Your guide to Black History Month in D.C.

It’s been 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first launched Negro History Week, the predecessor to Black History Month.

Right now, it feels especially tenuous to even acknowledge, let alone celebrate, Black American history, amid rollbacks to DEI programs at all levels, the removal of Black historic figures from federal websites, and other direct targeting of our country’s Black communities.

But that only emphasizes the importance of gathering to remember the contributions of Black Americans throughout U.S. history, particularly those of local significance. Whether you feel contemplative or festive, solemn or uplifted, this is your guide to marking Black History Month in the District.

Ongoing exhibits

Black history HQ (NMAAHC): The galleries of the National Museum of African American History and Culture beautifully distill and display more than 400 years of Black U.S. history all year long. This month, the museum is also hosting special events, including a family activity honoring Althea Gibson, the first African American tennis player to win a Grand Slam title; a film screening about the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities; and a workshop on preserving family histories. (1400 Constitution Ave. NW, FREE) 

Self-guided Smithsonian experiences: Many of the other museums on the Mall also have long-term or permanent exhibits covering Black history. Go see the Greensboro Lunch Counter at the National Museum of American History, or pop into the American Art Museum (inside the National Portrait Gallery building) to see the Bridge sculpture — inspired by Tommie Smith’s demonstration of solidarity during the 1968 Olympics. (1300 Constitution Ave. NW and 8th St. & G St. NW, FREE)

Black History Month’s 100th birthday: The Bicentennial in 1976 coincided with the official recognition of Black History Month. As the country approaches 250 years, where does the annual commemoration stand? A small, temporary exhibit at the Library of Congress traces the history of Black History Month. Get your complimentary timed pass here. (101 Independence Ave. SE, FREE)

Fine art exhibition: The Zenith Gallery is hosting several events this month honoring Black artists and their histories. There will be artist talks on Saturdays at 2 p.m.; a wearable art show on Saturday, Feb. 21; and a closing reception on Saturday, Feb. 28. Learn more and plan your trip to the gallery here. (1429 Iris St. NW, FREE)

Tours: museums and otherwise

The “Lion of Anacostia”: This walking tour, led by author and historian John Muller, will trace the legacy of Frederick Douglass — known by this nickname — alongside the history of one of D.C.’s most sacred communities. The tour will feature stories of presidents, local personalities, and plenty of neighborhood folklore. Questions and photos are encouraged! Sign up here. (Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE; February 14, 9:15 a.m.; $20.73)

Take a walk with BHM’s founder: Each year, the National Park Service hosts “Walk with Woodson,” an immersive two-hour performance and tour. Carter G. Woodson, played by actor Dexter Hamlet, will take audiences on foot through the very neighborhoods that sparked the idea for a Negro History Week. Make sure you secure your reservation ahead of time. (Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, 1318 Vermont Ave. NW; February 21; FREE)

Black women’s history: Docent Nona Flores will host a tour of the exhibits at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with an eye towards the contributions of Black women. Reserve your spot for the event, organized by Win with Black Women DC, here. (1400 Constitution Ave. NW, February 28, FREE)

Passionately guided tour: Local author and entrepreneur Lauri Williamson is hosting two Saturday Black history tours of D.C. this month, exploring significant landmarks alongside lesser-known stories. Reserve tickets for the tours here. (Walking tour February 14, bus tour February 21; $46-87)

Tours by DC locals: Off The Mall Tours is also offering a few different special tours of the Chocolate City’s history — including how the Harlem Renaissance made an impact in D.C., a deep dive into Georgetown’s Black history, and a lesson about the queer artists of Black Broadway. Sign up for a tour here. (Details vary)

Joyful gatherings

Improv at an all-play jam: The Washington Improv Theater invites Black improvisers to the Studio Theatre’s Mead Theater to collectively explore humor, build connection, and release stress. All levels are welcome, but there will be no instruction — just play. Sign up for the hour-and-a-half session here. (1501 14th St. NW, February 7, donations encouraged)

