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Happy Black History Month!
During the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month to commemorate and raise awareness of African Americans’ contributions to civilization. What initially began as a weeklong celebration transitioned into a month-long commemoration in 1976 when President Gerald Ford proclaimed February to be Black History Month. February was chosen to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass, a prominent leader in abolitionist movement to end slavery, and President Abraham Lincoln. To learn more about Black History Month in Indiana visit the Hub. You can also read more about this year’s Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Arts”, by clicking this link.
Ways to Celebrate
- Learn more about Notable Figures in Indianapolis Black History, including Madam C.J. Walker and Major Marshall Taylor.
- Discover Indiana’s rich black history by visiting historical sites such as the Madam Walker Legacy Center and The Landmark for Peace.
- Take a virtual tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture or the Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History.
- Read a book from the Black History Month Reading List curated by the American Writers Museum.
- Watch Indiana's Hidden History 30 Minute Special by WANE-TV News or the 200 Years of Black History In Indiana Special by CBS4 Indy.
- Celebrate African American and Black History Month by learning about the culinary traditions of Black Americans.
Helpful Links
Black History Month
- Black History Month 2024: African Americans and the Arts | Smithsonian
- About Black History Month | The Library of Congress
- 11 Black History Month Indianapolis Activities and Celebrations
- Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture
- For Black History Month, Watch These Impactful, Uplifting Movies and TV Shows | CNET
- Classroom resources for Black History Month | PBS
- African American History | National Archives
- Black History Month Collection | National Geographic
- African American History | Library of Congress Online Resources
- African American History and Culture in the U.S. | National Endowment for the Humanities
Public health and demographics
- Facts About the U.S. Black Population | Pew Research Center
- Health Disparities Among African-Americans | Pfizer
- How Recognizing Health Disparities for Black People is Important for Change | KFF
- The Root Causes of Health Inequity | National Library of Medicine
- Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Care Among Black Americans: Recent Trends and Key Challenges | ASPE
- Mental and Behavioral Health: African Americans | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health
- Black and African American Communities and Mental Health | Mental Health America
- Social Determinants of Health, Race, and Diabetes Population Health Improvement: Black/African Americans | National Library of Medicine
- Black/African American | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- The Disproportional Impact of COVID-19 on African Americans | National Institutes of Health
- Food insecurity in Black Communities | Feeding America
Events
- Black History Month Sip & Paint Series
- Check website for dates and time
- MXP Shop |7826 North Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268
- Black History Month Celebration at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Thurs, Feb. 1 | 4–8 p.m.
- 3000 North Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46208
- Black History Month Film Festival “Selma”
- Thurs, Feb. 1 | 6–7:30 p.m.
- Ohio Theatre 105 East Main St., Madison, IN 47250
- First Fri. Art Show – Black History Month: Then & Now | INDIANA LANDMARKS
- Fri, Feb. 2 | 6–9p.m.
- 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Art & Soul Festival Kickoff
- Fri, Feb. 2 | 6–7:30 p.m.
- The Cabaret, 924 North Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis
- Kick-Off to Black History Month Celebration | Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
- Sat, Feb. 3 | 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
- 1200 North Minnetrista Parkway, Muncie, IN 47303
- Black History Month Film Festival “Imitation of Life”
- Thurs, Feb. 8 | 6–7:30 p.m.
- Ohio Theatre 105 East Main St., Madison, IN 47250
- I Have a Dream Black History Month Event | Hendricks County Community Foundation
- Feb. 10 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Washington Township Park Pavilion Center ,435 Whipple Ln, Avon, IN
- Black History Month Celebration with The Spaniels
- Sun, Feb. 11 | 11:15 a.m.
- Marquette Park UMC, 301 N Grand Blvd, Gary, IN 46403
- Black History Month Film Festival “The Color Purple”
- Thurs, Feb. 15 | 6–7:30 p.m.
- Ohio Theatre 105 East Main St., Madison, IN 47250
- Meet the Artists XXXVI Gala Opening Reception | Indianapolis Public Library
- Sat, Feb. 17 | 5:15–10 p.m.
- 40 E St Clair St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Art & Aspirations: A Black History Open Mic + Art Market | Girls Rock Bloomington + FAR
- Sat, Feb. 17 | 5–8 p.m.
- The FAR Center for Contemporary Arts, 505 West 4th St., Bloomington , IN 47404
- NAACP Fort Wayne/Allen County, IN Branch #3049 Black History Brunch
- Sat, Feb. 17 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Euell A Wilson Gym, 1717 Wabash Ave., Fort Wayne
- All That She Carried by Tiya Miles Book Discussion | Jefferson County Public Library
- Thurs, Feb. 22 | 5:30–6:45 p.m.
- 420 West Main St., Madison, IN 47250
- Steward Speakers Series with Shannon Sharpe
- Thurs, Feb. 22
- 9500 E. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46229
- "Bridges" A Black History Month Dinner Theater
- Thurs, Feb. 22 | 6–9 p.m. CST
- 6333 Kennedy Ave. Hammond, IN 46323
- Martin University/ IBDFF Mini Film Festival Celebrating Black History Month
- Fri, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.–Sat, Feb. 24, 3:30 p.m.
- Martin University Hardin Gathertorium | 2186 N Sherman Dr., Indianapolis, IN
- Art & Soul Celebration + Naptown Tribute
- Fri, Feb. 23 | 5–08:30 p.m.
- Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 West Washington St., Indianapolis
- City of Bloomington Black History Month Gala
- Sat, Feb. 24 | 6–9 p.m.
- One World | Woolery Mill, 2250 West Sunstone Dr., Bloomington, IN, 47403
- Black Voices from the Past!
- Sat, Feb. 24 | 4–6 p.m.
- 10302 East 38th St., Indianapolis
- Poetry Reading (Cultural Collaboration) | The Philippine Cultural Community Center
- Sat, Feb. 24 | 5 p.m.
- 4141 S East St., Indianapolis, IN
- Lecture by Sue Livers KNOW YOUR HISTORY: The life of George DeBaptiste | Jefferson County Public Library
- Thurs, Feb. 29 | 6 p.m.
- 420 West Main St., Madison, IN 47250
- Rhythm & Poetry Open Mic: Black Excellence
- Thurs, Feb. 29–Fri, Mar. 1
- 120 East Market St., Indianapolis, IN 46204