Black history is our history, and across St. Louis, there are many ways to commemorate Black History Month throughout February. Here are some of our top picks:
WHAT: MOVEMENT AND MIGRATION – THE BLACK DIASPORA
WHERE: Missouri History Museum
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 10 and 11
As part of the museum’s History Exploration Days series, “Movement and Migration: The Black Diaspora” explores the stories of Black Americans who have traveled to or through St. Louis, from the Exodusters of the post-Civil War era to the Great Migration of the early 20th century to today.
The event features two full days of activities, including a workshop and storytelling about the Great Migration and an opportunity to learn how your family came to call St. Louis home. There’s also a Craft Room to create artwork inspired by Black artists, as well as a Movement Room to follow in the footsteps of Josephine Baker, Katherine Dunham and others, using music and motion from around the world. Other daylong activities include a Scavenger Hunt, a Touch Table and Inquiry Station and more. A mid-day highlight is a performance by Mama Lisa featuring an interactive music- and movement-based show about the Exodusters and Black migration throughout the city’s history.
Free; click here for more information
WHAT: BILL STEBER’S HILL COUNTRY SPIRITS
WHERE: Sheldon Art Galleries
WHEN: Feb. 10 to May 6
Tennessee-based artist and photographer Bill Steber has documented blues culture in the Mississippi Delta for more than 20 years with images that are compassionate, poetic and capture the beauty of a moment. His work chronicles the blues musicians, juke joints, churches, river baptisms, hoodoo practitioners, traditional farming methods, folk traditions and other significant traditions that gave birth to or influenced the blues.
As part of the exhibition, “Stories and Songs with Bill Steber” takes place Thursday, May 4, at 7 p.m. The free program will feature an in-depth presentation by the artist about his work, followed by a blues band performance in The Sheldon ballroom. Registration is required.
Free; click here for more information
WHAT: THE LITTLE ROCK NINE’S CARLOTTA WALLS LANIER
WHERE: Ethical Society of St. Louis
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
The St. Louis County Library’s 2023 Black History Celebration is themed “Celebrating Black Resistance to Injustice.” This year’s keynote address will be delivered by civil rights leader Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest of the Little Rock Nine, a group of teenagers who were the first Black students to attend Little Rock Central High School.
LaNier, the author of “A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School, was only 14 when she and eight other Black students walked up to the stairs of Little Rock Central High in 1957 for their first day of school. Their journey was met by angry mobs and racist elected officials and required intervention from the White House to escort them into the building. LaNier currently serves as president of the Little Rock Nine Foundation, created to promote equality of opportunity for all, particularly in the field of education.
Free; click here for more information
WHAT: LIFT EVERY VOICE – A BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
WHERE: Powell Hall
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Experience the uplifting power of African and African American music and community traditions and their influence on St. Louis and the world. Conductor Kevin McBeth will lead the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and IN UNISON Chorus with vocals by Kennedy Holmes, who rose to fame as a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice.” The annual concert of reflective and soulful music is one to celebrate with family and friends.
$28; click here for tickets