Bonding over Black-owned brews: For a fifth year, the Black Brew Movement is hosting the Black Brewers Tasting Party at Metrobar, featuring IPAs, a saison, a Golden Ale and more, all from Black-owned brewers. With two time slots, there should be enough space for everyone looking to raise a commemorative glass to Black business. Purchase tickets here. (640 Rhode Island Ave. NE, February 7, $39)

Soul centered: The DC Center is bringing together local Black LGBTQ+ residents for an evening of care, joy, and conversation. Billed as a love letter to Blackness, queerness, tenderness, and resilience, the event will feature a panel with local figures including Silver Ware Sidora, Iran "Bang" Paylor, Jaz Pickens, Toya Messam, and Carlton Mays. Following the panel, there will be a round of speed “connections” (not to be confused with speed dating!), and the event will wrap with a cocktail hour. Find more info here, and RSVP here. (1827 Wiltberger St NW; February 21, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.; FREE)

Bask in Black boy joy: Close out Black History Month at the Black Boy Art Show in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 6-hour show will feature hundreds of Black men sharing their passions of sketching, pottery, painting, graffiti, woodwork, and fashion, as well as other kinds of design and artistry. (801 Allen Y. Lew Pl. NW, February 28, $51.50+) 

An affair at the Renaissance: The Virginia Black History Association is hosting a two-day event culminating in an Arlington soiree. First, a Black Health Fair will share pertinent information about sickle cell disease, hypertension, COVID-19, and other conditions that have particularly affected the Black community. The next day, attend the gala which will feature performances; Black vendors of art, clothing, and community services; and keynote speaker Kadeem Hardison, star of A Different World. Learn more and grab tickets to dance the night away here. (2800 Potomac Ave., Arlington, Virginia; February 27-28; $108+)

A mini-festival for your spirit: In honor of Black History Month, the Anacostia Arts Center will host “Afro House: Spirit Fest,” in collaboration with Grounded, The Go-Go Museum, and Busboys and Poets Anacostia. Despite being just four hours, the event will have all the hallmarks of a classic festival: multiple spaces and stages, live performances, a Black creatives marketplace, and fun group activities like a candle-making class. Best of all, this community gathering is free to the public. Reserve your spot here. (1920 and 2004 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, February 28, FREE)

Performances and film screenings

Trailblazers of faith: The Saint John Paul II National Shrine will screen a documentary on the history of Black Catholics, as well as the trailer for a docuseries covering the six Black Catholics currently on the path to sainthood. Following the screening, hear from a panel of reverends and other church leaders on what we can carry forward from Black Catholic history. Learn more about the event here. (3900 Harewood Rd. NE, February 9, FREE)

Contemplative concert: For over 120 years, Jerusalem Baptist Church has called the Georgetown neighborhood home — as the city changes, they remain steadfast. This Black History Month, they will host a free, family-friendly concert. Get your tickets to hear live jazz, gospel, and classical tunes from Black composers and musicians here. (2600 P St. NW, February 21, donations encouraged)

Film festival: The DC Black History Film Festival is back for its ninth year. From noon to midnight on Friday, Feb. 20, The Lincoln Theater will screen more than a dozen films with themes of history, music, and justice. There will also be panels, performances, and time to network. Reserve your ticket here. (1215 U St. NW, February 20, FREE)

Melodies at the museum: Jazz and gospel artist Robert E. Person is collaborating with Virginia’s Alexandria History Museum to host a musical tour through Negro Spirituals. Part concert, part history lesson, the show will trace how elements of the historic Black American music tradition show up in today’s jazz and gospel. Purchase tickets here. (201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, Virginia; February 23; $33.85)

For the whole family

History theater for kids: The Prince George's Publick Playhouse is putting on a brief and delightful Black history play, in which scientist George Washington Carver will introduce kids to Madame CJ Walker, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and other historical figures. The show’s two performances are recommended for elementary-school-aged kids. Pick a showtime and grab tickets here. (5455 Landover Rd., Hyattsville, Maryland; February 10; $8 adults and $6 kids)

BHM pop-up in PG County: The Westphalia Community Center in Prince George’s County is hosting a Black History Month event for all ages. When you’re not doing the sip and paint activity, you can peruse an exhibit in the space or stop by the Mobile Go-Go Museum. The free festivities are open to the public — just add it to your calendar. (8900 Westphalia Rd., Upper Marlboro, Maryland; February 21; FREE)

Crafts in Ward 3: The Cleveland Park Library will host a crafting afternoon in honor of Black History Month. Bring your little one to play a round of Black history bingo and make collages and paper quilts around the theme. Learn more about the event and make your plans here. (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, February 26, FREE)

Inventor workshops for kids: Bethesda’s KID Museum started Black History Month celebrations in January, hosting a Sunday series of activities and workshops that honor and teach kids about Black inventors. Still to come: Cosmetic scientist Katrika Shaw visits the museum to teach about fragrances. Get tickets here. (3 Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, Maryland; February 8; $15) 

Black history en pointe: The Maryland Youth Ballet is holding several free Friday and Saturday dance classes to celebrate new styles and reach a larger and more diverse group of dancers. Don’t miss the contemporary African Umfundalai (Feb. 13), contemporary dance (Feb. 21), or femme vogue (Feb. 27, ages 16+). Reserve tickets here. Can’t make it to their downtown Silver Spring studio in person? The organization also has a Black history month video series. (926 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, Maryland; FREE) 

Black history book drive: For the month of February, Ward 6 Mutual Aid/Serve Your City is teaming up with East City Bookshop to collect titles by Black and brown authors and distribute them to students across D.C. You can buy and donate a book online from their wishlist, or purchase the books directly in-store. (Either way, pick one out for your family, too!) (Online or 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Unit 100)

Panels and opportunities to learn

Black labor then and now: As president of the Service Employees International Union, April Verrett leads one of the strongest union organizations in the country. On the campus of Georgetown University, she’ll be speaking about the labor movement, racial and economic justice, and what is going on with workers rights right now. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions during the question and answer portion. Register here. (1501 Tondorf Rd. NW, February 10, FREE) 

A panel on Black humanity: Local nonprofit the Claudia Jones School for Political Education is hosting a mid-afternoon panel of local organizers to discuss the fight against racism under the latest Trump administration — given the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; the mass removal of Black federal employees; and the censorship of Black history. Register here. (Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 5301 North Capitol St. NE; February 21; FREE)

A discussion of DEI today: American University’s Peace, Human Rights & Cultural Relations department is hosting a discussion on the death of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The thought-provoking event  is open to the public, not just those affiliated with the university. Reserve your ticket online. (4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, February 23, FREE)

A personal White House history: In his new book, John Wrory Ficklin, former special assistant to the president for National Security Affairs, traces his family’s personal history with The White House. The book starts with his grandfather — who was born enslaved and lived to see emancipation — and covers over a century’s journey to how members of that family came to serve various presidents. The author will sign books on Feb. 7 and 10 at the White House Historical Association. Learn more about the events here. (1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, FREE)

Black immigrant stories: D.C.’s vibrant Black immigrant community will come out to share stories of joy at this event, co-hosted by a few nonprofits that provide resources to immigrant communities. The stories of inspiration and connection should be a balm in this divided time, and best of all, all tickets include a diasporic feast. Get yours here. (700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, February 26, $17.85)

Modern tales of Blackness: On one night this month, some of the best storytellers in the Washington area will put on a captivating, true performance. The trained storytelling troupe features the hilariously thoughtful Antwan Perry, the relatable Jenn Kamara, and charismatic headliner Diana Veiga. Secure your tickets here. (Creative Grounds DC, 1822 North Capitol St. NW; February 27; $24.57)

GW historical engineers exhibit: The George Washington University invites students and members of the community to celebrate Black History Month by visiting a weekly exhibit in their Science & Engineering Hall. The Wednesday pop-up will shine a light on Black engineers throughout history. Learn more about the event here. (800 22nd St. NW, various dates, FREE)