February is Black History Month, and Dallas-Fort Worth offers plenty of ways to reflect on the history, culture, and creativity of black heritage throughout the month’s 29 days.
Cultural Awareness Series
What: The Dallas Black Dance Theatre will perform “Beams from Heaven” to the contemporary gospel music of artists like Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and Patti LaBelle. Hope Boykin, a 20-year-old Bessie award-winning dancer and choreographer, will make her debut on a public stage.
Where: The Wyly Theater, 2400 Flora St.
When: February 14 to 16
Tickets: Starting at $22
Punk Noir
What: Nigerian artist Dawn Okoro paints portraits of black musicians, filmmakers, photographers and other creatives. Based in Austin, Okoro manipulates energetic colors to contrast vibrant black bodies on stark white canvases. Heavily influenced by fashion as a means of expression, Okoro draws inspiration from popular culture to examine different standards of beauty.
Where: The South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh
When: January 25 to March 21
Tickets: Free
Melanin Poppin’ Paint Party
What: To celebrate the “month of melanin,” Johnavich Studios in Old East Dallas will host a painting party. Drinks, music, and paint will be provided for attendees.
Where: Johnavich Studios, 4220 Main St.
When: February 7
Tickets: $27
Black Girl Magic Stand-Up Comedy Show
What: Producer Gloria Gonzalez hosts many comedy shows, but her vision for February was to celebrate black history by bringing black female comedians to the stage. Headliners include Jenn Griffin, Angelia Walker, and Roxie Wilson. Gonzalez believes it’s sometimes necessary to open the conversation to serious matters like race and equality by laughing together.
Where: The Stage Door, 2637 Summit Ave., Plano
When: February 7
Tickets: $10
Amazing Grace
What: Soul Rep Theatre will perform “Amazing Grace” with an ensemble of North Texas actors. Adapted from the children’s book series by Mary Hoffman, the performance celebrates the beauty, power, and resilience of black women and girls.
Where: South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh
When: Weekends from February 20 to March 8
Tickets: $22.50
Queenish Black Dolls Showcase
What: The Queenish Professional Women’s Club is bringing the Queenish Dolls Experience to DFW for the second time. An array of antique doll collections that reflect the modern eras of black history will be on display. Attendees will learn the history of black dolls, make their own dolls, and meet doll makers and collectors from across the country.
Where: Lancaster Senior Life Center, 240 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Lancaster
When: February 22
Tickets: $5
Hidden History Tour of Dallas
What: Take a tour of Dallas with a different perspective: the history of black heritage. Attendees will travel the city in a coach bus and learn about the city’s diverse backgrounds. The three-hour tour will visit more than 20 historic sites throughout the city. Learn about the two largest settlements following the Civil War and how the southern Dallas migration helped shape the city into how it looks today. Curious about this? Head here for our writeup from the tour last year.
Where: African American Museum of Dallas, 3536 Grand Ave.
When: February 8
Tickets: $37
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