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From concerts and plays to food festivals and bicycle tours, the Tampa Bay area has a variety of events to celebrate Black History Month. Many celebrate achievements, elevate Black culture or simply seek to broaden the conversation about race and civil rights. Here are 20 ways to celebrate Black History Month in the bay area.
School Girls: or The African Mean Girls Play: Picture it: 1986. At an all-girls school in Ghana, there’s a new girl in town, an American, who challenges the reigning queen bee. On the line is a prestigious pageant that could provide the lucky winner the opportunity to move up in the world. $20 and up. 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 12, 2 p.m. Feb. 13, 20 and 27, 7 p.m. Feb. 16-17 and 23-25, 8 p.m. Feb. 18, 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 19 and 26. American Stage Theatre Company at Raymond James Theater, 163 Third St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529.
Crowns: With a strong female-driven cast, this musical about fabulous hats is a springboard to an African American cultural journey. $20.50 and up. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17-18 and March 3-4, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19, 24, 26 and March 5, 2 p.m. Feb. 20, 27 and March 6. David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.
USF Black Faculty and Staff Welcome Breakfast: The breakfast introduces newly hired Black faculty and staff and recognizes promoted Black faculty and staff for their outstanding work at the University of South Florida. $16. 7:30-10 a.m. Feb. 18. Phyllis P. Marshall Student Center, 4103 Cedar Circle, Tampa. 813-974-3180.
Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival: Chow down on collard greens and other dishes at this open-air block party with live music, drumming, dancing and other entertainment. Go to tbcgf.org to enter your best collard green dish in a contest. No cover. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 19. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-219-1781.
We Will Not Be Erased! Engaging History to Empower Communities: This interactive presentation and discussion highlighting erased African American burial grounds features a talk by Dr. Antoinette Jackson of the University of South Florida, performances by Yuki Jackson and Battleground poets Nija and TJ, literary arts activities and refreshments. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center, 1101 E River Cove St., Tampa. 813-935-9402.
The Jacksons: The Jacksons recently celebrated 50 years as one of the most successful groups in music history. Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and the late Michael, known originally as The Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons, rose to fame with their musical talent and choreography. $60 and up. 8 p.m. Feb. 21. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa. 813-627-7625.
St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour: Join Josette Green on a pedal adventure for a lesson on local Black history. In a 5-mile loop, the tour visits sites where Black history was made since the beginning of the city. Free (registration on Eventbrite required). 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 23 and 26. Chief’s Creole Cafe, 901 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg.
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Black History Hall of Fame: Bright Star Theater presents a 45-minute set of skits to introduce more than a dozen groundbreakers and hall-of-famers that have largely contributed to shaping America’s past, present and future — from Maya Angelou and Aretha Franklin to the Buffalo Soldiers and Mae Jemison. Free. 11 a.m. Feb. 23, 2 p.m. Feb. 24. HCC Mainstage Theatre, 1411 E 11th Ave., Tampa. 813-253-7514.
It’s All Love: Black History Month: Experience Africa and Black excellence as you sample wines from South Africa or made by African Americans paired with chocolate and cheese. $40. 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 25. Culture Suite Event Center, 11968 N Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-368-5377.
Masjid An Nasr: Black History Month Program: Imam Siraj Wahhaj of Masjid at Taqwa in Brooklyn, N.Y., serves as special guest for the “Community Outreach Through Acts of Kindness”-themed banquet. $25. 6 p.m. Feb. 25. Event Venue, 7326 E Sligh Ave., Tampa.
Pinellas African American Heritage Celebration: The festival features historical presentations and exhibits, food trucks offering African American inspired cuisine, music by area bands and a mini-market of Black artisans, entrepreneurs and businesses. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 26. Florida Botanical Gardens, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. 727-582-2117.
Sankofa Cultural Black History Market: Shop from more than 50 Black-owned local businesses offering African apparel, urban wear, drums, T-shirts, art and crafts, jewelry, butters and scrubs. Also, food trucks, health and wellness vans, poetry, DJ dancing and multicultural entertainment. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 26. Rebirth Event Park, 1924 E Comanche Ave., Tampa.
Black Heritage Expo 2022: Celebrate Black roots, culture and history at this day of music, dancers, vendors, contests, activities, entertainment and more. Free. Noon-5 p.m. Feb. 26. Westshore Plaza Mall, 250 Westshore Plaza, Tampa. 813-530-2313.
Black Love: Classic Movie Series: A collection of cinematic love stories told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts. Feb. 26 features the 109-minute, PG-rated drama-romance Mahogany. Feb. 27 features the 135-minute, R-rated drama-romance Waves. $10, $7 members. 3 p.m. Feb. 26-27. Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St. 813-274-8286.
Black Smoke: An Evening of BBQ History with Adrian Miller: This event with American culinary historian, soul food scholar and James Beard Award-winning author Adrian Miller includes dinner, two drinks, a talk and a meet and greet. $79. 4-6 p.m. Feb. 26. Grill and Provisions, 3501 N Armenia Ave., Tampa. 813-879-4647.
Black Excellence Affair: For the Love of Black Art: Dress “grown and sexy to impress” and celebrate Black history while supporting local Black artists at the Black Art Gallery experience with live R&B music, DJ dancing, food and cocktails. $50, $90 for two. 6-11 p.m. Feb. 26. Industrious, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. 813-200-0500.
Jazz Sings the Blues: In celebration of Black History Month, the Al Downing Jazz Association presents The Scotty Wright Quintet. $25-$30, $20 members. 3-5 p.m. Feb. 27. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-323-1104.
Maintaining Diversity: Recognizing African-American Women on the Bench: Join the Fred G. Minnis Sr. Bar Association to honor Black female judges from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. Free. 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28. George Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E Twiggs St., Tampa. 813-276-8100.
Black School Founders: Making History Today: join Black Minds Matter for a panel featuring three Black school founders. They’ll discuss why and how they started their schools, what led them to their passion for education and what drives them to give back to their community. Includes complimentary wine and light bites. Free. 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 28. 7th + Grove, 1930 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-649-8422.
Keb’ Mo’: The artist who won a 2020 Grammy Award for Best Americana Album for his album Oklahoma performs. $37.50-$67.50. 7 p.m. Feb. 28. Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.
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