Where to celebrate Black History Month in Philly

Black Philadelphians have been making history in the city for hundreds of years.

From creating the first African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in the country to being home to multiple stops on the Underground Railroad and founding America’s first independent Black organization in the Free African Society which helped establish leadership, community and political identity in the city in the late 1700s and beyond.

These accomplishments underscore the contributions that continue today, enriching Philadelphia’s culture and historical impact, through Philly greats like physician Ala Stanford, co-founder of the Black Doctor’s COVID-19 Consortium, to Emmy award-winning writer and actress, Quinta Brunson.

For Black History Month in 2023, there is a full month’s worth of events to learn more about and celebrate the accomplishments of Black Philadelphians, from free live performances to ticketed celebrations. Check them out below.

Throughout the month of February, the National Constitution Center will be offering programming that highlights the rich history and contributions of African Americans. Get to know the stories of Black freedom fighters including John Lewis, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Ruby Bridges. This is part of a series of events to be held at the museum during February. From Jan. 4 to March 31, visitors can get discounted admission of $10 for adults and $7.50 for children 6 to 18 — but you have to buy tickets in advance online at constitutioncenter.org/calendar/black-history-month-2023.

📅 All of February, Wed.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 💵 $7.50-$10 per ticket 📍 525 Arch St. 🌐 constitutioncenter.org

Immerse yourself in the literary works of Black writers and creatives from Philadelphia and around the world at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Every week there are author-speaking events, educational workshops, cooking programs and more at libraries all across the city. Free except for two author events which range from $16.50 to $26.50 per ticket.

📅 All of February 💵 Free📍 Various locations 🌐 libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/black-history-month

Join the Spot Teen Center for Success, a teen safe haven and development centerin Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey for weekly movie nights in February. Every Friday join other teens in watching movies (to be announced) that celebrate Black culture and discuss the impact it continues to have on the world today.

📅 Fridays in February 💵 Free 📍 3111 NJ Rt-38 Unit #18, Mount Laurel Township, NJ 🌐 eventbrite.com

Every Saturday during the spring, summer and fall, The Black Journey Philadelphia hosts a two-hour historical walking tour at the Independence Mall. Explore Black history as you learn about Martha Washington’s enslaved handmaiden who emancipated herself, the formerly known Congo Square (now Washington Square), and walk in the footsteps of abolitionists, founding fathers and prominent African Americans.

📅 Saturdays at 2 p.m. 💵 $20-$35📍 599 Market St. 🌐 blackjourneyphiladelphia.com

Rosenbach and Delancey Society members can spend an evening learning from letters, artifacts, and first-edition writings from poets like Paul Laurence Dunbar and Langston Hughes. As part of The Rosenbach Museum hands-on tours, Coordinator of Public Programs Isabel Stevens will guide people through the history of some of the Harlem Renaissance’s most influential authors. Space is limited, so registration is recommended.

📅 Feb.1 from 6-7 p.m. 💵 Free, members-only event 📍2008-2010 Delancey St. 🌐rosenbach.org

The documentary Descendant will be screening at Stenton Park’s recreation center on February 2. The two-hour film tells the story of The Clotilda, the last known ship to arrive in the U.S. illegally carrying kidnapped African people for enslavement. Learn from their descendants and get to know the town they founded, Africantown in Mobile, Alabama. This is the first part of a two-part series hosted by Stenton Museum and Stenton Park Advisory Council. Admission is free, but you need to RSVP.

📅 Feb. 2 from 5:30-7:30p.m. 💵 Free📍4600 North 16th St. 🌐eventbrite.com

Black entrepreneurs and founders of tech startups are coming to Philly to teach entrepreneurs of color the essentials to pitching their ideas to potential investors. Build your skills, network and wealth this Black History Month at RoadPitch’s mixer on the second floor of the University City Science Center.

📅 Feb. 3 from 5:30– 8 p.m. 💵 Free📍 3675 Market St. 🌐 sites.google.com/view/roadpitch

In honor of Bob Marley’s upcoming birthday on Feb. 6, ARTrageous Brush & Flow is hosting a sip-and-paint event to celebrate the famous artist. Jam out to Marley’s music as you paint a drawing of him with step-by-step instructions.

📅 Feb. 3 from 6–8 p.m. 💵 $32📍 6345 Germantown Ave. 🌐 artrageousbrushandflow.com

Kick off the first Friday of Black History Month with an indie-Soul performance. Artist Jakeya Limitless will bring her self-described love, acceptance, and genre-defying musicality to the Barnes, for an artistic evening.

