Every February, the nation honors the rich history and contributions of African Americans. That legacy will be highlighted through art exhibitions, lectures, and poetry contests. Here’s a look at Black History Month events in and around the Heights.
The 2026 celebration is especially significant, marking 100 years since Black History Month began in 1926 as “Negro History Week.” The original week was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14, both dates long commemorated within Black communities.
Stories & Saddles: Black Cowboys
All are invited to attend the opening of the Black History Month panel discussion featuring former and current Black Cowboys.
Featured panelists include University of Houston professor Demetrius Pearson; Larry Callies, founder of Black Cowboy Museum; rodeo champion Harold Cash and Anthony Bruno from the Northeastern Trail Riders Association.
They’ll share their powerful, firsthand accounts of triumphs, challenges, and the legacy they’ve built as cowboys.
Recommended for adults.
When: Jan. 31, 2026, 2-4 p.m.
Where: African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston
Registration required: https://calendar.houstonlibrary.org/event/15929988
Black History Month Series at Children’s Museum Houston
Every Thursday throughout February, the venue will host a series of Black History Month programs featuring interactive performances, music, dance, and hands-on activities for families. Events include hip-hop and African dance performances, West African drumming, and musical storytelling, alongside educational crafts highlighting civil rights leaders, diversity, and Black cultural traditions.
Where: Children’s Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston
Learn more: cmhouston.org/events/free-family-night-black-history-month-series
Feb. 5The Rad Hip Hop Show by RADCrew Productions: Experience the RAD HipHop Show. Time: 6:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium Fearless Trailblazer Ruby Bridges: Learn about Ruby Bridges’ brave role in the Civil Rights Movement. Time: From 5- 8 p.m. in Kids’ Hall Feb. 12 Joy of Djembe Drumming: Experience the powerful rhythms of traditional of West African drumming and the unifying power of music. Time: At 6:30 p.m. in Kids’ Hall Alcove Diversity Hearts: Celebrate diversity by creating a woven paper heart that showcases the beauty of our unique skin colors and backgrounds. Time: From 5- 8 p.m. in Kids’ Hall Feb. 19African Dance Workshop by Kucheza Ngoma Dance Company: Experience African dance fusion blending traditional and contemporary African dance. Time: At 6:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium Fearless Trailblazers John Brown and Harriet Tubman: Create a popsicle stick craft inspired by abolitionists like Harriet Tubman and John Brown. Time: From 5-8 p.m. in Kids’ Hall Feb. 26African Rhythms and Spirituals by Joseph Dixon: Explore the history and meanings behind these songs, learning how rivers, locomotives, and the Big Dipper symbolized freedom. Time: At 6:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium Hair Love!: Design and style characters in this craft activity and explore the beauty of different natural hair types. Time: From 5-8 pm in Kids’ HallBlack History Story Time: Briana Conner
ABC13 news anchor, Briana Conner, brings her charisma and storytelling prowess for an unforgettable Black History Story Time event. All ages welcome.
When: Feb. 7, 1- 2 p.m.
Where: Children’s Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston
Learn more: https://www.cmhouston.org/events/black-history-story-time-briana-conner
Black Art in America: Fine Art Print Fair
During this three-day fair, attendees will get a chance to explore beautiful fine art prints, enjoy artist talks and live demos.
The fair is from Feb. 6-8, with a reception on Feb. 6 from 5.30-7.30 p.m.
BAIA’s art print fair is hosted by the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC). BAIA has held fairs in Atlanta, Houston and Washington, D.C —where collectors, first-time buyers, and art lovers gathered to engage with the rich legacy of Black printmaking—this Houston edition expands BAIA’s mission to make fine art accessible.
Works spanning the Harlem Renaissance to today’s leading African American artists and master printmakers will be on display. The fair will showcase a wide range of printmaking techniques—including screenprints, woodcuts, linocuts, lithographs, etchings, and monoprints—bringing museum-quality works to collectors at accessible price points. Tickets are free but registration is required.
When: February 6, 2-8 p.m.
Where: 4807 Caroline St., Houston
Registration required: eventbrite.com
Black History Month Legislative Breakfast with Congressman Al Green
Congressman Al Green (TX-09) will host his annual Black History Month Legislative Breakfast on February 7, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Wyndham Hotel near NRG Stadium in Houston. The event provides constituents with updates on legislative priorities while honoring Black history and addressing ongoing civil rights issues. The event is free, but you must reserve a spot.
When: Feb. 7, 9 a.m.
Where: Wyndham Houston near NRG Park, 8686 Kirby Drive, Houston
Registration required: eventbrite.com
Documentary screening A Portrait of a Postman
Texas artist Kermit Oliver, an alumnus of Texas Southern University, created paintings, works on paper, designs for Hermès silk scarves, and commissions. However, for much of his career, Oliver worked full time as a postman. Director Chris Charles Scott tells Oliver’s story in A Portrait of a Postman, which includes interviews from family, colleagues, and others.
When: Feb. 7-9 p.m.; February 8, 2-4 p.m.
Where: Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston. The screening will take place in Brown Auditorium Theater in the Law Building.
