South Florida comes together every February to honor the struggles, accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans during Black History Month, which has been celebrated in the United States since 1976.
The chooses a theme every year that communities can draw inspiration from when planning events including festivals, parades, book and film discussions, children’s activities, concerts and exhibits.
This year’s theme: , which puts the spotlight on visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.
History Fort Lauderdale, a nonprofit dedicated to making the city’s heritage accessible to everyone through educational experiences, cultural exhibits, research and preservation of artifacts, is paying homage to the Black History Month theme.
Twelve Dillard Center for the Arts’ Advanced Placement students are showcased in a fine art exhibit, “Black Art, Black Artists Shaping Tomorrow’s History,” from Feb. 4 to 29 at the New River Inn Museum of History, 231 SW Second Ave. Their photography and studio art in various mediums, curated by Dillard art teacher Celestin Joseph, are “creative reimaginings and reflections of historical Black leaders, community icons and hometown heroes,” according to .
Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale, said they are proud to be a home for the next generation of artists.
“Each year, History Fort Lauderdale looks forward to sharing the creativity and imagination from Dillard Center for the Arts students,” she said in a statement. “We invite the community to celebrate Black History Month with us and pay homage to our leaders, past and present, through the eyes of these visionary students.”
Fans of the students’ art, which represent their views on Black culture, history and the arts, may also purchase the works.
Below, we’ve rounded up more events honoring Black History Month throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties.
BROWARD COUNTY
Broward County Library Celebrates Black History Month — Among the programs taking place at library branches are Harmonies of Heritage: Black Excellence in Classical Music, Family Concert with Positively Africa, Celebrate African American Cooking, Feel the African Fabrics, Live Storytelling, Drumming Workshop for children. Visit for a full schedule.
“Bob Marley: One Love,” a film celebrating the life and music of the artist who ֱ his message of love and unity, is playing at Cinema Paradiso in Hollywood. The movie looks at his story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family, the film opens Feb. 14 and runs through Feb. 29 with shows daily at 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Read a review by clicking here. Visit .
“Redlining | America The Beautiful | The Art of Brandon Clarke” — The Redlining art exhibit is on display through Feb. 29 at the Ansin Family Art Gallery at Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place. The exhibit aims to provide a “deeper understanding of the discriminatory practice of redlining and its lasting effects on marginalized communities,” according to the city. Visit .
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Palm Beach County Library System Celebrates Black History Month – In-person and online events will take place at library branches throughout the county. In-person activities (movie screenings, trivia contests, dance classes, crafts and book discussions) are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees should call or visit the branch to register in advance. For virtual events, register at .
“(in)visible: Nepantla” — Thirty original works circa 2013 by Kandy G Lopez, and curated by Tayina Deravile, are on display through March 15 at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, 170 NW Fifth Ave., Delray Beach. Deravile is a first-generation, Haitian-American cultural arts practitioner and arts professional, and Lopez is an Afro-Caribbean artist based in Fort Lauderdale who specializes in collage work using a mix of materials to “create a space for Black women and women of color to be represented,” according to the museum. The show includes mixed media, stained glass, printmaking works on paper, ink on repurposed doors and fiber art pieces. Admission is $10 and free for members. Visit .
Black History Month at Mandel Public Library — Film screenings, hair-wrapping lessons, book discussions, paint-alongs, story time and African drumming are part of the lineup this month. Free programs are offered for children, teens and adults at the library, 411 Clematis St., downtown West Palm Beach. Visit .
Outdoor Movie: “Summer of Soul” — Filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s documentary, which is part music film, part historical record of the Harlem Cultural Festival that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion, will be shown at 6 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Delray Beach Historical Society Campus, 3 NE First St. Cost is $8, or free for DBHS members. Visit .
