RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — February celebrates Black History Month, where we honor and pay homage to African Americans that have contributed to the nation.
Want to know where to find local Black History Month events? 8News has compiled a list of events in Central Virginia that celebrate the culture and heritage of the African diaspora, as well as support the upliftment of Black businesses, artists, authors, entertainers in the community.
Rosa Parks’ Inspirational Life Told by Theresa G.
- Tuesday, Feb. 4 — from 1 to 2 p.m.
- Chesterfield Baptist Church — located at 16520 Hull Street Rd. in Chesterfield
- Storyteller, Theresa G. will enlighten the audience with her portrayal of Rosa Parks and her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott — providing a historical depiction of African American women in history.
- The event is free, click here to register.
Coretta Scott King’s Story Told By Theresa G.
- Thursday, Feb. 6 — from 10 to 11 a.m.
- Beulah Rec Center’s Multipurpose Room — located at 6901 Hopkins Rd. in Chesterfield
- Storyteller, Theresa G. will inspire the audience with her production on the life of Coretta Scott King.
- The event is free, click here to register.
Henley and Lou Singing the Blues
- Friday, Feb. 7 — from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
- Stonebridge Recreation Center’s Multipurpose Room — located at 230 Karl Linn Dr. in North Chesterfield
- Celebrate with an evening of blues with Henley & Lou. There will be light refreshments and appetizers provided.
- Click here to register.
Music of the Civil Rights Movement
- Saturday, Feb. 8 — from 2 to 3:15 p.m.
- North Courthouse Road Library’s Community Room — located at 325 Courthouse Road in North Chesterfield
- Musician, Calvin Earl will share his storytelling and music — bring to life the Freedom songs that connects diverse immigrant groups to the Civil Rights Movement.
- Click here to register.
Movie Matinee – 42 (Jackie Robinson)
- Wednesday, Feb. 12 — from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Stonebridge Recreation Center’s Multipurpose Room — located at 230 Karl Linn Dr. in North Chesterfield
- Come out and watch Jackie Robinson’s biopic film “42.” Drinks and popcorn will be provided.
- Click here to register.
A Conversation with Elizabeth Keckley
- Saturday, Feb. 12 — from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
- Meadowdale Library’s Community Room — located at 4301 Meadowdale Blvd. in Ampthill
- Historical interpreter, Traci Marie Coleman will share the store of Elizabeth Keckley, who used her talents to buy her freedom — becoming the dressmaker for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
- Click here to register.
Honoring Black Labor Leaders
- Saturday, Feb. 15 — from 1 to 2 p.m.
- Midlothian Library’s Community Room — located at 100 Millworks Crossing in Midlothian.
- Learn more about the inspiring stories of African American leaders and advocates who had a significant impact on the labor movement in the nation.
- Click here to register.
Introduction to African American Genealogy
- Wednesday, Feb. 19 — from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Central Library’s Community Room — located at 7051 Lucy Corr Blvd. in Chesterfield
- Begin researching your family history with an overview of how to navigate genealogical research and learn specific strategies, resources and techniques to trace Black ancestry.
- Registration will begin on Feb. 5.
Black History Month Arts and Crafts Family Workshop
- Wednesday, Feb. 19 — from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Ettrick Recreation Center — located at 20621 Woodpecker Rd. in South Chesterfield
- Engage in an evening of arts and craft activities, exploring the stories of entrepreneurship, inventions, technology, arts, culture and sports.
- Click here to register.
Movie Matinee – Hidden Figures
- Thursday, Feb. 20 — from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- Bensley Recreation Center — located at 2900 Drewry’s Bluff Rd. in Richmond
- Hidden Figures shares the story of African American women who did some amazing work at the Aeronautical Laboratory in Hampton during the 1940s.
- Click here to register.
Empowerment Through Enterprise
- Saturday, Feb. 22 — 10 a.m. to noon
- Meadowdale Library’s Community Room — located at 4301 Meadowdale Blvd. in Ampthill
- Hear from Sassy Charis Jones, owner of fashion brand Sassy Jones, as she shares her story of her business journey. Network with organizations that can assist you on your journey to business ownership. Refreshments will be provided.
- Click here to register.
Celebration of Black Business Vendor Fair
- Saturday, Feb. 22 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Beulah Rec Center’s Multipurpose Room — located at 6901 Hopkins Rd. in Chesterfield
- Discover a variety local vendors featuring products from art, clothing, jewelry, accessories, ceramics, food and more. Enjoy live music from EZ Project and DJ Prolific. Witness live art by Naila Venable and the ARTS Community Center.