From films to art exhibits, here's how you can celebrate Black History Month in Oklahoma
Throughout the month of February, Black History Month is recognized annually in the United States.
According to the Smithsonian Institution, the 2024 Black History Month theme is "African Americans and the Arts," and in Oklahoma, art exhibitions, films, dance performances and other events abound.
Here are several Black History Month events to check out across the Sooner State:
'Descendants of the Black 1000: Flight from Oklahoma Black Towns to Canada'
When: Through April 1.
Where: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 11 NW 11, Oklahoma City.
Information: https://oklahomacontemporary.org/exhibitions/current/descendants-of-the-black-1000.
A selection of 12 black-and-white portraits with corresponding oral history recordings, the exhibit explores the history of more than 1,000 Black Oklahomans who migrated to the Canadian prairies in the early 20th century. Organized by guest curator Gay Pasley, the show creates a fuller picture of how Black history in Oklahoma had an international reach.
'Explore the Code: Bill Pickett'
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Feb. 29.
Where: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63, OKC.
Information: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/series/explore-the-code-bill-pickett.
Visitors can learn about the African American cowboy who created rodeo steer wrestling, or bulldogging, through daily activities, which are free for members or with museum admission. Available while supplies last.
Black History Month Pop-Up Art Show, Lawton
When: Daily through Feb. 29.
Where: McMahon Memorial Auditorium, 801 NW Ferris Ave., Lawton.
Information: https://www.swokarts.com/black-history-month-pop-up-art-show.
The Lawton Arts & Humanities Division is hosting its second Black History Month art exhibition.
Freedom Fridays, Tulsa
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 9, 16 and 23 and March 1.
Where: Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center, 23 N Greenwood Ave., Tulsa.
Information: https://www.greenwoodrising.org,
Tulsa Teachers Credit Union is partnering with Greenwood Rising to offer free admission to the history center for Oklahoma residents every Friday through March 1.
'The Tampkins Family Exhibit'
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through March 6.
Where: Myriad Gardens' Crystal Bridge Conservatory Visitor Lobby Art Gallery, 301 W Reno Ave., OKC.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/MyriadGardens or https://myriadgardens.org.
Longtime local artist Gilbert Tampkins and his creative family — Keith Tampkins, Demetrice Dalton, Raemekka Tampkins and Miyah Threats — share the works they've created expressing their unique backgrounds, diverse interests and varied subjects.
Aluu Prosper's 'Abfillage,' Tulsa
When: On view through Feb. 24.
Where: Tulsa Artists’ Coalition Gallery, 9 East Reconciliation Way, Tulsa.
Information: https://www.tacgallery.org.
Nigerian artist Aluu Prosper will unveil works created in his latest artistic endeavor, the Abfillage technique, which involves the application of a newspaper or magazine collage as a background onto which he paints expressive figures. The method provided a means to portray the psychological effects of Nigeria’s political problems, including issues related to bad governance, social instability and economic challenges.
Ebony Iman Dallas artist talk and exhibit opening, Tulsa
When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2.
Where: 3306 Charles Page Blvd., Room 218, Tulsa.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/eidartanddesign.
A fifth-generation Black Oklahoman and second-generation Somali-American, Ebony Iman Dallas will talk about her work in conjunction with her new exhibit on view at the nonprofit Art 4orms Foundation's Enrichment Center.
OKC Thunder showcases Langston University
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 2.
Where: Paycom Center, 100 W Reno.
Information: https://www.nba.com/thunder.
The OKC Thunder will tip off its Black History Month celebration by showcasing Langston University, Oklahoma’s only historically Black college or university, and HBCU culture during its Feb. 2 home game vs. Charlotte Hornets at Paycom Center. HBCU culture will be on full display for pregame, in-game and postgame activities. The Langston University marching band will perform the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black national anthem. The Langston band will perform a musical and marching halftime show.
'Homecoming' film screening, Del City
When: 2 p.m. Feb. 4.
Where: Del City Library, 4330 SE 15, Del City.
Information: https://www.metrolibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
Filmmaker Charlene Gilbert's documentary explores the rural roots of African American life.
Crowns Teas at Metropolitan Library System locations
When and where: Various times and locations.
Information: https://www.metrolibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
The events celebrate the rich tradition of church hats, and attendees are encouraged to wear a fancy hat and their Sunday best attire and partake of food and tea. The teas are open to adults and youths with adult supervision.
The teas are scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 4 at Edmond Library; 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10 at Northwest Library; 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 11 at Midwest City Library; 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 at Southern Oaks Library; and 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at Ralph Ellison Library. To preregister, send an email to hello@thickdescriptions.org or call 405-397-0584.
'Discover Greatness: An Illustrated History of the Negro Leagues,' Enid
When: Feb. 6-April 20.
