Things to do

Black History Month in Charlotte: Here are events celebrating the Black community

Art Rodgers created a portrait of Thereasea Clark Elder at the 2023 African American Heritage Festival, held at the Charlotte Museum of History.
Art Rodgers created a portrait of Thereasea Clark Elder at the 2023 African American Heritage Festival, held at the Charlotte Museum of History.

As Black History Month begins in 2025, multiple events are being planned for the Charlotte area.

From special exhibits and workshops to festivals and a fashion show, there are a lot of ways to celebrate this year. Check out the details below and mark them on your calendar:

Family First: Imprint Your Family Story

When: Feb. 1, noon-2 p.m.

Location: The Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is hosting a series of events for Black History Month, including a Family First workshop, where attendees will learn about African symbols, including Adinkra and Kente patterns.

After a brief presentation, families will get to design and describe their own symbols as part of a hands-on activity. The workshop will end with a collaborative art piece. Register via Evite to attend; tickets are $13.42. Visit GanttCenter.org for a full lineup of events in February.

Black History Month Kickoff Party

When: Feb. 1; 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Location: WestEnd Tavern, 2817 Rozzelles Ferry Road Charlotte, NC 28208

Create Amazing LLC is hosting a Black History Month Kickoff Party at West End Tavern on Feb. 1. RSVP on Evite for the free party hosted by Freaky Tai that will include dancing to HipHop, R&B and Reggae.

Amazing Grace: Stories of African American Courage, Strength, and Resilience

When: Feb. 2; noon-6 p.m.

Location: Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Mint Museum is hosting a closing celebration of the ”Southern/Modern” exhibit, with hands-on art activities, performances, including live jazz by Harvey Cummings, and discussions inspired by the works in the exhibition. The event is free.

Black History Mural Walk

When: Feb. 2; 1:50 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

Location: Mosaic Village parking deck; 1601 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28216

ArtWalks CLT is hosting a Black History Mural Walk with artists Abel Jackson and Dyair Steele. Meet at the Mosaic Village parking deck in Historic West End at 1:50 p.m. for a walk that begins at 2 p.m. and will take about an hour and 15 minutes. The walk is a mile long and you’ll see 12-13 murals and one sculpture. You’ll also get to learn the stories of the artists. Tickets are available on Evite and are donation-based; $10 is suggested.

The Homage Exhibit at First Ward Park

When: Feb. 3; 10 a.m.-noon

Location: First Ward Park Pavilion; 301 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Homage Exhibit is a traveling collection of artifacts, documents and art that highlight Black history. It is owned by Charlotte residents and collectors Nia and Morris McAdoo. The free event at First Ward Park’s pavilion will include pieces by artists Romare Bearden and Elizabeth Catlett and original documents from Frederick Douglass, Shirley Chisholm, Booker T. Washington, Ralph Bunche and more.

Genealogy Basics: African American Roots & Resources

When: Feb. 4; noon-1 p.m.

Location: Online event; cmlibrary.org

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is hosting an online introductory genealogy class. Register online at cmlibrary.org/calendar for the event; space is limited. You’ll learn how to gather and organize information, tips for exploring historical records and how to use resources for African American genealogy, such as Freedmen’s Bureau records, slave schedules, and oral history traditions.

For Tha Culture — A themed Music Bingo!

When: Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

Location: Cavendish Brewing Company, 207 N Chester St, Gastonia, NC 28052

Cavendish Brewing Company is hosting Music Bingo with special Black History Month themed categories and prizes.

Black Literary Festival

When: Feb. 15; noon-6 p.m.

Location: Gibson Mill Market, 325 McGill Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027

Urban Reader Bookstore will host local authors and small business vendors at Gibson Mill Market at the Black Literary Festival in celebration of Black History Month.

Black History Month Celebration

When: Feb. 15; 4-8 p.m.

Location: David B Waymer Recreation Center, 14008 Holbrooks Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

The Huntersville Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a Black History Month celebration at David B Waymer Recreation Center. The free event will include live performances presented by Dear Soul Music Co. artists and Drums for Life, which will include the audience.

African American Heritage Festival 2025

When: Feb. 22; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location: Charlotte Museum of History; 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215

Celebrate Black History Month at the Charlotte Museum of History’s annual African American Heritage Festival. The 2025 event is themed “Black Country” and has a focus on the Black experience of rural life in Mecklenburg County.

Double Dutch Demonstration at the African American Heritage Festival, held at the Charlotte Museum of History.
Double Dutch Demonstration at the African American Heritage Festival, held at the Charlotte Museum of History. Courtesy of Charlotte Museum of History

History & Homage: 7 Course Whole Harvest Dining Experience

When: Feb. 22; 6-9 p.m.

Location: Community Matters Cafe; 821 W 1st St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Community Matters Cafe will host its 5th annual History & Homage: 7 Course Whole Harvest Dining Experience, a family-style dinner that celebrates African American culinary traditions. The dinner includes seven courses and three mocktails from nine Charlotte chefs and mixologists. Tickets are $120 and can be purchased on tock.com.

[JAMES BEARD NODS: James Beard Awards name North Carolina semifinalists — including 3 in Charlotte.]

Black History Month: Poetry With Passion

When: Feb. 27; 7-10 p.m.

Location: Zodiac Bar & Grill; 200 W Woodlawn Rd Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28217

The past and present of Black poetry take center stage at the new Black-owned lounge Zodiac Bar & Grill during a Black History Month event. The event will also celebrate Black authors. Tickets are $25.33 and can be purchased via Evite.

Movie Night — Black History Edition

When: Feb. 28; 6-8:30 p.m.

Location: 501 S Bruns Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208

Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation will host a movie night with a focus on Black History at the Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center. Bring your own chairs, blankets, or mat to make yourself cozy. The movie will be shown inside the gym and a drink and popcorn will be provided. Enroll for the free event on the Parks & Rec website at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/activity.

This story was originally published January 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

Melissa Oyler
The Charlotte Observer
Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga, weightlifting or snuggling with her rescue dogs, X and Charlie. Find her on Instagram or X: @melissaoyler. Support my work with a digital subscription
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