In honor of Black History Month, here is a list of events and celebrations across Phoenix that are honoring the Black community through engaging and educational activities that bring awareness to the history and culture of Black Americans in the Valley and beyond.
Black History Month Celebration at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
The Maricopa Library and Cultural Center will host a weekly Black History Month Celebration every Wednesday throughout the month beginning February 7 at 5:30 p.m. The remaining celebrations take place on February 14, 21 and 28 at 4 p.m. Each event is free and features a different theme every week that explores the historical contributions of Black Americans. Learn more and reserve a spot here.
A Taste of Melanin Event Series & Restaurant Week
The Zay Project’s A Taste of Melanin event series takes place during Black History Month to celebrate and educate the community about Black culture. Enjoy immersive experiences, interactive exhibits, live performances and educational workshops throughout February. The next event takes place on Saturday, February 10 at the Phoenix Art Museum with a movie in the gallery. On Saturday, February 17, enjoy trap karaoke at Oynx Art Gallery. The final event, This is Melanin, takes place on Saturday, February 24 and will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, workshops, entertainment and more. Food trucks, games and vendors will be at most events.
The Zay Project is also hosting a Taste of Melanin Restaurant Week featuring more than 15 Black-owned restaurants from all around the Valley. Learn more about the event series and restaurant week here.
Kings & Queens Unbreakable
The South Chandler Self-Help Foundation and the City of Chandler will host its annual Black History Celebration on Friday, February 9 from 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Enjoy a VIP R&B mixer from 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. featuring food and drinks, along with the smooth R&B sounds of Painted Soul. The annual showcase follows from 7 p.m.–9 p.m. with comedians, steppers, music, spoken word and so much more. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Black History Month Activity Day at Tempe History Museum
Stop by the Tempe History Museum on Saturday, February 10 between noon and 3 p.m. for a fun and interactive kid-friendly Black History Month Activity Day with the museum’s African American Advisory Committee. This event is free and for the whole family. Learn more here.
4th Annual Grassrootz Black History Month Celebration
Grassrootz Bookstore in Phoenix is hosting its fourth annual Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 17 from noon to 4 p.m. centered around health, wealth and knowledge of self. Learn about Black culture and history, while enjoying live performances, music, poetry and art. The event will also feature shopping, food vendors, Black-owned businesses, children’s activities, community resources, activists, authors and more. The event is free. Learn more and see the full lineup here.
Black Excellence Expo
Ultimate B2B Networking presents the Black Excellence Expo, a vibrant celebration of Black history and achievement, on Sunday, February 11 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Glendale Civic Center. The event will offer an incredible platform for vendors to showcase their products and services while paying homage to the significant contributions made by Black individuals throughout history. Learn more and get tickets here.
Maricopa Black History Month Celebration
Maricopa’s Black History Month Celebration takes place Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18 at the Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center. Hear from community leaders who will talk about Black contributions to the world, as well as from live national and local artists. Featured performers include lead singer of the Soul Stirrers and Rock & Roll and Gospel Hall of Fame inductee Willer Rogers and jazz saxophonist Elan Trotman. The event will also offer fun activities, educational and awareness conversations, and more. Tickets start at $22. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