Where: Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, 507 S 4, Enid.
Information: https://csrhc.org/specialexhibits.
The 90-photo exhibit from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum explores the complex history of Negro Leagues baseball.
Ailey II
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9.
Where: Oklahoma City Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater, 7777 S May Ave.
Tickets: https://occc.universitytickets.com.
BLAC Inc. presents a performance by the renowned dance ensemble founded by the iconic dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey.
Second Saturday XL: Picturing Possibilities – Black History Month
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10.
Where: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, OKC.
Information: https://oklahomacontemporary.org/learn/youth/second-saturday.
Oklahoma Contemporary's monthly family-friendly event will celebrate the exhibit "Descendants of the Black 1000" and Black History Month, with a self-portrait activity, a group movement session organized by SPARK! Creative Lab, a poetry open mic and more.
'We Are the Roots' film screening and discussion
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10.
Where: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, OKC.
Information: https://oklahomacontemporary.org.
In conjunction with the exhibition "Descendants of the Black 1000," Oklahoma Contemporary will show the award-winning documentary "We Are the Roots: Black Settlers and Their Experiences of Discrimination on the Canadian Prairies." This program also will include short films by Solomon Sir Jones and Melinda James and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh. A discussion of the film and the communities featured with Deborah Dobbins and Kalenda Eaton will follow the documentary screening.
National Black Cowboy Awards & Gala
When: 4 p.m. Feb. 10.
Where: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC.
Tickets: Eventbrite.
The inaugural event will honor the incredible the significant and often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the heritage of the American West.
Jabee and Millwood Public Schools Band OKC Thunder halftime performance
When: 2 p.m. Feb. 11.
Where: Paycom Center, downtown OKC.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/jabeemusic.
OKC rapper and activist Jabee and the Millwood Public Schools Band will entertain the home crowd when the OKC Thunder take on the Sacramento Kings.
Metro Tech Black History Month Celebration
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 15.
Where: District Conference Center, 1900 Springlake Drive, OKC.
Information: https://www.metrotech.edu/events/upcoming/celebrate-black-history-month.
Metro Tech's celebration aims to not only commemorate the rich history and contributions of the Black community but also serve as a platform for local Black-owned businesses, community resources and more. This year's theme is "Black History Through the Decades," and the event will feature breakout sessions, a panel discussion and cultural entertainment.
African Americans in Oklahoma pop-up display, Del City
When: Feb. 17-23.
Where: Del City Library.
Information: https://www.metrolibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
Hands-on items and activities explore the stories of prominent African Americans living in Oklahoma from the Trail of Tears to the present.
Crowns Tea, El Reno
When: 1 p.m. Feb. 17.
Where: El Reno Public Safety Center, 2707 Faith Ave., El Reno.
Information: erclcrownstea.eventbrite.com.
Inspired by the book "Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats" by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, the second annual event is organized by the OKC nonprofit organization Thick Descriptions. The event is free, but tickets are required.
Joshua Henry 'Get Up Stand Up'
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22.
Where: OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater, 7777 S May Ave., OKC
Tickets: https://occc.universitytickets.com.
The Grammy Award winner and triple Tony nominee, who has thrilled Broadway audiences portraying Aaron Burr in "Hamilton," starring opposite Audra McDonald in "Shuffle Along" and playing Billy Bigelow in the hit revival of "Carousel," performs in concert. His show will feature classic songs by Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, John Legend, Lin-Manuel Miranda and others.
Black History Month Through Film
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 24.
Where: Belle Isle Library, 5501 N Villa Ave., OKC.
Information: https://www.metrolibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
The program showcases OETA's documentaries that delve into Black History in Oklahoma, from Langston University to the trailblazers of Oklahoma's Civil Rights movement, including Roscoe Dungee, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher and Clara Luper.
Crowns Tea, Guthrie
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 24.
Where: Guthrie Public Library, 201 S Division St., Guthrie.
Information: https://www.facebook.com/thickdescript/events.
The Guthrie Public Library will host the eighth Crowns Tea organized by Thick Descriptions. This year’s theme is “A Crown Can Change it All.” Register at the library or call 405-282-0050.
'Black Feminist' film screening and discussion, Warr Acres
When: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25.
Where: Warr Acres Library, 5901 NW 63, Warr Acres.
Information: https://www.metrolibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
The event will showcase filmmaker Zanah Thirus' lively documentary that delves into the double-edged sword of racial and gender oppression that Black women face in America. The screening and discussion are for attendees 18 and older only.
Urban Poets Black History Month movie discussion
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26.
Where: Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23.
Information: https://www.metrolibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
Teens and adults are invited to participate in a film screening and discussion.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Events to celebrate Black History Month in Oklahoma
