Numerous cities in Palm Beach County are honoring the contributions that African Americans have made throughout history, with a variety of celebrations and activities for Black History Month.
Black History Month at Mandel Public Library
Mandel Public Library, 411 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL
Feb. 1 - 27
The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach has planned a series of free Black History Month events for children and adults.
For the full schedule, click here.
To register for any of these events, or for more information, please visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call the Mandel Public Library at (561) 868-7703.
First-Ever Gospel Shabbat
Temple Beth El, 2815 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL
Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month at the Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach. This first-ever Gospel Shabbat is open to the community and free of charge. The event will feature the Jubilate vocal ensemble, music director Dr. Nelson Hall, guest speaker Apostle Billy Thompson and the new Spiritual Leader Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, and the Gospel Band.
For more information call (561) 833-0339.
Celebrate Black History with Music, Workshops and Classes
The Square, 700 South Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach, FL
Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit The Square for the 2nd Annual Black History Month Kickoff Event: See What I Can Be! presented by Rohi's Readery and The Office of African American Studies.
Enjoy a series of events and live music, vendors, classes for children, and workshops for adults.
Click here to register.
Black Culture Fashion Show
Salvation Army Community Center, 600 N Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach
Feb. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Just in time for Black History Month, it’s The Palm Beaches’ only fashion show dedicated to Black culture. Come see Afro-inspired collections from designers from all over in the beautiful city of West Palm Beach, just outside of The Square district.
For more information call (786) 886-4585.
The Art of Florida's Highwaymen art exhibit
Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd
Feb. 4 - 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Presentation at 2 p.m. each day
Meet artist R.A. McLendon, a key member of The Highwaymen who began his painting career in 1955. He will be painting live on site.
For more information call (561) 753-2484.
WATCH: The Sunset Lounge in West Palm Beach
Annual African-American Film Festival
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL
Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Janet Jackson makes her film debut in John Singleton’s Poetic Justice. A mismatched pair pushed together on a road trip from South Central L.A. to Oakland, Justice (Jackson) and Lucky (Tupac Shakur) have only one thing in common: they can’t stand each other. Moderated by Dr. Terri Francis. Panelists are Eduardo Culmer, Jr., Breion Moses and Dwayne Taylor.
The Spirit of Harriet Tubman
Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, FL
Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.
On a barren stage with only a trunk of costumes, Leslie McCurdy thrills her audience with her passionate portrayal of The Spirit of Harriet Tubman. For a breathtaking hour, she embodies the “spirit” of Harriet Tubman from her early childhood to her elder years.
Tickets are $30. For tickets, click here.
Jazz & Gospel in the Gardens
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Rd, West Palm Beach, FL
Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
$30 for adults, $25 for ANSG members and seniors, $12 for children
Join the 4th Annual Jazz & Gospel in the Gardens and listen to jazz and gospel on the main lawn in the magical setting of Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and discover the two-acre tropical gardens, monumental sculptures, artist studio and Norton House gallery including world-class exhibitions. On Feb. listen to the sounds of singer, songwriter and lyricist Ms. Ritah Wilburn.
For more information, click here.
Concerts in the Park with Fred Goodnight and band
Vero Beach Museum of Art, 3001 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach, FL
Feb. 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
$10 for members, $12 for non-members
Drummer and percussionist Fred Goodnight will be performing jazz hits. When performing, Goodnight says his goal is “to be fully present and feel joy and happiness in what I do. And, I want people to come away from the performance feeling uplifted.”
For more information, click here.
WACTH: Art of famed Florida Highwaymen
African Skies interactive presentation at Indian River State College
Hallstrom Planetarium on Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL
Feb. 16 - 17 at 6 p.m.
In celebration of Black History Month, Indian River State College presents “African Skies,” featuring an interactive presentation of the African-American folk song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.”
“Follow the Drinking Gourd” will be narrated in a recording by actor Morgan Freeman. Planetarium Director Jon U. Bell will provide commentary and perspective. The program will also include stories about the stars and constellations as seen by various people across the African continent.
Space is limited. General Admission tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Planetarium beginning one hour before show time.
For more information, contact Adriene Jefferson via email at ajeffers@irsc.edu or call (772) 462-7101.
Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show and Festival
Moore’s Creek Linear Park, 435 N. 7th St. (Avenue D and 7th Street), Fort Pierce, FL
Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join the City of Fort Pierce’s annual tribute to the world-renown Florida Highwaymen Artists and their contribution to the rich cultural history of Fort Pierce.
Moore’s Creek Linear Park is located in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the birthplace of the Highwaymen artists who are said to have begun the "Last Great American Art Movement of the 20th century."
Click here for more information.
Many gatherings are subject to change, including cancellations. Be sure to call ahead before attending.
This is a living list. To add an event to this listing, email aja.dorsainvil@wptv.com.
