soul food cuisine: mac and cheese, shrimp and grits, and vegetarian greens, along with banana pudding and strawberry shortcake for dessert. 

Stark County African American Movers and Shakers of the Past, Present, and Future

Uncover, discover, and celebrate Stark County’s African American trailblazers! This will be an inspiring event with guest speakers, open discussions, and an opportunity for an intimate meet and greet.

Secrets of the Underground Railroad

Come learn the secrets of the Underground Railroad, plus the story of a woman who saved hundreds with special guest Harriet Tubman. Presented by The Summit County Historical Society of Akron.

Movies @ Perry: “The Woman King”

 Breaking Barriers: The Impact of Including Negro League Statistics in Major League Records

In 2024, the statistics and records from the Negro Leagues were added into the Major League records. Hear from one of the committee members who helped make this change possible.

Spotlight on Black Inventors

Did you know that Black inventors created the traffic light? Automatic elevator doors? The Super Soaker? Come learn cool facts about these inventions and more, plus make a light-up device of your own!

Massillon and the Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad is an important part of Massillon’s history. Learn about the compassionate people and abolitionists who lived in Kendal and Massillon. Presented by Massillon Museum.

For her book, Early Massillon And Lost Kendal, Mandy Altimus Stahl extensively researched the era from 1811 to 1860, when the Underground Railroad was most active in Massillon.

Black Author Book Tasting

• Saturday, Feb. 1, all-day
• Akron-Summit County Public Library – Maple Valley Branch Community Room

Discover new stories, enjoy diverse books, and enter our raffle filled with Black author titles. Celebrate representation in literature with your family!

This interactive, family-friendly event invites children and families to “taste” a selection of books written by Black authors, offering a chance to discover new favorites and explore a variety of genres. 

Family Story Time: Black History Month

• Saturday, Feb. 1, 2-3 p.m.
• Akron-Summit County Public Library
• Free, registration required. Register online here or call 330-434-8726

Celebrate Black History Month with us in this special story time event for the whole family.

Archaeology & The Great African American Migration to Akron 

• Monday, Feb. 10, 5:30 p.m.
• Akron-Summit County Public Library – Odom Boulevard Branch
• Free
• Audience: adults

Join Summit Metro Park tell the story of the unique place in Akron’s history of thousands of African Americans during the Great Migration.

During the Great Migration, thousands of African Americans chose to move to Akron for better economic opportunities and freedom from Jim Crow. However, just like in other northern cities, Black migrants to Akron encountered segregation in their new home. Some families sought to navigate these barriers by creating a life outside of the city in a small rural development called Wheelock Cuyahoga Acres in what is now the Valley View Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park.

This presentation will cover Summit Metro Park’s research using archaeology and oral histories to tell the story of this unique place in Akron’s history.

What’s New with Green Book Cleveland?

• Monday, Feb. 10, 5-7 p.m.
• Happy Days Lodge (500 West Streetsboro St., Peninsula)
• $10 general admission, free for members of The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Green Book Cleveland is a restorative history project to document stories of Black recreation and resistance in Northeast Ohio. The partners’ collaborative work is already having an impact. Join us for drinks and a lively panel discussion moderated by Ranger Arrye Rosser. Find out what’s new and what’s next from Mordecai Cargill of ThirdSpace Action Lab, Mark Souther and Bali White of Cleveland State University, Michelle Camou of Akron Zoo, and Hazim Abdullah-Smith of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

• Mordecai Cargill, Chief Creative Officer, ThirdSpace Action Lab
• Dr. Hazim Abdullah-Smith, Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Dr. J. Mark Souther, Professor of History and Director, Center for Public History + Digital Humanities, Cleveland State University
• Bali White, History Graduate Assistant, Cleveland State University
• Dr. Michelle Camou, Director of External Affairs, Akron Zoo
• Arrye Rosser (moderator), Interpretive and Education Specialist, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Celebrating Black History Month Concert 

• Sunday, Feb. 19, 7:30-9 p.m. 
• Guzzetta Recital Hall at the University of Akron 

Student and faculty soloists and ensembles perform works by African-American composers.