Black History Month turns 100 this year, and Madison organizations are going all out to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black Americans and those of African descent.
Here’s your guide to what’s happening in Madison, from history lectures to live music, from art exhibitions to movies.
“Black Love: Rooted, Radiant, Revolutionary” at UW-Madison (all month)
This monthlong series celebrates Black love in all its forms, including a BLK PWR showcase of hip-hop arts (Feb. 10), a Valentine’s Day gala sponsored by the African Student Association (Feb. 14), and a “Do You Rap or Do You Tweet?” spoken word competition (Feb. 17).
“Kids in the Rotunda” at Overture Center (all month)
The free Saturday morning arts series for families celebrates Black art in February, including the African percussion of Drum Power (Feb. 7), a tribute to the music of New Orleans (Feb. 14), and the kid-friendly hip-hop of L.E.X. (Feb. 21).
“Celebrating Black History Month” at AMC Theatres (all month)
AMC Fitchburg 18 has a full slate of special screenings this month delving into the full range of the Black experience, from historical epics like “Ali” and “Glory” to contemporary dramas like “Get On the Bus” and “Fruitvale Station.”
“Dzigbodi Akyea Art Show” at Madison College (all month)
This annual exhibit at Madison College’s Truax Campus features the work of Black artists. This year’s theme, “She Carried Us: Legacies of Labor, Love and Liberation,” looks at the invisible labor of Black women both individually and collectively.”
“Step Afrika!’s The Migration” at Overture Hall (Feb. 4)
This dance troupe combines African percussive dance traditions with contemporary movement to bring to life artist Jacob Lawrence’s portraits of Black Americans moving from the South to the North during the Great Migration of the 1900s.
“Hoops and Heritage” at Madison College (Feb. 10)
The Madison College Wolfpack is leveling up its doubleheader against Milwaukee Area Technical College by making it a Black History Month celebration, including live DJs and a performance of The Black National Anthem by Zakiya Catlin.
“Black Love Event” at Black Business Hub (Feb. 13)
On the day before Valentine’s Day, local artists will come together to talk about the joys and complexities of Black love, including performances and a panel discussion.
“The Remarkable Life of Reed Peggram” at Madison Central Library (Feb. 18)
UW-Madison professor of African American Studies Etheline Whitmire will talk about her biography of Peggram, a Black man who joined the French Resistance during World War II rather than return to a racially-segregated America.
“Unjust Deeds” at Madison Central Library (Feb. 19)
This traveling exhibit exposing the racial covenants used to discriminate against residents of Dane County comes to the Madison Central Library museum for the month of February, with a presentation on Feb. 19.
“Minding My Black-Owned Business” at Elver Park Neighborhood Center (Feb. 21)
Over 40 Black- and Brown-owned businesses will come together to sell their products at this pop-up market, sponsored by the Black Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Black History Month Festival” at Madison Senior Center (Feb. 27)
Anybody 55 and older is welcome to attend this event, now in its second year, with activities, food and resources targeted towards the city’s elderly Black population.
