Things to do in Central Florida
February marks 28 days of celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans in the United States as Black History Month begins.
The annual observance began as “Negro History Week” during the second week of February in 1926, which was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, according to history.com. By the late 1960s, with a growing civil-rights movement, the weeklong celebration had evolved into a monthlong commemoration.
This year, the national theme for Black History Month is “Resistance,” which focuses on ways that African Americans have protested and resisted oppression. Here are ways to honor Black history and culture in Central Florida this month.
is celebrating Black History Month with an art exhibit and events centered on this year’s theme of Black resistance. The art exhibition at City Hall (400 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando) opens at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2. Orlando’s signature event at Camping World Stadium will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 with the city’s poet laureate Shawn Welcome, a keynote speaker and live performances. Dates and time vary for other events, including a Parramore historic bus trolley tour, which are spread throughout February. More information: 407-246-3211 or orlando.gov
The City of Orlando The 2023 UNCF Black History Month Luncheon
at Hilton Orlando helps raise money and support UNCF’s education mission to help break financial barriers for students hoping to earn a college degree. Tickets start at $125 for the event at 11 a.m. Feb. 4 at 6001 Destination Parkway in Orlando. More information: uncf.org
The Orange County Library System
has a variety of book recommendations and events on topics from cuisine to drumming. Dates and hours of events vary throughout February. At 2 p.m. Feb. 5, Orlando Public Library downtown will host an African American Read-In event with readings and performances from WMFE’s Talia Blake, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Rep. Maxwell Frost and more. More information: ocls. info
The Town of Oakland
invites the public to a new art and history exhibition, “‘Hold Fast to Dreams’: Celebrating Black History in Oakland.” The opening reception is at 5 p.m. Feb. 9 at 126 W. Petris Ave. in Oakland. More information: oaklandfl.gov
Orange County Regional History Center
has three events for Black History Month. One will focus on the Harlem Renaissance, the Black cultural movement that influenced art, music and literature globally in the early 20th century. The History Center is also starting a book club focusing on Zora Neale Hurston’s bestknown classic novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” “Celebrating Black Arts and Culture” provides learning for the whole family with poetry readings and children’s activities. The home school program is geared towards grades K-5 and begins at 1 p.m. Feb. 10; Book club kicks off at 6 p.m. Feb. 16 and “Celebrating” is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 18 at 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. More information: 407-836-6704 or thehistorycenter.org
The Casselberry Sculpture House
is showcasing the work of Eugene Ofori Agyei, a native of Ghana now living in Gainesville. His sculptural work showcases his intersecting identities. The artist’s work is currently on display through March 24 at the Casselberry Sculpture
House. A reception will celebrate the exhibit from 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 18 at 120 Quail Pond Circle in Casselberry. More information: eventbrite.com
The Fourth Annual 1619Fest Orlando
marks the arrival of African captives from Angola, Africa, to Point Comfort, Hampton, Virginia in 1619. The two-day Black History Month Celebration kicks off at 7 a.m. Feb. 18 with the Rebel Run 5K ($40 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park through Hannibal Square. Following the race, support Black-owned businesses and enjoy a yoga session. From noon-6 p.m. Feb. 19, join a discussion about health in the Black community at 721 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. More information: 407-490-2902 or eventbrite.com
The Sanford Jazz Ensemble
will perform Motown, classic jazz and doo-wop songs to recognize Black History Month. The show features music from The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and more. Tickets are $20 for the performance at 3 p.m. Feb. 19 at 201 Magnolia Ave. in Sanford. More information:
ritztheatersanford. com
The Timicua Arts Foundation presents “Joy-Filled Noise:
A Musical Celebration of Black History” with Kevin Harris, who will lead a vocal and instrumental ensemble. Hear Black American music both old and new, with original arrangements. Several other performances during February highlight Black performers and music. General admission tickets cost $30; discounts are available for students, seniors and frontline workers.
The show is 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando. More information: timucua.com
A Community Day of Love
honors Black History Month with a day of health, wellness and fun in St. Cloud. Find food trucks, exhibitors, music, performers and more during the event noon-4 p.m. Feb. 25 at 620 E. 17th St. in St. Cloud. More information: 407-892-2533 or stcloudfl. gov