8 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Fort Worth
February 1,2021
See full Fort Worth Magazine article by Samantha Calimbahin here.
The first day of February marks the start of Black History Month, and Fort Worth offers several ways to celebrate and learn more about the African-American experience. From virtual performances to tours through historical sites, here are a few events to consider adding to your calendar.
"HooDoo Love" at Jubilee Theatre
Jubilee Theatre may be closed to in-person performances; but the downtown theater dedicated to telling African-American stories is still putting on shows virtually. Its production of "HooDoo Love" — which follows the life of an aspiring blues singer in 1930s Memphis — is available to stream via Vimeo through Feb. 28. The show is available for rent for 48 hours and costs $20.
Virtual events at The Dock Bookshop
The largest African American-owned bookstore in Texas and the Southwest, The Dock Bookshop, has several virtual discussions lined up for the month of February. The shop kicks off Black History Month with a review of Dick Gregory's "No More Lies: The Myth and Reality of American History" and "Defining Moments in History: Reading Between the Lines" on Monday, followed by a Documentary Film & Discussion with Bayer Mack about the film "Black Seeds: The History of Africans in America" on Feb. 8, and A Conversation with Matt Sandler about his book “The Black Romantic Revolution: Abolitionist Poets at the End of Slavery” on Feb. 15.
'The Duality of Activism' at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
As part of The Modern's ongoing virtual series, "Listening for a Change: Podcast-Based Discussions with Dev’n Goodman," Goodman will lead a discussion on "The Duality of Activism" with podcasts "Making Gay History" and "BackStory." The event takes place Feb. 13 from 10 – 11 a.m.
Additionally, The Modern is open for guests to view works by Black artists like Kehinde Wiley, Mark Bradford, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and Lorna Simpson.
Artful Moments with the Amon Carter Museum of American Art
For those with early stage dementia and their caregivers, The Carter's ongoing virtual program, Artful Moments, will host a Black History Month-themed class on Feb. 18. Participants will take part in hands-on activities at home while engaging with various pieces throughout the museum's permanent collection.
"A Night of Black Excellence – Past, Present & Future" with the Fort Worth Opera
Internationally renowned opera singers Nicole Heaston, Latonia Moore, Kenneth Overton, Karen Slack, Kevin Thompson, and more will perform a virtual concert Feb. 21 in celebration of Black History Month. The event is sponsored by Tarrant County Pearls Chapter, The Society, Incorporated, and hosted by WFAA's Tashara Parker.
National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum events
Though the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, which celebrates the African-American cowboy, is temporarily closed, it still has several events scheduled throughout the month, from a virtual coffee hour to jazz and blues concerts. More info on the website.
Self-Guided African American History Tour
Want to learn more about African-American history in Fort Worth? The Fort Worth Black Chamber of Commerce and Visit Fort Worth have put together a Self-Guided African American History Tour, spotlighting various historical sites — from the oldest continuously operating African-American Baptist church to the city's first Black school.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Heritage Plaque
Another historical site worth visiting downtown is the spot where Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a sermon during his only visit to Fort Worth in 1959. It's marked by a memorial plaque in General Worth Square, adjacent from the Fort Worth Convention Center. The marker is part of the Heritage Trails Walking Tour, which also includes 26 other bronze markers depicting the city's history.
To see more resources and additional ways to celebrate the city's African-American heritage, check out Visit Fort Wort's website.
Locations Mentioned: Fort Worth Convention Center, Jubilee Theatre