Honoring Black History Month in Our Community
Honoring Black History Month in Our Community
In honor of Black History Month we have curated a list of community events not only happening in the Toledo area but in Southeastern Michigan and Northeast Ohio where our RLG regional offices proudly reside. Each event highlights the rich culture in our communities that focus on celebration, music, the arts, reflection and historical preservation of black history in America. We encourage you, your family and friends to check out these events throughout the month:
Northwest Ohio Events
Ongoing
Since its founding in 1837, Toledo, OH has been home to a growing Black community whose successes and struggles have echoed those of a nation grappling with race, equity and civil rights. The archives of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s Local History and Genealogy Department preserve the voices and perspectives of Toledo’s rich and complex Black history. For a local view of Black History Month, check out the photographs, oral histories, news stories, scrapbooks and more that chronicle Black life in Toledo over the years.
Friday, Feb. 9
Falcons After Dark: Black History Month Roller Rink
7 to 10:30 p.m.
BGSU’s Bowen-Thompson Student Union
806 Ridge St.
Bowling Green, OH 43403
Lace up those roller skates and join us for a Black History Month Roller Rink with Falcons After Dark.
Friday, Feb. 9
The African American Legacy Project Exhibit
10-Noon
1326 Collingwood Boulevard
Toledo, Ohio 43604
“Reflect. Inspire. Lead: Nurturing the African American Legacy to Inspire the Leaders of Tomorrow.” Join us on a captivating journey into the heart of Toledo’s rich cultural tapestry at the African American Legacy Project’s Black History Month event.
Saturday, Feb. 10
Damen Cook and Friends at the Toledo-Lucas County Library
2-4 p.m.
325 Michigan Ave.
Toledo, OH 43604
A 4-piece jazz combo, Damen Cook and Friends, will celebrate Black History Month by presenting an afternoon of jazz.
Thursday, Feb. 15
Black Issues Conference 2024
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BGSU’s Bowen-Thompson Student Union
806 Ridge St.
Bowling Green, OH 43403
The 2024 Bowling Green State University Black Issues Conference 2024 sponsors “Freestyle: Celebrating Black Determination, Innovation and Creativity” and features Kevin D. Richardson, member of the Exonerated 5, as the keynote speaker. Registration closes Feb. 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Friday Feb. 16
Community service: Feed My Starving Children
5:30-7:30 p.m.
University of Toledo, Health Education Building
Toledo, OH 43606
Join the Center for Racial Equity and Black Student Excellence, for UT’s annual hunger-relief, food-packing event. We will be packaging nutritious meals to children in need around the world.
Thursday, Feb. 22
Coffee & Conversations
6-8 p.m.
Jera’s Heavenly Sweets
3059 W. Bancroft St.
Toledo, OH 43606
Savor the flavors of history and community at our special Black History Month event, “Coffee and Conversations,” hosted at the vibrant Jera’s Heavenly Sweets—a delightful bakery near UT’s campus.
Saturday, Feb. 24-25
Soulful Praise: Black History Gospel Concert
Noon to 4 p.m. (Sat.)
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Sun.)
Friendship Baptist Church
5301 Nebraska Ave.
Toledo, OH 43615
This event, sponsored by The University of Toledo Office of Multicultural Student Success and the Music Ministry of Friendship Baptist Church, is not only a concert but also a vibrant celebration and reflection on the rich heritage during Black History Month. This is a free community event, open and welcoming to all.
Thursday, Feb. 29
Revolutionary Blacks: Discovering the Frank Brothers, Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence book discussion
BGSU’s Bowen-Thompson Student Union, 207
806 Ridge St.
Bowling Green, OH 43403
Dr. Shirley Green, Director of the Toledo Police Museum and Adjunct Professor of History at Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo, will present the 2024 Black History Month Guest Lecture, hosted by the BGSU Department of History.
Northeast Ohio Events
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Toxic: A Black Woman’s Story – Public Screening
3:30 to 7 p.m.
Kent Student Center
3rd Floor, Ballroom Balcony
1075 Risman Dr.
Kent, OH 44242
Activist-in-Residence, Jazmin Long is the President and CEO of Birthing Beautiful Communities, a non-profit community of doulas that provide social support to Black women in Ohio who are at highest risk for infant mortality during the perinatal period.
Sunday, Feb. 11
I Am Black History: Youth Program
8:30 to 10 a.m.
7010 St Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103
Come join us for an exciting and empowering event that celebrates Black history! The I Am Black History: Youth Program is a must-attend in-person gathering for young individuals who want to learn connect and be inspired during Black History Month.
Saturday, Feb. 17
Spiritual Echoes: A Black History Month Celebration
7 p.m.
Maltz Performing Arts Center
1855 Ansel Road,
Cleveland, OH 44106
An evening of music that transcends boundaries and resonates with the spirit of unity and love. Come, celebrate, and be uplifted.
Michigan Events
Sunday, Feb. 4
Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971
Detroit Institute of Art
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
“Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971” honors the legacy of African American filmmakers and actors from the dawn of cinema, through the golden age, and into the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement. Show runs until June 23.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Anthony Brogdon, The History of America’s Oldest Black-Owned Businesses
6-7:30 p.m.
Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
Local author and historian, Anthony Brogdon, will highlight historic facts and anecdotes on the growth and development of black-owned businesses in 19th and early 20th Century America.
Sunday Feb. 25
On the Shoulders of Giants: Celebrating Black History Month
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Detroit Historical Society
5401 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
Join us for an in-person, all ages celebration honoring the legacy of entrepreneurship in the Black community!
General Links
University of Toledo Black History Month Events
Bowling Green State University Black History Month Events
Toledo Black History Month Events
University of Akron Black History Month Events
Kent State University Black History Month Events
Cleveland Black History Month Events
Metro Detroit Black History Month Events
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Explore our career opportunities and apply today: RLGbuilds.com/Careers