Tickets: $9 general admission; $7 MFAH members, students with ID, seniors (65+)
Learn more: mfah.org
Black History Month Author Talk with Michael Harriot
Journalist, author and public historian Michael Harriot will tell stories about the Black experience in America in his groundbreaking book, Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious about their work, this event is perfect for history lovers. Recommended for adults.
When: Feb. 7, 2-4 p.m.
Where African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston
Registration required: https://calendar.houstonlibrary.org/event/15929569
The Ensemble Theatre
For those who don’t mind a short drive, the Ensemble Theatre is performing The Bluest Eye, based on Toni Morrison’s 1970 novel. Tickets can also be purchased via Edisonartsfoundation.org or Missouricity.gov websites.
The Ensemble Theatre is the largest African American professional theatre company in the U.S.
When: Feb. 15, 2 p.m.
Where: The Ensemble Theater, 3535 Main St., Houston
Tickets: ensemblehouston.my.salesforce-sites.com
100 Years of Black History Month
The year 2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history set forth by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Bring your lunch or order a box lunch online. Tickets are $10 for non-members and boxed lunches are $13. The speaker is Melva Becnel (born Jan. 26, 1939, in Houston) graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University and a law degree from Texas Southern University, and began her career in her family’s real estate business before becoming an attorney.
In 1977, she served on the Texas Coordinating Committee for International Women’s Year and was elected a Texas delegate to the National Women’s Conference, advocating for the inclusion of Black women’s voices. Becnel later served 14 years as a legislative aide to State Rep. Ronald R. Wilson and held leadership roles in several civic organizations.
The Heritage Society also has Black History Tours throughout the year.
When: Feb. 19, Noon-1 p.m.
Where: The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street, Houston. (Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.)
Black Midwives & Birthwork
Nicole Deggins, founder of Sister Midwife Productions, will discuss the legacy of Black midwives. Using their traditional knowledge, these highly skilled women served as the primary healthcare providers for their communities, often in the face of systemic adversity. This program discusses Black Midwives history and celebrates their foundational contributions to maternal health. This event is in partnership with AARP Houston.
Recommended for adults.
When: Feb. 21, 2-4 p.m.
Where: African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston
Registration required: calendar.houstonlibrary.org/event/15885450
Relax and Read Fences with Alley Theater
Presented in partnership with the Houston Public Library and Alley Theatre, this Relax and Read gathering invites participants to read August Wilson’s Fences in a laid-back, welcoming setting. The program encourages readers to slow down and reflect on themes such as family, generational legacy, isolation and connection, and truth-telling.
The play centers on a former Negro League baseball player working as a sanitation worker and offers space for shared reflection rooted in Black storytelling and community.
The event is free, but registration is required. There are 15 seats available.
When: February 21, 2-3.30 p.m.
Where: Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library, 1001 California St, Houston
Registration required: calendar.houstonlibrary.org/event/16250169
5th annual Woodson Black Fest at Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH)
This year’s Woodson Black Fest will feature spoken word performances, poetry, and music inspired by Tomashi Jackson: Across The Universe.
Named for author and thinker Carter G. Woodson, Woodson Black Fest aims to bring enlightenment, creativity, and innovation to celebrate Black artists and artisans’ contributions to our community.
A tour of Tomashi Jackson: Across The Universe, led by attorney and community activator Erin McClarty, will be offered from 1–2PM. RSVP required, but event is free.
When: Feb. 21, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston
Register here: eventbrite.com
A young artist performs during the Woodson Black Fest at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. (Photo courtesy of CAMH).
Monthly Meditation Sessions by the Black Man Project + Black Woman Project
The Black Man Project and Black Woman Project are monthly meditation sessions at the Museum. Every fourth Sunday, dedicate a moment to connect with yourself through a mindful morning meditation as you absorb the zen energy from the roof of the Glassell School of Art. Sessions are led by Rashad Sanders, founder of Mindful Muscle and health & wellness ambassador of the Black Man Project.
When: Feb. 22, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston.
Learn more: mfah.org
Black Author Book Exchange
Attend an evening of literary connection, community, and celebration of Black African American voices.
Bring three, gently used or new books by Black African American authors—these can be fiction, nonfiction, poetry or classics– to exchange.
Discover your next read and connect with fellow readers over meaningful conversations and light refreshments.
Register now.
When: February 26, 5- 6:45 p.m.
Where: African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston
Registration required: calendar.houstonlibrary.org
The African American History Research Center will host a book exchange on Feb. 26, inviting participants to bring up to three books by Black authors to share and exchange. (Photo courtesy of African American History Research Center, Houston Public Library)
The Hair Salon — Black Hair as Architecture
Dr. Sheryl Tucker de Vazquez, Institute of Architecture (AIA), in partnership with AARP Houston, presents The Hair Salon: Black Hair as Architecture, a multidisciplinary design research project that reimagines Black hair practices as architectural and spatial technologies. Drawing on the cultural, material, and symbolic meanings of Black hair, the project examines how traditions of braiding, twisting, and wrapping reflect algorithms, fractal geometry, and collective memory.
When: Feb. 28, 2-4 p.m.
Where: African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston
Registration required: calendar.houstonlibrary.org