It’s Black History Month in The Land, and while we celebrate Black history throughout the year, our city is hosting iconic events especially throughout February. Connect to the culture through dance, music, discussion and movies with offerings both in-person and virtual. Whether you venture out in the cold or prefer to stay home, we invite you to celebrate Black History in Cleveland.
Black History Month Performances
Cleveland Public Theatre | Feb. 20 - Mar. 8
Following a sold-out run in Cleveland Public Theatre's popular play development program Test Flight, "Showin' Up Black" is back with a full production. On the eve of their daughter's cotillion, the affluent Hopegoodes family faces a clash between their debutante ball and a nearby Black Lives Matter protest, unraveling secrets and challenging what it is to be Black.
Dobama Theatre | Jan. 24 - Feb. 16
Written by Katori Hall, "The Hot Wing King" tells the story of Black gay friends and lovers who navigate an unexpected encounter while preparing for a hot wing festival. Directed by Sheffia Randall-Nickerson, it won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize.
Hale Farm & Village | Feb. 8
Join Hale Farm & Village for this intimate and heartfelt celebration of Black history as they honor the inspiring legacies of Sara Lucy Bagby and Eliza Bryant and use historical artifacts to bring their stories to life.
February is jam-packed with Black heritage, culture and historical performances through Playhouse Square. From Feb. 3-21, catch the streaming performance "Black Boy," a powerful account of one young man’s journey from innocence to experience as a black youth living in the Jim Crow South. On Feb. 15, the WHISPERS will perform all their timeless classics for Cleveland's Valentine Love Jam. A drama for kids titled “Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad” will start streaming online from Feb. 24 to Mar. 14.
Community Celebrations
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland | Jan. 24 - Jun. 1
The museum has a new exhibition opening in time for Black History Month. "Dear" is a tribute to the strength, resilience and beauty of Black motherhood and the community that supports it. This exhibition focuses on the Cleveland non-profit Birthing Beautiful Communities, highlighting the significance of care and affirmation in their work.
Various Cuyahoga County Public Library branches offer Black History Month-related programming throughout February. At the Warrensville Heights Branch, they will share Freedom Quilts through African American storytelling and art, and you can make a mini quilt collage to take home. At the Chagrin Falls Branch, celebrate Black History Month by learning about George Crum and the Saratoga chips. Did we mention it includes a chip-tasting contest? Check out a list of programs at your local branch.
Euclid Public Library takes an interesting approach to Black History/Heritage, including a virtual author event with Lee Hawkins, author of "I am Nobody's Slave," an evening at Zanzibar with author Abby Collette, where she will talk about her soul food-infused mystery series and a screening of "Hidden Figures," a movie dedicated to the group of African American female mathematicians that served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history.
Some Black History Month events include trivia days, bingo, crafts, and book clubs. The Main Branch is also hosting a series called "Black Cinema Through the Decades" to learn about and participate in discussions about Black cinema. On Feb. 27, at the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, celebrate a part of Black Children's Book Week that will honor the homecoming of Cleveland author Quartez Harris and his powerful story inspired by James Baldwin and his legacy, “Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer.”
Major Attraction Celebrations
Rocket Arena | Feb. 21, 23
Every year, the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate Black History Month through investing in Black futures, showcasing Black Businesses and inspiring racial justice efforts. This year's game against the New York Knicks on Feb. 21 kicks off a weekend-long celebration that ends with the Cavs facing the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 23.
Severance Music Center | Feb. 1
The Cleveland Pops Orchestra will perform hits from legendary Motown groups, including The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Jacksons, Earth Wind & Fire and more when they take the stage with The Legacy to pay homage to the best of soul.
During Black History Month, the Rock Hall always puts a focus on the contributions and stories of Black artists. The Rock Hall also has an online library of Black inductees that can be accessed year-round.
The Cleveland Museum of Art will offer guided Black History Month tours throughout February, highlighting Black artists in the Museum's collection.