Ways to celebrate Black History Month in the Des Moines metro in 2024

Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register
Updated ·4 min read

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month in the Des Moines metro. Here's a list of events ranging from library scavenger hunts to festivals that are happening this month.

I Spy: Black History Month

When: Feb. 1 through Feb. 10

Where: Des Moines Central Library, 1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines

Learn all about Black authors and check out their books in the children's area. Find all of the hidden pictures to win a prize.

More: 10 Iowa-related Black History Month facts you should know

Explore Visual Black History

When: Feb. 4 through Feb. 17

Where: Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave., Des Moines

While books, graphic novels and other visual records of Black history are available to check out year-round, the Forest Avenue Library is putting some out with tables, chairs, and supplies to reflect, read and learn.

Students from Hubbell Elementary school mark around the block during their annual "Dream Walk" in honor of Black History Month on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Des Moines, IA.
Students from Hubbell Elementary school mark around the block during their annual "Dream Walk" in honor of Black History Month on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Des Moines, IA.

Black Scientists and Inventors Scavenger Hunt

When: Feb. 6 through Feb. 10

Where: Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave., Des Moines

Learn about some of the most impactful Black scientists, engineers and inventors. Find them all and win a prize.

Youth Town Hall

When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8

Where: Polk County North Side Community Center, 3010 Sixth Ave., Des Moines

Greater Opportunities, Inc.is hosting another in its Youth Town Hall series, which has explored topics of gun violence and mental health.

I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa 2024

When: Feb. 9 and Feb. 10

Where: Horizon Events Center, 2100 NW 100th St., Clive

Celebrate African American arts, culture and contributions at this year's I'll Make Me a World festival. Actor, writer, producer and singer Christian Keyes is the headline speaker. Middle and high school students can enjoy workshops, prizes, culture and STEM-based activities on Education Day on Friday. Saturday will feature art, history, a wellness expo, kids carnival, vendors and more.

See 'Punch 9 for Harold Washington'

When: 6 p.m. Feb. 13

Where: Simpson College, Black Box Theater, 701 N. C Street, Indianola

Produced by Des Moines native Sonya Jackson, the documentary showcases the election of Chicago's first African American mayor. Jackson will introduce the film and answer questions after the screening.

Celebrate Great African American Scientists Scavenger Hunt

When: Feb. 15 through Feb. 29

Where: Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St., Urbandale

Drop into the Urbandale Public Library to hunt down nine themed pictures hidden throughout the children's area.

Iowa Files: The Rise and Fall of Center Street

When: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 18

Where: West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines

Leo Landis, state curator with the State Historical Society of Iowa, will share pictures, documents and stories about the once-vibrant Black neighborhood of Center Street and its impacts today.

More: Center Street neighborhood, once a hub of Black culture in Des Moines, gets historic marker

"States of Becoming:" A exhibition and artist discussion

When: Opening celebration, 5-7 p.m. Feb. 9

Where: Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines

It explores the cultural assimilation of contemporary African artists working in the U.S. Enjoy African flare cuisine served by Bah Kunda Kitchen, sip on refreshments by Tangerine Food Co, and enjoy spectacular floral design by Wild Flower. The exhibition will open Friday and is open until May 12.

Join an artist discussion at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Levitt Auditorium. Fitsum Shebeshe, curator of “States of Becoming” will provide insight into the premise of the exhibition and introduce the work of 17 African artists.

Capital City Pride presents: Brea Baker

When: 6 p.m. Feb. 15

Where: Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines

Hear Brea Baker, a queer Black millennial woman working at the intersections of race, gender identity, public safety, and community, speak on topics like activism, politics and more. Baker is the director of programs at Inspire Justice.

According to Woodland Cemetery's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom application, Henry Bell was a notable freedom seeker born in Virginia who came through the Jordan House and settled in Des Moines, Iowa, and became a prominent figure in the local community.
According to Woodland Cemetery's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom application, Henry Bell was a notable freedom seeker born in Virginia who came through the Jordan House and settled in Des Moines, Iowa, and became a prominent figure in the local community.

Take a tour of the Jordan House, a stop in the Underground Railroad

When: Plan your visit here

Where: The Jordan House, 2001 Fuller Road, West Des Moines

The oldest house in West Des Moines, and one of the oldest in Polk County, the Jordan House served as a stop for the Underground Railroad. Book a tour of the Jordan House on its website, www.wdmhs.org/visit.

Support Black-owned businesses, restaurants

Something you can do during Black History Month and any month is support Black-owned businesses.

Take a look at the Black Iowa Business Directory and the Black-owned restaurant list from Catch Des Moines to see what businesses you can support this month and beyond.

Have an event to add? Email Kyle Werner with information. He can be reached at kwerner@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Ways to celebrate Black History Month in the Des Moines metro in 2024