Since Black History Month became recognized in 1976, February has been a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to the life, culture, and history of the United States. Broward County celebrates Black History Month with music, art, culture events, festivals and even bingo and trivia games throughout February.
There are plenty of activities throughout the county, many for the whole family to enjoy.
Music and Performing Arts
The Drifters at Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
The first African-American group to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the celebrated musical group, “The Drifters,” performs Friday, Feb. 7 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The Drifters are best known for their musical innovations and genre-crossing hits like “There Goes My Baby” (1959) and “Save the Last Dance for Me” (1960). The original group formed in 1953 and quickly shot to fame with R&B (Rhythm and Blues) hits like “Money Honey” and “Such a Night.” The group changed members frequently over the years but continued making chart-topping hits and innovative music that earned them a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. The current iteration of the group is led by Jerome Jackson, who joined The Drifters in the 1970s.
The Drifters’ performance at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center features classics from their own discography like “Under the Boardwalk” and “Up on the Roof” as well as songs from former Drifters members like “Spanish Harlem” and “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King, who led The Drifters until 1960.
Best for: Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
The Drifters
WHEN:
8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7
TICKETS:
Starting at $60
WHERE:
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th Street, Aventura
INFORMATION:
305-466-8002 or
Aventura Arts and Cultural Center
or
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
That Motown Band at Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker
“That Motown Band” comes to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Fort Lauderdale’s The Parker. Singing smash hits by The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and others from Motown Records, “That Motown Band” features 10 singers and musicians who bring to life classic hits of Motown like “My Girl” (The Supremes), “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell), and “Heat Wave” (Martha & The Vandellas).
Berry Gordy Jr. started Motown in 1959 in Detroit, “The Motor City,” at a time when there were few options for Black recording artists. As a Black-owned business promoting Black artists, Motown fought racial prejudice and naysayers who couldn’t see Black artists breaking into the music mainstream. But the success of Motown’s artists—from The Jackson 5 to The Temptations—broke records and barriers, and made Motown’s music the sound of the 1960s and 70s.
Best for: Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
That Motown Band
WHEN:
7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22
TICKETS:
Starting at $27.55
WHERE:
The Parker, 707 Northeast 8th Street Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
(954) 462-0222 or
Parker Playhouse
or
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Positively Africa at Broward County Libraries
Afrofusion band “Positively Africa” performs at Broward County Libraries in February. Led by Florida-based musicians, Julius and Julia Sanna, Positively Africa brings together the sounds of Afrofusion, Afrojazz, and Afrofunk in their music. Positively Africa aims to highlight the beauty of Africa through their music and educate audiences about African culture, specifically the Luo and Zigua tribes.
Positively Africa performs at Carver Ranches Library on Wednesday, Feb. 12, and at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Alvin Sherman Library onSaturday, Feb. 22. The performance includes music, dances, and stories from the Luo and Zigua tribes.
Best for: All ages (Children, Teens, Adults)
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
Positively Africa
WHEN AND WHERE:
6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, Carver Ranches Library, 4735 SW 18th St., West Park; 10:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. NSU Alvin Sherman Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. Fort Lauderdale
TICKETS:
Free
INFORMATION:
Carver Ranches Library: (954) 357-6245 or
Register Here,
NSU Alvin Sherman Library: 954-262-5477 or
NSU Alvin Sherman Library
Lyrical Expressions Open Mic Night – Lifting up Black Voices at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Alvin Sherman Library
Alvin Sherman Library honors the creativity and cultural contributions of Black artists with “Lyrical Expressions Open Mic Night — Lifting up Black Voices,” an open mic event for performers to share poetry, stories, music, or spoken word. Pre-registration is required for performers; the event also includes time for audience members and performers to mingle.
Best for: Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
“Lyrical Expressions Open Mic Night — Lifting up Black Voices”
WHEN:
6 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11
TICKETS:
Free (Registration required to perform)
WHERE:
NSU Alvin Sherman Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-262-5477 or
NSU Alvin Sherman Library
Art & Exhibitions
Burnout and Black Artists: Emotional Sustainability in the Arts Exhibition at ArtServe
ArtServe’s “Burnout and Black Artists: Emotional Sustainability in the Arts” exhibition focuses on how Black artists grapple with the expectations and emotional labor of unpacking personal and collective trauma in their work. The exhibition shows the struggles Black artists face in the art world and challenges audiences to take a more balanced view of the Black experience that embraces the full spectrum of what it means to be a Black artist. Artists featured in the show include Sheila Alexander, Art Cartwright, Yvonne Pubien, Anthony Robinson, Kimberly Ferguson, Joshua D. Buron, and Holly Forbes.
Best for: All ages (Children, Teens, Adults)
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
“Burnout and Black Artists: Emotional Sustainability in the Arts”
WHEN:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday. Through Monday, March 31.
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd,, Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-462-8190 or
ArtServe
Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance at African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC)
“Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance” looks back on the Harlem Renaissance and its significance to African American artistic expression from the 1920s through the 1940s. The Harlem Renaissance was a period of abundant literary, musical, and artistic creation by Black artists in the United States from the end of WWI through the 1930s; many of these artists were based in New York City, specifically Harlem, but the movement encompassed creators across the country.
Presented by the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), the exhibit focuses on well-known artists of the era like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston but also highlights lesser-known artists of the Harlem Renaissance. The opening reception takes place Saturday, Feb. 1 and the exhibition is available to the public beginning Monday, Feb. 3.
Best for: All ages (Children, Teens, Adults)
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
“Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance”
WHEN:
Library-Exhibition hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Through Saturday, Jun. 28
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-357-6282 or
www.broward.org/Library/Pages/AARLCC
Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward at History Fort Lauderdale
History Fort Lauderdale opens a new permanent exhibition in honor of Black History Month, “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward.” The exhibition examines the history and legacy of the Black community in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County from 1793 to the present. Historical artifacts, photos and oral histories tell the story of Black history in Broward and highlight the contributions of the Black community.
“Roots of Resilience” is a permanent exhibition on display at History Fort Lauderdale. An opening reception of the exhibition is Wednesday, Feb. 19 and includes a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.
Best for: Teens, Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward
WHEN:
Opening reception, 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19; museum hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Sunday
TICKETS:
$15, adults, $12, seniors, $7, students (up to age 22 with valid student ID), free admission for children six and under, military members, and museum members
WHERE:
History Fort Lauderdale, 231 SW 2nd Ave. Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-463-4431 or
History Fort Lauderdale
Heritage in Vogue: Black in Fashion at L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center
Victory Black Box Theatre, Empire Fashion Firm, and South Florida Fashion Academy present “Heritage in Vogue: Black in Fashion” on Friday, Feb. 21. This event features fashion by Black designers in the Black Designer Pop-Up Shop, and a screening of the documentary, “The Gospel According to Andre” about the life of the barrier-breaking Black fashion designer, André Leon Talley.
The event is free to attend, food is available for purchase at the event. Proceeds from “Heritage in Vogue: Black in Fashion” supports arts and education programming for Victory Black Box Theatre (part of the YMCA of South Florida), an organization that provides arts programming for children and adults.
Best for: Teens, Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
“Heritage in Vogue: Black in Fashion”
WHEN:
7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 NW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-315-0116 or
Victory Black Box Theatre
History and Education
Banned Book Discussion: “The Color Purple”
“Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind—Featuring Banned Books: The Color Purple” discussion explores the book itself and reactions to the novel. The event takes place at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Alvin Sherman Library on Monday, Feb. 3 and is free to attend. Sponsored by the NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Center for Applied Humanities, the discussion focuses on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Color Purple, which ” details the struggles and journey to self-empowerment of an abused African American woman living in the Jim Crow-era South; the book explores racism, gender violence, sexism, and self-discovery and has often been placed on banned book lists for its themes since the book’s publication in 1982.
Best for: Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
“Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind—Featuring Banned Books: The Color Purple”
WHEN:
Noon to 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
NSU Alvin Sherman Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-262-5477 or
NSU Alvin Sherman Library
Graves Matter: Panama Sacred Burial Grounds – Black History at African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC)
AARLCC holds its annual “Graves Matter” conversation for Black History Month in conjunction with The CGM Cemetery Preservation Foundation to explore the genealogies and histories of the South Florida Panamanian community. The event is on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The Corozal, Gatun, Mt. Hope (CGM) Cemetery Preservation Foundation honors, protects, and advocates for the preservation of three burial sites in Panama where the Panamanian and West Indian workers who built the Panama Canal are buried. The CGM Cemetery Preservation Foundation works with the Panamanian government and other government entities to maintain the three cemeteries and create greater awareness regarding the burial sites and the people buried there.
The event is free to attend and will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Speakers from the CGM Cemetery Preservation Foundation, the Panama Canal Museum Collection, and the Digital Library of the Caribbean (of the George A. Smathers Library, University of Florida) will be present at the event.
Best for: Teens, Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
“Graves Matter: Panama Sacred Burial Grounds — Black History”
WHEN:
5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-357-6282 or
Register Here
AARLCC Special Collections Tour
In honor of Black History Month, Broward County’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) opens its achives to the public for a special collections tour on Friday, Feb. 21. The AARLCC, dedicated to showcasing and educating the public on Black history and culture, library houses more Black history books and books by Black authors than any other library in the United States.Visitors get the chance to view rare items and historic artifacts from the AARLCC’s collection up close and speak with archival staff about the collection. The AARLCC Special Collections includes 20th century African artifacts, artwork by Black artists, oral history collections, historic photographs, and over 6,000 vinyl record albums.
Best for: Teens, Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
AARLCC Special Collections Tour
WHEN:
1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-357-6282 or
register here
Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light at North Regional/Broward College Library
North Regional/Broward College Library screens the documentary “Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light” on Monday, Feb. 24 and hosts a virtual discussion with Julia Browne, the film’s producer. “Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light” explores African Americans in Paris and Europe from WWI to the 1960s, focusing on the cultural and intellectual exchange between African American expats in Paris and French and greater European culture. This event is the first public screening of “Paris Noir” in South Florida. Attendance is free; attendees are encouraged to pre-register on the library website.
Best for: Teens, Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
“Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light”
WHEN:
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
North Regional/Broward College Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd, Coconut Creek
INFORMATION:
954-201-2600 or
Broward County Library Events
Festivals
2025 Cultural Festival by The Urban League
The Urban League of Broward County hosts its 2025 Cultural Festival on Saturday, Feb. 1. The festival celebrates Black History Month with live entertainment, food trucks, activities, and community resources. This family-friendly event is free to attend.
Best for: All ages (Children, Teens, Adults)
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
2025 Cultural Festival
WHEN:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
Urban League of Broward County, 560 Northwest 27th Ave., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-584-0777 or
Urban League Cultural Festival
Soul Fest at Jaco Pastorius Park
The City of Oakland Park holds its annual Soul Fest at Jaco Pastorius Park on Friday, Feb. 7. This year’s event features live music by the Derek Mack Band.
In addition to live music, there’s also a children’s activity space along with food trucks and drinks, dancing, and games. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
Best for: All ages (Children, Teens, Adults)
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
Soul Fest
WHEN:
6 to 10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park
INFORMATION:
954-630-4500 or
City of Oakland Park
Black History Month Events by The City of Fort Lauderdale
The City of Fort Lauderdale presents three major events at parks throughout the city to celebrate and honor Black history and culture. Each event is free to the public and features live entertainment showcasing Black culture.
Remembering Our Roots at Riverland Park
Remembering Our Roots at Riverland Park focuses on the power of legacy and the “resilience, achievements, and cultural contributions” of the Black community. The event includes live music and dance performances by children in the City’s PLAY (Promoting Lifetime Activities for Youth) After-School programs.
Best for: All ages (Children, Teens, Adults)
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
“Remembering Our Roots”
WHEN:
3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
Riverland Park, 950 SW 27th Ave., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-828-5320 or
Parks Fort Lauderdale
Kijiji Moja at Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park’s Black History Month event, Kijiji Moja (or “one village” in Swahili), on Saturday, Feb. 15, celebrates unity and diversity and includes live entertainment, arts and crafts, and tribal storytelling for the community.
Best for: All ages (Children, Teens, Adults)
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
“Kijiji Moja”
WHEN:
2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
Lincoln Park, 600 NW 19th Ave., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-828-7275 or
Parks Fort Lauderdale
Sistrunk Parade & Festival by the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Sistrunk Historical Organization
The Sistrunk Historical Organization and the City of Fort Lauderdale celebrate 45 years of the Sistrunk Parade & Festival on Saturday, Feb. 22. The annual event includes the Sistrunk 5K Run at Delevoe Park (registration is at 6 a.m., run begins at 7 a.m.), the Sistrunk Parade along Sistrunk Boulevard starting at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Sistrunk Festival at noon. The Sistrunk Historical Organization focuses on cultural programming that promotes Broward and the contributions of the Black community.
The parade begins at Lincoln Park and moves east down Sistrunk Boulevard to NW 9th Avenue and includes floats, marching bands, step teams, and other displays. The festival includes games, live bands, a kids’ space, food and other vendors.
Best for: All ages (Children, Teens, Adults)
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
Sistrunk Parade & Festival
WHEN:
7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22
TICKETS:
Free;
Registration required
for the 5K run
WHERE:
5K Run Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale
Parade Begins at: Lincoln Park, 600 NW 19th Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Festival: Sistrunk Boulevard between NW 9th and 15th Avenue
INFORMATION:
754-779-4376 or
Sistrunk Festival
or
Parks Fort Lauderdale
AARLCC 2025 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival -“Renaissance”
Although this is in the middle of March, Broward County’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), which celebrates Black History all year long hosts the 2025 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival, which celebrates and reexamines the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance with a series of special events from Thursday, March 13 to Saturday, March 15. Festival events include:
Jazz Concert featuring Nicole Yarling (7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 13): Jazz vocalist and violinist Nicole Yarling performs compositions by the acclaimed jazz composer, Duke Ellington. Free event suitable for all ages.
Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium with Urban League of Broward County (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, March 14): Hosted by the Urban League of Broward County, the Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium includes workshops and discussions on community improvement. Workshops and discussions are designed to engage community members, leaders, and neighbors who seek to create a better neighborhood. All ages are welcome but best for teens and adults. This free event takes place at the Urban League of Broward.
An Evening with Jonathan Escoffery (6 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 14): Bestselling author of “If I Survive You,” Jonathan Escoffery, discusses his book and storytelling in this author-led discussion at AARLCC. Escoffery’s book follows a Jamaican family as they acclimate to their new home in Miami. The event is free and open for all ages but best suited for teens and adults.
Eat. Drink. Read. The Speakeasy Edition. (7:30. to 9:30 p.m., Friday, March 14): Following Jonathan Escoffery’s book discussion, join a special themed reception celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance. The event features performances by vocalist LaVie, who pulls inspiration from her Caribbean heritage for her music and all attendees receive a signed book with their ticket. Event tickets are $75, attendees must be 21 or older.
“A Life of Service: Augusta Savage” with Jeffreen M. Hayes (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, March 15) Jeffreen Hayes, author of “Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman,” discusses the life and legacy of Augusta Savage, a Harlem Renaissance era artist and activist who became the first African-American member of the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors in 1934. Admission is free.
Exploring the Harlem Renaissance — “The New Brownies’ Book” (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, March. 15): Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer, authors of “The New Brownies Book: A Love Letter to Black Families,” to discuss the cultural and artistic achievements of the Harlem Renaissances of the 1920s and 1930s. Their book was inspired by academic and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois’s “The Brownies’ Book” (1920), which was the first publication for African American children. The event is free and open to all ages.
Gallery Walk of the “Reveal the Beauty” Exhibition (1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 15): Enjoy a tour of AARLCC’s exhibit, “Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance,” led by the exhibit’s curators, Shawn Christian and Christopher Norwood. The event is free and open to all ages.
“Black Bibliophiles on the 20th Century: A Conversation with Laura Helton” (2 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, March 15): Dr. Laura Helton, author of “Scattered and Fugitive Things: How Black Collectors Created Archives and Remade History” leads a conversation about her book and the impact of Black authors and collectors who built archives of Black history in the early 20th century at time when institutions questioned the value of Black history. The event is free and open to all ages.
“Stories Unveiled: Local Author Panel” (3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 15): The final event of the Africana Arts & Humanities Festival includes a panel of local authors who will speak with attendees on their work, writing process, and inspirations. Connect with the Broward literary community and learn more about local authors. The event is free and open for all ages.
With the exception of the Urban League Symposium, all events take place at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC). All events are free and for all ages; only the “Eat. Drink. Read. The Speakeasy Edition.” event is age-restricted (21 and up), tickets are $75.
Best for: Teens, Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
Africana Arts & Humanities Festival
WHEN:
Thursday through Saturday, March 13 through March 15
TICKETS:
Free or $75, admission for Eat. Drink. Read. The Speakeasy Edition.
WHERE:
African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium: Urban League of Broward County, 560 Northwest 27th Ave., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-357-6282 or register to attend events at
AARLCC 2025 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival
Games
Roots & Rhythms Adult Game Night at L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center by Victory Black Box Theatre
Victory Black Box Theatre is hosting “Roots & Rhythm Adult Game Night” on Thursday, Feb. 20 for Black History Month. This game night includes Black history trivia to test players’ knowledge of events, interactive team challenges, and classic games like dominos, spades, and charades with a twist to highlight Black history and culture. The Game Night also includes music, food, and drinks.
Best for: Adults
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
Roots & Rhythms Adult Game Night
WHEN:
7 to 10 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20
TICKETS:
$5
WHERE:
L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 NW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-315-0116 or
Victory Black Box Theatre
Black History Bingo at Broward County Main Library
Broward County Main Library hosts an all-ages Black History Bingo on Saturday, Feb. 22. Test your knowledge of Black history and Black historical figures.
Best for: All ages (Children, Teens, Adults)
IF YOU GO
WHAT :
Black History Bingo
WHEN:
3 to 3:45 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22
TICKETS:
Free
WHERE:
Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
INFORMATION:
954-357-7444 or
Broward County Library Events
