By Cathy Poley
Written for Cox Communications
Atlanta has many Black History Month events and opportunities to honor the cities rich African American culture and heritage. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, African Americans make up more than 30% of Atlanta’s population, so it is little wonder that the city is celebrating how African Americans have shaped Atlanta through a variety of Black History Month events. Here are some of the events the city has to offer in February to celebrate Black History Month.
Spark Saturday: Culture through Rhythm and Movement
Center for Civil and Human Rights
Saturday, February 11 from 12 pm – 3 pm
Children of all ages are invited to learn how modern music and dance were inspired by African traditions. You under 18 can access the Center for Civil and Human Rights for free for this event.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The High Museum
Through March 12
The High Museum remembers Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a special exhibit in his honor. Images from the civil rights leader’s life are on display outside of the Greene Family Learning Gallery through March 12.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Throughout February
Children’s Museum of Atlanta has a variety of Black History Month programs throughout the month of February. These offerings include storytime focusing on books detailing the contributions of African Americans in science, arts, and sports; special exhibits featuring the work of African Americans in the fields of science and medicine; and a music and movement program featuring songs from the civil rights movement and dances from the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s.
African American History Tours
Oakland Cemetery
Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery self-guided tours visiting the final resting places of various notable African American figures in Atlanta’s history, including Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first black Mayor. Though as of this writing all the guided tours in the month of February are at capacity, visitors can participate in the self-guided African American Voices cell phone tour year round.
Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia
February 19 at 3 pm Metropolitan Library
February 23 at 3 pm at the Roswell Visitor’s Center
The Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia have been presenting educational and entertaining programs on black history for more than two decades. The group uses perform stories and music portraying different influential African Americans throughout history.
The Black History Month Parade
Saturday, February 25 at 1 pm
The Black History Month Parade is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Atlanta to celebrate the impact African Americans have had on the city’s history and culture. The parade starts at the King Center National Park and proceeds through downtown Atlanta to Woodruff Park, where spectators can enjoy music, vendors, and spoken word acts.
Black History Tribute
Fernbank Science Center
February 16, 17, and 18
This laser show in the Fernbank Science Center Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium honors black history through music, featuring songs from African-American music legends including Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin. The program also pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech.
There are many different ways in Atlanta you can honor and celebrate the profound impact that African Americans have had throughout history in this city and around the world. Participating in one of these events can provide an educational and memorable experience.