📅 Feb. 3 from 6-9 p.m. 💵 $28 📍2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. 🌐barnesfoundation.org

This touring market and business exhibition will be kicking off Black History Month at Mercer Community College in Trenton. Explore local vendors specializing in fashion, beauty and books, network with other entrepreneurs and support Black-owned businesses all with live music and giveaways.

📅 February 4 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 102 N. Broad Street Trenton, NJ 🌐 themelaninmarket.com

Chef Yuhnis Sydnor from Sugga Mamas Diabetes Prevention and Management will be leading participants through a soul food cooking demonstration, tasting, and discussion. Learn a new recipe and discover the flavors of soul food at Parkway Central Library’s Culinary Literacy Center.

📅 Feb. 4 from noon-1:30 p.m. 💵 Free📍 1901 Vine St. 🌐 eventbrite.com

Join the New Jersey Youth Symphony led by artistic director Helen H. Cha-Pyo for a Black History Month concert performing works by Omar Thomas, Florence Price, and Antonin Dvorak. Explore the impact of African American arts and culture through music, storytelling, and dance at the Wharton Institute for Performing Arts in Trenton.

📅 Feb. 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. 💵 $15-$20 📍 1 Memorial Dr. Trenton 🌐 whartonarts.org

Do you like free scavenger hunts and learning about unsung heroes? Then check out the Independence National Historical Park four-hour discovery hunt. Every weekend between Feb. 4-27, visit the Independence Visitor Center to learn about the resilience and resistance of Black Old City Philadelphians, while collecting clues around the park. All ages are welcome.

📅 Feb. 4-27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 💵 Free📍Independence National Historical Park 🌐 nps.gov

Sometimes the biggest sources of inspiration are the ones closer to home. The Smith Memorial Playground is honoring fourteen community leaders, including doctors and bishops, with an exhibition. Through posters placed around the park, folks can learn about the honoree’s work at any time between Feb. 4 to 28, but the commemoration will take place at noon on Feb. 4. If it rains, the inauguration moves to Feb 5.

📅 Feb. 4-28 💵 Free📍3500 Reservoir Dr. 🌐smithplayground.org

Hop on a trolley tour organized by Mural Arts on Feb. 5 or Feb. 25 and explore multiple city murals. Learn about the folks whose civil and social justice work changed the world in the course of 90 minutes. Get to know who is behind the art and techniques that compose each piece. Tours cost $38, and departs and ends at PAFA’s Lenfest Plaza Paint Torch Sculpture.

📅 Feb. 5 or Feb. 25 from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. 💵 $38📍128 N. Broad St 🌐 muralarts.org

Learn about the role of Black people in Philadelphia politics without leaving your home. This panel brings in scholars such as James Wolfinger (dean of the School of Education at St. John’s University), David Canton (director of the African American Studies Program at the University of Florida), Stanley Arnold (associate professor of History at Northern Illinois University), and Abigail Perkiss (associate professor of History at Kean University) to talk the intersection of race, gender, class, and politics, and how they impact the city’s Black community today. Folks who want to attend in person can visit the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Virtual or in person the ticket costs $10, but students can join for free.

📅 Feb. 7 from noon-1:30 p.m. 💵 $10📍Online or at 1300 Locust St. 🌐 eventbrite.com

Watch history unfold before your eyes with a meeting of the minds between two of history’s most important African American figures — Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. This live reenactment will include singing, poetry and performances at Greater St. Matthew Independent Church.

📅 Feb. 11 at 12 p.m. 💵 $10📍5544 Race St. 🌐 greaterstmatthewindependent.org

Although Black people are underrepresented in STEM-related jobs, they have made great contributions to science. That’s why on Feb. 11, the Franklin Institute will be celebrating Black scientists. Details are yet to be announced, but Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble will be performing. Admission is free with museum entrance.

📅 Feb. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. 💵 $21 children, $25 adults📍222 North 20th St. 🌐 fi.edu

Celebrate Black history and excellence with a party at ROAR dance club, hosted by the Black Student Doctors of Philadelphia. With food, drinks, bottle service and hookah, make this year’s Black History Month one to remember.

📅 Feb. 11 from noon-5 p.m. 💵 $10-$15 📍 939 N. Delaware Ave. 🌐 phillystudentdoctors.com

Join the Historic Fairhill group as they walk through their Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood observing the murals and historic sites — like a burial ground that became part of the Underground Railroad Network — that honor those who fought for freedom.

