February is Black History Month, a period of recognition for the contributions, triumphs, struggles, and history of Black Americans. In Austin, local organizations have several events lined up to commemorate the occasion — here are 10 taking place in the coming weeks.
The Black Excellence Art Show | Friday, Feb. 17 | 7 p.m. | Paradox Ranch House, 1294 Johnson Ln., Round Rock | $10 | Enjoy artwork, music, local vendors, and dancing at this event also featuring a raffle.
That’s My Face Double Feature on Black Resistance | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., Austin | Free | Watch screenings of “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks” and “The Woman King” and stay afterward for a Q&A with UT researchers.
Black History Month Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Austin Public Library Central, 710 W. César Chávez St., Austin | Free | This day of programming includes activities, a “Black Panther” watch party, talks with authors and artists, and a performance by Riders Against the Storm.
Who Sampled Who? Black History Month Trivia | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Austin Public Library Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd., Austin | Free | Test your knowledge of African American contributions to world development.
“Bamboozled” | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 6 p.m. | AFS Cinema, 6406 N. I-35, Ste. 3100, Austin | $11-$13.50 | “Facing Blackness” author Ashley Clark will introduce this film and stay for a book signing.
A Talk with Kam Franklin | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 6:30-9 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., Austin | Free | Franklin will talk about Black resistance as seen in fashion and self-expression dating back to the Suffragettes.
Pro tip: If you can’t make this event, see Franklin perform at Hotel Van Zandt on Friday, Feb. 24.
Black History Month Kid’s Day at the Carver | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., Austin | Free | CDF Freedom Schools Austin will join in on the fun with crafts and activities for people of all ages.
Black History Bowl | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 12-3 p.m. | Texas Empowerment Academy, 6414 N. Hampton Dr., Austin | Free | Kids between grades 3 and 12 can participate in this educational, game-show style competition.
Black Fund Awards Show | Monday, Feb. 27 | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $27-$102 | Honor 21 nonprofits receiving grants for their work to support Central Texas’ Black community.
Melanated Marketplace | Monday, Feb. 27 | 4-7 p.m. | Concordia University Texas, 11400 Concordia University Dr., Austin | Free | Shop from and learn about local vendors at this annual event.
February can’t last forever, but you can support Black organizations year-round. Here are nine local nonprofits working for Black Austinites: