Each February, DART celebrates Black History Month. Join DART as we honor the cultural history of African Americans and their contributions to society. North Texas is full of DARTable ways to connect with African American culture. Get on board and check them out!
The Annual Black History Program is the Irving Black Arts Council’s yearly celebration. The program includes the USPS Black Heritage Month stamp unveiling and a featured presentation by Janet Forney, “A Poetic Journey through Time” inspired by the stories and poetry of literary icons from the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Check it out on Feb. 16 at the Irving Arts Center, accessible by Bus Route 229 departing from Dallas College North Lake Campus Station.
Voices from the Civil Rights Movement, presented by the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, is a special showcase of oral history interviews with civil rights and social justice activists. These powerful storytellers share memories from several key moments of the Civil Rights Movement – including the Montgomery bus boycott, the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington and many more. You can check it out online by following the link above.
The African American Museum offers exhibitions and cultural events celebrating the rich history and creativity of African Americans. The museum is a very short walk from Fair Park Station on the Green Line.
For starters, there are two major exhibitions:
Also, on Feb. 15, attend the African American Read-In, a celebration of Black literature featuring live readings, poetry, book discussions, and opportunities to meet authors.
The Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame Weekend takes place at the museum Feb. 28-March 1, and recognizes the achievements and lasting impact of African American athletes. This year’s inductees include football stars LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Brown, Olympian Michelle Carter, and rodeo legend Harold Cash.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre is one of the city’s cultural gems. On Feb. 14-15, see the esteemed company’s Cultural Awareness program, which features a special revival of …And Now Marvin by Darryl B. Sneed.; Testament by Katricia Eaglin; and more, including a world premiere. Performances take place at the Wyly Theatre, a few blocks from Pearl/Arts District Station on all four DART Rail lines.
Black History Month Arts Show takes place at the Granville Arts Center. You can see it through Feb. 27, and a special program takes place Feb. 21. The venue is right next to Downtown Garland Station on the Blue Line.
Hidden History DFW’s Black History Tour couldn’t be more DARTable – it departs directly from J.B. Jackson, Jr. Transit Center, which is adjacent to MLK, Jr. Station on the Green Line. The three-hour tour visits more than 20 historic sites tracing the African American journey in Dallas. The next tour is Feb. 15, with another taking place March 15; follow the link above to book.
Meals and Memories celebrates Black History Month with food, community, and conversation. Enjoy a selection of small plates created by Dallas chef Shanay Wise. You can also scan and record family photos and memories on Dallas Public Library's mobile Vivid-Pix Memory Station. The event takes place at the downtown library, easily walkable from Akard Station on all four DART Rail lines.
Festival of Black Dance: Rhythm and Soul of a People brings the Atlanta Dance Connection together with the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Dance Ensemble for two evenings of contemporary and modern dance from Feb. 21-22. The events take place at the Naomi Bruton Main Stage of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. The venue is walkable from Convention Center Station on the Red and Blue lines.