\tEvents, Activities and Celebrations in February<\/p>\n
Each year in February, the United States honors Black History Month. 2026 is special, as it marks the 100th anniversary of national observance of Black Americans. Due to that, the theme of Black History Month this year is \u201cA Century of Black History Commemorations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Federal recognition for Black Americans first started in 1926 with Negro History Week, a week of learning and recognition of Black Americans and their impact on the United States. The founder of this movement, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, established this observation to transform how Black Americans, and America as a whole, recognized and acknowledged themselves.<\/p>\n
50 years later, President Ford declared the entire month of February as Black History Month on February 10th, 1976. Black History Month was chosen for February because it contained the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (Feb 14) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb 12).<\/p>\n
Around St. Louis there are many events and activities planned for February to celebrate the month. Read on for more details:<\/p>\n
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America\u2019s MVP \u2013 A Live Presentation Of Black History in America<\/a><\/p>\n February 5 | 1PM \u2013 4PM<\/p>\n Missouri History Museum<\/p>\n 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month. We are honoring the legacy, brilliance, and impact of Black history in one of St. Louis\u2019 most iconic institutions.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Frankie Freeman Inspirational Address<\/a><\/p>\n February 6 | 7PM<\/p>\n St. Louis County Library | Clark Family Branch Library<\/p>\n From its origin at the turn of the 20th century to its destruction in 1959 in the name of urban renewal, Mill Creek Valley was a center for Black life in St. Louis. Vivian Gibson grew up in Mill Creek Valley. Her moving memoir, \u201cThe Last Children of Mill Creek,\u201d depicts the families, friends, shop owners, church ladies, teachers, and others who made Mill Creek into a warm, tight-knit African-American community. Gibson will be joined in conversation by Gwen Moore, curator of the Missouri History Museum\u2019s exhibition, \u201cMill Creek: Black Metropolis.\u201d<\/p>\n During the event, Ohun Ashe, Michael P. McMillan, Kayla Reed, and Michelle D. Tucker will receive the Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Exploring Black Fashion History<\/a><\/p>\n February 7 | 11AM<\/p>\n St. Louis Public Library | Barr Library<\/p>\n Step into a century of Black fashion and see how style tells a story of culture, identity and empowerment. This interactive workshop takes learners through key eras of Black fashion \u2014 from Harlem Renaissance zoot suits to Civil Rights\u2013era dashikis, hip-hop streetwear and today\u2019s luxury designers. Participants will then bring history to life through a creative project of sketching their own inspired designs, capturing the spirit of a chosen era while adding their unique creative touch. Registration Required.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cTakunda\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n February 23 | 6PM<\/p>\n St. Louis County Library | Lewis & Clark Branch Library<\/p>\n Presented by The Black Rep. Sixteen-year-old Takunda\u2019s world is turned upside down when her father is arrested for his political activities in the turbulent Rhodesia of 1973. This coming of age story incorporates African folk tales and songs, featuring an ensemble of four actors and the vibrant art of storytelling.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Tea Talk: Amber Fouche & the Legacy Behind Tea ParTea<\/a> St. Louis County Library | Schlafly Library<\/p>\n Celebrate Black History Month with us as we welcome Amber Fouche, owner of Tea ParTea, for an inspiring conversation on history and entrepreneurship. Amber will share the story of how her grandmother Clara and a lineage of herbalist women and healers\u2014stretching back to the time of sharecropping and the transatlantic slave trade\u2014inspired her business and vision. For Amber, tea provides a source of community, comfort, and healing that honors her family heritage.\u00a0The talk will be followed by a tea tasting and pastry pairing. Registration Required.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
Feb. 21 \u00a0| 2 p.m.<\/p>\n