Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Memphis | 2025
Protecting and uplifting Black history is a vital part of making sure local communities stay educated, connected and engaged in the fight for equity. This February, there is no shortage of local ways to celebrate Black history. Here are a few recommendations:
Memphis Public Libraries Events
Memphis Public Libraries is hosting Black History Month events all month throughout the city!
Children’s Museum of Memphis Activities
The Children’s Museum of Memphis has multiple creative outlets to help you explore not only the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but also the contributions of Memphians who have influenced our city and our lives.
Southern Heritage Classic Exhibit
January 20, 2025 - February 28, 2025 | National Civil Rights Museum | 450 Mulberry St.
The National Civil Rights Museum presents a special exhibition in honor of the black college football experience and rich tradition entitled, The Southern Heritage Classic: Celebrating 35 Years of an HBCU Memphis Tradition. The exhibition tells the story of Fred Jones Jr., the founder of the Southern Heritage Classic, and share his vision of sustaining and expanding the popularity of this annual cultural celebration held each year in September.
Grizz Tales: Inspiring Young Minds
Saturday, February 8th, 5:30 PM-7 PM | Memphis Grizzlies | FedExForum
Children will be invited to listen to live readings from local African American children’s author Alice Faye Duncan as she brings her powerful stories to life, celebrating the resilience and triumphs of African American culture. This cozy reading corner aligns with the Grizzlies’ Read to Achieve program, which encourages students to increase their reading minutes while promoting literacy awareness in our community. Children will also receive signed copies of Duncan’s books, alongside incentives designed to inspire students to develop a lifelong love of reading.
Homeschool Day – Celebrating Black History Month Through Printmaking
February 13th, 10 AM-1 PM | Memphis Brooks Museum of Art |1934 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38104
Join the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art for an engaging Homeschool Day exploring the powerful legacy of Elizabeth Catlett, a renowned printmaker and sculptor celebrated for her depictions of African American life and culture.
A Forgotten Migration: Black Southerners, Segregation Scholarships, and the Debt Owed to Public HBCUs
February 13th, 6 PM-8 PM | National Civil Rights Museum | Livestream
Dr. Crystal Sanders will speak to the aggressive efforts to how Southern white segregationists’ vow to preserve segregation eventually led to the underfunding of public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) during and following the civil rights movement.
Lecture on 19th Century Memphis History with Dr. Beverly Bond
February 15th, 10 AM-12 PM | Memphis Heritage | 2282 Madison Ave. (at Edgewood St.)
Memphis Heritage introduces their first speaker, Memphis historian Dr. Beverly Bond, in a new lecture series. The lecture is free to members. Nonmembers are encouraged to join Memphis Heritage.
Dr. Bond is Professor of History and former director of the College of Arts and Sciences’ African and African American Studies program. Her academic and research interests reflect her roots in Memphis. She has written on 19th century African-American enslaved, free and freed women in Tennessee, and Memphis history.
History in Action
Friday, February 28th, 5:30 PM | Memphis Grizzles | FedExForum
Memphis-Shelby County Schools high school theater students will return to FedExForum to transform the concourse into a dynamic, living museum with their History in Action performances as they embody prominent Black historical figures. Fans are encouraged to interact with the students, who will perform one- to three-minute scripts, don period costumes and share inspiring stories of trailblazing figures through an immersive and educational experience. Students will perform from 5:30 p.m. until the end of the first quarter of the Grizzlies’ matchup against the New York Knicks.
The I Love Memphis blog has created an updated list of 25+ Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Memphis
Memphis has a rich history of Black entrepreneurship, with businesses that bring culture, creativity, and community to the city.
From restaurants and boutiques to coffee shops and fitness studios, here are 25+ Black-owned businesses you can support today: