Events celebrating Black History Month across Texas in 2023

Black History Month 2023
Black history is American history, and Black history is Texas history.

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, experiences, and excellence of Black Texans like Beyonce, Karamo Brown, Juanita Craft, Jalen Hurts, Mickey Leland, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Barbara Jordan. This year’s theme is Black Resistance exploring how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression.

With the Texas Legislature back in session, Black lawmakers and their allies are fighting for racial justice, including bills to improve Black women’s maternal health outcomes (Rep. Senfronia Thompson), limit how and when no-knock warrants may be issued and conducted (Sen. Royce West), and abolish Texas’ nonsense “Confederate Heroes Day” state holiday (Rep. Jarvis Johnson). You can—and should—follow the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and their members on your favorite socials.

Progress Texas has compiled a list of events in Texas celebrating Black History Month, including art exhibitions, film screenings, read-ins, and more.

Statewide Austin

February 10, 19 & 25 Cook with notable Black chefs at Central Market’s Be the Change Campaign

January 29 - February 5 Get tickets to the Virtual Denton Black Film Festival

Austin

February 4 - Discover the perspectives of Black tech professionals working towards inclusion in a panel discussion at Central Library. Be sure to catch the accompanying immersive photo exhibit on display until February 21. 

February 5 - Celebrate civil rights pioneer and international opera star Barbara Smith Conrad by catching a free screening of “When I Rise” at the Bullock Museum

February 7 & 8 - Watch a live taping of Blackademics Television

February 10 - Attend a special performance by the Dance Theatre of Harlem

February 11 - Learn about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival at a screening of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s film “Summer of Soul”

February 17 - Dialogue for Peace and Progress with community members and City of Kyle leaders

February 25 - Bring your family to the George Washington Carver Museum for their BHM Kids’ Day

All month long - Check out events at Austin Community College campuses

Dallas

February 6 – Learn the basics of African American genealogy

February 10, 17 & 24 - Celebrate literacy and literature at three Dallas Independent School District's read-in events 

February 18 - Watch and learn as middle and high school teams showcase their knowledge of Black history for trophies and prizes

February 24 - Learn tips and tricks to make your natural hair healthier 

February 25 - Register to enter and win or taste test your way through the diverse soul food cuisine at the Taste of Soul Food Cook-Off

All month long - Visit exhibits at the African American Museum of Dallas 

All month long - Visit the History of African American Churches in Dallas exhibit

Houston

February 3-5 - Watch films by Black women at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Every Saturday in February - Support local Black entrepreneurs and artists at Avenida Houston’s outdoor market

All month long - Hear from Black authors and leaders at the African American Research History Center

All month long - Participate in an African American Read-In with the Houston Public Library

All month long - Visit the Children’s Museum Houston and check out their BHM programming

San Antonio

February 3 - A portion of your ticket to see the Spurs take on the 76ers will support the UTSA Black student org of your choice

February 18 - Tour San Antonio’s Eastside by bus, visiting the most historic African American landmarks and locations

February 22 - Join the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum for an unveiling of historical markers at Green Book locations around the city

February 23 - Attend the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Lecture focused on current issues including inequalities in education, the justice system and the economy

Fort Worth

February 3 - 26 Journey through space and time with tickets to Moon Walk Man at the Jubilee Theater

February 16 - Dispel myths and learn African American History facts at Black History 101 at The Dock Bookshop

February 18 - Embrace cowboy and cowgirl culture with the whole family at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

Other Texas Cities

February 25 - Get your 1920s glitz and glam on at the 10th Annual Harlem Renaissance Gala Extravaganza in Frisco

February 3-28 - View emerging and established artists from McKinney and Collin County


Know of an event we should add? Email kathleen@progresstexas.org with your suggestions.