February is Black History Month, a time that celebrates and highlights the rich and historical culture of the African American community. In New Orleans, there are events all month long that are dedicated to spotlighting African American contributions, from historical displays and educational services to upbeat, intermissive activities. This guide shows 11 events and projects that you and your family can enjoy in honor of Black History Month.
Black History Month Art Contest
When: Contest deadline ends Saturday, Feb. 28
Where: New Orleans Public Libraries
How Much: Free to compete for any Orleans Parish students in grades K–12
Details: The library asks participants to “Create an original art piece that highlights the influence of young Black trailblazers and activists on New Orleans and the nation, or connects past movements to future progress. Honor their legacy, amplify their voices, and imagine the future they and you are building.”
Make Your Mark Gallery
When: Wednesday–Sunday, throughout Feb.
Where: Louisiana Children’s Museum
How Much: Adults & Children aged 12 months+: $18+. Seniors/Active Military 65+ with valid ID: $15+.
Details: See the Wall of Fame, which features influential Black Mark Makers in Arts & Culture from Louisiana, including Irma Thomas, who is also prominently featured in the Jammin’ House and Terrance Osborne, the designer of the Shotgun House in the Make Your Mark Gallery. Many other talents will also be featured, those who have made their marks on our city, state, and all over the world.
Trivia Tuesday’s: Black History
When: 7 p.m., Feb. 24
Where: Dave & Buster’s
How Much: Included with admission
Details: All ages are welcome to celebrate the leaders and thinkers that shape our world, in honor of Black History Month.
Discovery Day: Black History Month
When: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Feb. 21
Where: Capitol Park Museum
How Much: Discounted museum admission
Details: Discovery Day has cultural hands-on activities and museum explorations, as well as free educational craft opportunities and is designed for families and learners of all ages.
Celebrating Black History Month: Storytime
When: Throughout Feb.
Where: New Orleans Public Libraries
How Much: Free
Details: Local libraries offer readings for kids and babies about African American heroes and cultural stories.
Celebrating Black History Month: Documentary Screenings
When: Throughout Feb.
Where: New Orleans Public Libraries
How Much: Free
Details: Local libraries offer free screenings to documentaries for different age groups about specific historical topics highlighting black history in America.
Author Night: Black Literary Voices
When: Throughout Feb.
Where: New Orleans Public Libraries
How Much: Free
Details: Celebrate Black History Month and New Orleans culture with readings of poetry and fiction from local authors.
Ancestral Artistry Presentation and Demos by the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild
When: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m, Feb. 22
Where: Louisiana Children’s Museum
How Much: Adults & Children 12 months+: $18+. Seniors/Active Military 65+ with valid ID: $15+.
Details: Learn the history of Adinkra symbols in our local architecture and share techniques and stories from their trades from master blacksmiths and plasterers of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild. Watch documentaries and have the chance to get hands-on with Adinkra symbol stamping and plaster mold demonstrations.
Louisiana Civil Rights Museum
When: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closing Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. & Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Closed Feb. 14–17.
Where: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
How Much: Adults: $7. Seniors, Active Military, & Students with ID: $6. Children 6 & Under: Free.
Details: Explore the state’s historic Louisiana’s Civil Rights legacy through visuals and narrations.
Sunday Best: Faith, Family, and Fashion
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 3-7 and 10-14.
Where: The Old Ursuline Covent Museum
How Much: $10.00 Adults: $10. Seniors: $9. Students/Military: $7.
Details: The Old Ursuline Convent Museum announced a refresh of its Sunday Best: Faith, Family, and Fashion exhibit, highlighting Black Masking Indian culture and historic Catholic social orders in New Orleans, and coincides with Black History Month and Carnival season.
Le Musée de f.p.c.
When: 45 min. sessions on Fridays at 1 p.m. & Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Where: 2336 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
How Much: $25. Must be booked in advance.
Details: The historic house-turned-museum is dedicated to telling the story of free people of color through collections of preserved documents, paintings, artwork, and culture shared by African descents in New Orleans and throughout the USA.
Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity
When: Through May 3 during museum hours
Where: New Orleans Museum of Art
How Much: Adults: $18. Ages 19 & Under: Free
Details: Exhibition highlighting American modernist, Hayward L. Oubre, Jr., featuring 52 sculptures, paintings, and prints that reveal how the artist shaped American art while working in the South.