Black History Month in OKC

February is Black History Month which means organizations across the metro are hosting a variety of family-friendly events and exhibitions for families who want to explore Black history and culture. Here are several local events and museum exhibitions happening in the Oklahoma City metro.

(Editor’s note: This is a working list last updated Jan. 10, 2025. Check back often for updates. If you know of any events not included in this list, please let us know by emailing tips@metrofamilymagazine.com.)

Learn

Feb. 1

FREE Oklahoma City Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Celebration in Downtown OKC

Various locations

Take part in the silent march, bell-ringing salute and parade in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. See the website for the schedule.

Feb. 1-29

Explore the Code: Willie Lusk at the National Cowboy Museum

1700 NE 63rd St, OKC

Learn about legendary bootmaker Willie Lusk. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Feb. 7

FREE The Groovemeant Community Performance at Southern Oaks Library

6900 S Walker Ave, OKC

Watch a performance by The Groovemeant Community and learn some street dance moves. 11 a.m.-noon.

Feb. 8

Norman Philharmonic’s Black History Month/MLK Celebration Concert at Center for Arts & Learning, Benson Auditorium

3801 Journey Pkwy, Norman

Enjoy a special performance by Norman Philharmonic and Norman Public Schools Fine Arts. $10. 4 p.m.

Feb. 15

FREE 921 Race Massacre: Survivor Stories with Dr. Karlos Hill at Downtown Library

300 Park Ave, OKC

Dr. Karlos K. Hill, regents’ professor at the University of Oklahoma and author of The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: A Photographic History, will share survivor stories of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Afterward, he will sign copies of his books, which will be available for purchase. Preregister. 2-3:30 p.m.

Feb. 17

FREE Black History Heroes: A Jeopardy Adventure for Young Learners at Ralph Ellison Library

2000 NE 23rd St, OKC

Take part in an exciting Jeopardy-style game that highlights important African American achievements, leaders, and historical moments. Preregistration encouraged. 6:30-8 p.m.

Feb. 22

FREE Rap Workshop with Emmy Award Winner Jabee at Downtown Library

300 Park Ave, OKC

Emmy Award-winning artist Jabee, an Oklahoma City-based musician and community activist, will lead ta free rap workshop for kids and teens. Preregister. 11 a.m.-noon.

Bonus: 

• Learn more about Black artists, inventors and more with the FREE Take-Home kits offered at Metro Libraries. For a full list of events and details, visit metrolibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
• MetroFamily contributor Christina Mushi-Brunt shares about year-round learning opportunities to explore Black History in OKC.
• The Oklahoma City Thunder is celebrating Black History Month by hosting an artwork contest for students. Students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit artwork inspired by an experience, a moment or an individual in Black history.  Winners get a Thunder prize pack. