Celebrate Black History Month across Palm Beach County with these diverse events honoring African American heritage. Enjoy cultural showcases, art, discussions, and performances that reflect the rich contributions of the Black community. From historical tributes to contemporary expressions, join us in recognizing the impact and resilience of African Americans. Embrace unity, awareness, and appreciation throughout February. Explore the vibrant history that has shaped our community. Be part of inclusive events that highlight inspiring stories, fostering understanding and connection. Join the celebration, learn, and share in the cultural vibrancy of Black History Month in Palm Beach County
MOVED: A Celebration of Black History and Culture Through Dance at the Kravis Center
The Natural Movers Foundation, in partnership with the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, is organizing South Florida's first-ever day of dance to celebrate Black History Month. "MOVED: A Celebration of Black History and Culture Through Dance" offers a diverse experience with dance classes, workshops, panel discussions and a special performance. From modern and ballet to African dance and hip hop, the event welcomes dancers of all levels. Featured artists include David "The Crown" Stalter, Shaness Kemp and Buddha Stretch.
Info: MOVED is Saturday, Feb. 24. Tickets range from $20 for a single dance class to $75 for a full-day experience with the concert. The event is at the Kravis Center's Cohen Pavilion, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Visit naturalmovers.org/moved for the full schedule.
Finding Black history:In Palm Beach County is daunting, but rewarding
Black artist showcase
Celebrate Black History Month with creativity and expression at CityZen in West Palm Beach. Black Art Matters, a showcase of young Black artists in our community, is featured at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays in the CityZen Garden, 400 Datura St. in downtown West Palm Beach. More info:DowntownWPB.com
'Inventing Beauty': the 18th African American Film Festival
The 18th African American Film Festival, "Inventing Beauty," will be led by author, curator, and film scholar Terri Francis. Through screenings and discussions with special guests, including Francis, attendees will embark on a cinematic journey delving into the social, historical, and personal dimensions of beauty. The films featured in "Inventing Beauty" prompt reflection on our individual and evolving perceptions of beauty, a concept both deeply personal and socially significant. As part of the experience, guests attending PEAK performances in the Rinker Playhouse at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will receive a complimentary beverage with every ticket purchased (nonalcoholic selections available for underage guests). This festival promises to be a celebration of African American cinema and the multifaceted concept of beauty.
Info: Event is Feb. 15 through Feb. 18 at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.
Mini-Fest at Majestic 7
Get ready for a dynamic celebration of art, culture, and inclusion at the Black History Month Mini-Fest at Majestic 7 in West Palm Beach. Hosted by "Our Life and Love — A New Era of Inclusion," this family-friendly event offers a range of activities, including art creation workshops, story-time sessions, engaging discussions and live international music performances. Dive into the world of literary art with a family art creation workshop featuring poetry and book readings starting at noon. At 2:00 pm, join a discussion on the "New Era of Street Art," led by the Lowe Collection and Street Art Revolution, exploring the history and contemporary significance of public art in relation to self-inclusion. Then, at 3:30 pm, immerse yourself in the sounds of dei 7 free-range music, featuring captivating performances of international music from Africa to the Americas. Admission to this event is complimentary, but registration is required.
Info: Mini-Fest is from noon to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Majestic 7, 407 Northwood Road, West Palm Beach; Register now to secure your spot!
The Historically Black College Improv Comedy Show
Presented by The Intelligent Fools improv comedy troupe at Arts Garage, this show is dedicated to celebrating the Black college experience through the art of improv and sketch comedy. Join The Intelligent Fools for an evening of performances featuring improv, step, dance and music, all centered around the rich history and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This event promises to be a celebration of Black history through laughter and creativity. Secure your tickets now.
Info: The show is February 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Arts Garage at 94 Northeast Second Ave., Delray Beach.
Black Leadership Summit
This one-day Black Leadership Summit conference offers a comprehensive program featuring a plenary session, workshops and panel discussions. Keynote speaker Careshia Moore, President & CEO of the Usher New Look Foundation, will headline the event. Topics will span leadership and business development, financial literacy, education innovation, mental and behavioral health, diversity in technology and more.
Info: The event is 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center, 125 E. Ocean Ave. Registration is here: eventbrite.com/e/black-leadership-summit-2024-registration-788893861777
Black History events at Mandel Public Library
All library programs at are free, but most require registration. Please visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7703 to register. Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach is at 411 Clematis St., West Palm Beach.
Kente Collage Art: Explore the world of Kente cloth patterns at the Kente Collage Art event from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. This creative workshop, led by local artist Trina Slade-Burks, will be held in Studio 411. Designed for adults aged 18 and over, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the rich history of Kente cloth and express their creativity by crafting a unique and beautiful collage. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.
Professor Fine Presents “The Sum of Us": Dive into a discussion with Palm Beach State College professor Africa Fine on "The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper" by New York Times bestseller Heather McGhee. The event is 12:30 1 :30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16.
Storm of ‘28 Coalition: Discover the impact of the hurricane of 1928 on South Florida and the ongoing mission of the Storm of '28 Memorial Park Coalition. Join Dorthy and Robert Hazard for an enlightening discussion from 3 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Auditorium on the 3rd Floor of the Mandel Public Library.
Teen Movie Club Celebrates Black History Month: Get ready for a cinematic celebration of Black History Month at the Teen Movie Club from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. Designed for teens and tweens in grades 6-12, this event invites you to indulge in snacks and partake in a movie marathon featuring "Black Panther" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." As an added bonus, stick around and receive a free book, "Black Panther: Spellbound."
African Drumming with Abasi: Embark on a rhythmic adventure at "African Drumming with Abasi" from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. The event is hosted by spoken word poet and African percussionist Abasi "Manblack" Hanif and will unfold in KidSpace on the third Floor of the Mandel Public Library.
Family Storytime Celebrates Black History Month: Families with children up to 5 years old are invited to join Children’s Librarian Ms. Camila for a special family storytime in celebration of Black History Month on Wednesday, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Feb. 28. The event will take place in KidSpace.
Diamond Walker is a journalist atThe Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her atdkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism.Subscribe today
