Charlotte-area Black History Month events, programs

CHARLOTTE — Each February, we honor and celebrate the achievements of Black Americans for Black History Month. Special events, performances, and programs are held throughout Charlotte during the month.

Here’s a list of events taking place for Black History Month in 2024:

Feb. 3 — Elevating Our Voices: Code Switching and Black Identity

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is hosting a conversation about code-switching and its nuances in the workplace. Head to the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library (formerly Beatties Ford Regional Library) at 1 p.m. Link

Feb. 3 — Charlotte’s Lost Slavery History: Walking Tour & Discussion

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture will host “Charlotte’s Lost Slavery History: Walking Tour & Discussion” at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Link

Feb. 10 — The 2024 North Carolina Black Heritage Festival

The 7th annual North Carolina Black Heritage Festival themed “Remember the past, Celebrate the present, & Shape the future” will feature 100 Black-owned companies. Expect crafts, culture, art, games, and performances. The event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. Admission is free. Link

Feb. 18 — Women of a New Tribe: A Celebration of Womanhood

The Kannapolis African American Museum is celebrating the strength, beauty, and resilience of African American women. There will be a showcase, reception, silent auction, and free photoshoot ($5 to order a photo). The event starts at 3 p.m. at the Laureate Center. Admission cost $10. Link

Feb. 23 — Jazz, Jive & Jam: A Black History Month Joint

The Dowd Center Theatre in Monroe is hosting a night with the top jazz musicians in the region. Tickets are $10 at the door, and kids 16 and younger get in for free. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Link

Feb. 24 — African American Heritage Festival

A celebration of Charlotte’s Black history and culture will be held at the Charlotte Museum of History. There will be a special focus on education and community to celebrate the arrival of Siloam School to the museum’s campus. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is free. Link

Feb. 24 — Black Genealogy: Moving Beyond the 1870 Census

Unlock the secrets of African American genealogy with this presentation, navigating the challenges of tracing enslaved or free ancestors. The program will be presented by Danielle Pritchett, a genealogy librarian with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain Island Library. It will also be offered online (you can register to receive the Zoom link). Admission is free but registration is required. Link

Feb. 26 — “Summer of Soul (...or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”: Screening

Join the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for a screening of the 2021 documentary “Summer of Soul.” Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson uses music film and historical record to tell the story of the Harlem Cultural Festival. The event celebrated Black history, culture, and fashion over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just 100 miles south of Woodstock. Attendance is free but registration is required. Link

In addition, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will host several events to celebrate Black History Month. Click here for more information.

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