Events

9 ways to commemorate Black History Month in Fort Worth

Learn about and celebrate Black History Month with these local exhibitions and performances.

February 5, 2024 • 
Kate Mazade
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Opal Lee and Brenda Polk carried the banner at the MLK memorial walk along Rosedale Street in 1986.

Photo courtesy of the UTA Libraries.

February is Black History Month, and we have nine ways to learn about and celebrate local history from exhibitions to performances.

Photo of Michael Darough's "The Talk" art exhibition at TCC for Black History Month.

“The faceless men represent individuals affected by this systemic issue,” Michael Darough wrote in his artist statement.

Photo provided by TCC Visual Arts

Learn

“Michael Darough: The Talk” | East Fork Gallery
The faceless images were created in response to the Black Lives Matter Movement at the TCC’s Trinity River Campus. See the exhibition through Friday, March 8.

Lenora Rolla Juried Art Show | Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum
The Tarrant County Black Historical & Genealogical Society presents works from minority and youth artists Wednesday-Sunday now through Sunday, March 17.

Photo of displays at the "Black Cowboys" exhibition at the FWMSH.

Journey through the past at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Photo by @fwmsh

“Black Cowboys: An American Story | Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Explore the lives of Black men, women, and children who worked on Texas ranches and cattle drives through Saturday, April 13.

Jumping the Broom | Fort Worth Public Library
Be swept off your feet with the history of broom jumping in Black marriages at 10+ events at various library locations.

Celebrate with Opal Lee | Burleson City Hall
Listen to a moderated discussion with the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” and get a signed copy of her book on Saturday, Feb. 17.

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Hear Ethel Waters’ hits like “Stormy Weather” in “Bread ‘n’ Gravy.”

Photo by @jubileetheatre

Watch

“Bread ‘n’ Gravy: The Songs and Life” | Jubilee Theatre
Experience the life of Ethel Waters — a trailblazing singer and actress + one of the first African American women to achieve both Broadway and Hollywood success — through Sunday, March 3.

“dwb (driving while black)” | Fort Worth Opera
See Susan Kander and Roberta Gumbel’s one-act opera followed by moderated talks with the creative team on Friday, Feb. 16 + Saturday, Feb. 17 at TCU’s Van Cliburn Hall and Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Kimbell Art Museum.

Photo of people dancing at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

Don’t miss the musical performances and Western sports of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

Photo by Cowtown Coliseum

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo | Cowtown Coliseum
Grab tickets to the rodeo on Saturday, Feb. 17 to celebrate the contribution of Black cowpokes in their building of the American West.

    MLK Parade & Rally | Downtown
    The 39th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. parade and rally was rescheduled to Monday, Feb. 19 due to inclement weather.