A Century of Black History Commemorations
2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William D. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history when they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915.
–ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE AND HISTORY®
Black History Month Events
Black History Month: Main Matinee
Gather with us as we celebrate Black History Month through film.
| Main | 12:00PM |
|---|---|
| 2/5 | The Last Dragon |
| 2/12 | Roll Bounce |
| 2/19 | One of Them Days |
| 2/26 | Buck and the Preacher |
Discussing Richmond’s Black History with the Community Memory Fellow
Join Community Memory Fellow Marvin L. Hicks for a discussion on Richmond’s Black history and how to use library resources to preserve your own family stories.
| Hull Street | 2/14 | 1:00PM |
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Black History Month Storytime
Learn about changemakers in Richmond: sing, dance, and craft with the whole family. Ages birth-5.
| East End | 2/18 | 10:00AM |
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African American Art at VMFA
Expand your knowledge of African American culture through a lecture exploring the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ collection, featuring works that reflect Black life, history, and artistic expression across time.
| Westover Hills | 2/18 | 6:00PM |
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Black History In the Making: A Conversation with Dr. Daryl Dance
A conversation with Dr. Daryl Dance – creator of VCU’s Black History in the Making Award in 1984 and Professor Emerita at both the University of Richmond and VCU! Dr. Dance will speak about her time leading VCU’s fledgling African-American Studies program and offer insight on how celebrating Black History Month has changed over the years!
| Main | 2/19 | 6:00PM |
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Black History: A Living Legacy!
Join us for the 5th Annual Black History Month Social and Celebration, featuring community presentations, food, and fellowship in honor of Black history and excellence.
| Broad Rock | 2/21 | 1:00PM |
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Black History Month Book Swap
Swap books by and about African Americans and people of color. Featuring books for all ages. Bring one, take one.
| Hull Street | 2/24 – 2/25 | All Day |
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Black History Month Poetry Slam and Open Mic
Celebrate Black History Month by sharing a favorite poem, song, or your own original work—drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of Black poetry and music.
| Ginter Park | 2/25 | 5:00PM |
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Reclaiming Our Time
Dr. Paula D. Royster, expert on African diaspora history and culture, will discuss the Reclaiming Our Time Genealogy Project and its work with families in the historic Blackwell community.
| Hull Street | 2/27 | 11:00AM |
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Black Art Bingo
African American art is brought to life, one bingo square at a time! Close out this year’s Black History Month celebrations by testing your knowledge of Black artists and their works.
| Westover Hills | 2/28 | 3:00PM |
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