📅 Feb. 11 from 1-3 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 2901 Germantown Ave. 🌐 historicfairhill.com

For young readers, the 31st annual African American children’s book fair returns to Philly on Feb.11. A selection of 38 Black authors and illustrators will be at the Pennsylvania Convention Center reading, selling, and signing books, including locals E.B. Lewis and Gerald Jackson. Admission is free, and there will be giveaways, prizes, and games.

📅 Feb. 11 from 1-4 p.m. 💵 Free📍1101 Arch St. 🌐theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org

A lot has been said and sung about the Founding Fathers, but what about Black founders? Get to know the story of Philadelphia’s James Forten at the Museum of American Revolution. The exhibition “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia” dives into Forten’s contributions to the city as a businessman, philanthropist, and abolitionist. It kicks off on Feb. 11, but you can visit until Nov. 26. This is considered a special exhibit, but admission is free with regular tickets.

📅 Feb. 11-Nov. 26 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 $13-21 depending on age group, children under 6 are free📍101 S. 3rd St. 🌐 amrevmuseum.org

The Kimmel Center holds a yearly Jazz4Freedom program, where 4th-grade classes can watch free jazz performances in person. This year’s Jazz4Freedom will be held virtually and at various times. Children will get to experience the rhythms born during the Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, and modern day. Register your class for any of the six shows taking place on Feb. 14, 15, and 22.

📅 Feb.14, 15 and 22 💵 Free📍Virtual 🌐 kimmelculturalcampus.org

Want to learn to trace your ancestry and build a family tree? Stenton Museum and Stenton Park Advisory Council will be holding a free Community Genealogy series, as the second part of the Descendant documentary event. This free workshop will be led by Teddi Ashby, president of Philadelphia’s African American Genealogy Project. Block about an hour and a half for all activities, including learning how to navigate census records, and don’t forget to RSVP.

📅 Feb. 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. 💵 Free📍17th St. & W. Courtland St. 🌐 eventbrite.com

The Essence of Harmony Music Choir is highlighting the trials and triumphs of Black history through uplifting soulful gospel in their musical tribute, Deep River. Absorb the sounds and stories of African Americans while sitting in the historic 18th-century Burlington Quaker Meeting House in Burlington, New Jersey.

📅 Feb. 18 from 1-3 p.m. 💵 $25 per ticket📍 340 High St., Burlington, NJ 🌐 eventbrite.com

Get ready for a night of performances in Grays Ferry as Grace Dance Theater presents their dance companies and ensemble groups from all over the tri-state area for a celebration of Black history.

📅 Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. 💵 $20 per ticket📍 3301 Tasker St. 🌐 eventbrite.com

If you are looking for some humor, Helium Comedy Club brings late-night talk show Ziwe writer Ronald Metellus, Keane Cobb from ComedySportz, and SiriusXM Brandon Mitchell for a show full of games, crowd work, and incriminating PowerPoints. The event is aimed at folks over 21, but 18 to 20-year-olds can attend with a legal guardian over 30. General admission is $20.

📅 Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. 💵 $20📍2031 Sansom St. 🌐 philadelphia.heliumcomedy.com

The Jersey-based Spot Teen Center for Success is back on the list for another family-friendly event, this time for a movie, discussion, and activities that celebrate Black excellence. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

📅 Feb. 25 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 💵 $15 📍 3111 NJ Rt-38 Unit #18, Mount Laurel Township, NJ 🌐 eventbrite.com

Inspired by Marvel’s Black Panther, DC’s Cyborg, and other independent artists, East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention and the National Liberty Museum (NLM) bring an afternoon of workshops, discussions, and showcases for the whole family. Learn about Black superheroes, the vision of the artist behind them, and how to build your own characters. Admission is free with museum entrance, getting tickets online is encouraged.

📅 Feb. 26 from noon to 5p.m. 💵 $6-$12 depending on age, children under five are free📍321 Chestnut St. 🌐 libertymuseum.org

Looking for a place to talk about community? Join Bernice King at Mother Bethel AME church. The CEO of King Center, and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., will be visiting Philly on February 26. General admission is $50 — folks looking for a meet and greet can expect to pay $250. Tickets can be purchased online at the African American Museum.

📅 Feb. 26 from 4-6 p.m. 💵 $50📍416 S. 6th St. at Mother Bethel AME Church 🌐aampmuseum.org