Black History Month celebrations and commemorations continue across the St. Louis region this week. This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts,” which highlights the impact of Black Americans on visual arts, music, cultural movements and more.
WHAT: ST. LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY (SLCL) BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION
WHERE: Various venues across St. Louis County
WHEN: Various times through the month of February
This year’s St. Louis County Library keynote event features MSNBC host Joy-Ann Reid, as well as events with Hollywood icon Billy Dee Williams, WNBA star A’ja Wilson, performances by The Black Rep, a jazz concert, gospel celebration and more.
Reid’s keynote on Saturday, Feb. 10, is at Shalom Church (City of Peace) in Florissant. The ticketed event begins at 7 p.m. Reid is the author of “Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America.” The book tells the extraordinary legacy of civil rights leaders Medgar and Myrlie Evers and the on–the–ground work that went into winning basic rights for Black Americans.
On Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m., SLCL presents An Evening with Hollywood Legend Billy Dee Williams, “What Have We Here? Portraits of a Life” at Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade. The actor, in his own words, will share all that has sustained and carried him through a lifetime of dreams and adventure. From his Emmy-nominated breakout role in “Brian’s Song” to becoming a pop culture icon as Lando Calrissian in the “Star Wars” franchise, Williams’ memoir reflects on his extraordinary career unchecked by the racism and typecasting so rife in the mostly all-white industry in which he triumphed.
The Black Rep will present “Race in America: Past, Present and Future” on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. at SLCL’s Lewis & Clark branch. The evening’s performances will include music, poetry and song in a compelling montage of works by artists from the past and present to examine the effects of racism throughout history and ask the burning question, “How far have we come?”
On Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m., Las Vegas Aces star player A’ja Wilson appears at the Ethical Society of St. Louis to discuss her book, “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You.” Despite gold medals and WNBA championships, Wilson knows how it feels to not be heard, to not feel seen and to not be taken seriously. With stories from her own childhood about how even when life tried to hold her down, she kept fighting, “Dear Black Girls” is a meaningful exploration of what it means to be a Black woman in America today – and a rallying cry to lift up women and girls everywhere.
For a full schedule of SLCL Black History events, as well as ticket information, click here.
WHAT: BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT THE GATEWAY ARCH
WHERE: Gateway Arch National Park
WHEN: Various times through the month of February
At Gateway Arch National Park, programming for the month of February includes living history demonstrations and African American history discussions.
On Saturday, Feb. 10, Iron Riders: A Living History Demonstration (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.) features Missouri State Parks reenactor Kevin Smith, who will give visitors a first-person account of the trials and triumphs faced by the Iron Riders. In 1897, the Iron Riders, a group of 23 men – 20 Black soldiers and three white men – journeyed almost 2,000 miles from Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis on bicycles. Their trek was part of a U.S. Army experiment to determine the effectiveness of moving troops by bicycle. The soldiers endured severe weather events, extreme heat, food and water shortages, illness, and racism and hostility from residents.
Gateway Arch National Park rangers will also offer daily Black history-themed talks at 12:15 p.m., focusing on topics ranging from the Dred Scott decision and Old Courthouse in St. Louis to the Exodusters movement. The 20-minute documentary, “Slavery on Trial,” will also be shown on a loop every Saturday and Sunday in February.
Click here for more information and a complete schedule of events.
WHAT: MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY INITIATIVE
WHERE: Missouri History Museum
WHEN: Various times through the month of February
The museum’s African American History Initiative is designed to explore the African American experience throughout the region and support the collection of unique artifacts and materials concerning historically underrepresented communities. The initiative also works to preserve African American resources and history in the greater St. Louis area.
Events include Black Saint Louis with Calvin Riley on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. Riley will talk about his new book, “Black Saint Louis,” as well as share insights into the establishment of the George B. Vashon Museum and its collection reflecting the rich history of local Black culture over the past 250 years.
On Friday, Feb. 15, at 10:30 a.m., Storytelling in the Museum presents Black Traditions, which will highlight Black culture and traditions, including soul food, family reunions and more.
The St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society will host an insightful exploration of researching family history on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 1 and 5:30 p.m., with expert presentations and Q&A sessions.
For Thursday Nights at the Museum on Feb. 29 at 5:30 p.m., explore the intersectionality of Black and disabled identities in Black History and the Disability Rights Movement. The panel program concludes with a performance by guitarist and singer Deb Bush of the Angel Band Project.
For a complete listing of events, click here.
WHAT: ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY IN UNISON CHORUS’ LIFT EVERY VOICE
WHERE: Stifel Theatre
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) and its IN UNISON Chorus, which marks its 30th year in 2024 – continue a decades-long tradition in a one-of-a-kind celebration of Black History Month. The chorus is made up of singers across St. Louis from all walks of life – from doctors and nurses to students and teachers – and is dedicated to the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora. Soulful singer BeBe Winans, in her SLSO debut, joins the chorus and orchestra under the baton of conductor Kevin McBeth for this celebration. For tickets, click here.
WHAT: BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT CITY MUSEUM
WHERE: City Museum in downtown St. Louis
WHEN: Through March 3
Celebrate the rich artistic talent of Black artists hailing from St. Louis with “Blessed by the Ancestors,” the City Museum’s new exhibit.
“Blessed by the Ancestors” showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, and explores themes such as identity, heritage, resilience and the profound connections between the artists and their ancestors.
Curated by artist Brock Seals, the collection includes paintings, sculptures, mixed media pieces and other forms of visual art that reflect the unique perspectives and experiences of the featured participants. From bold and thought-provoking pieces that challenge societal norms to evocative works that celebrate the beauty of Black culture, “Blessed by the Ancestors” not only serves as a showcase of talent but also as a space for reflection and connection, fostering a sense of community pride and appreciation for the artistic heritage of St. Louis.
The exhibit is included with City Museum admission. For more information, click here.
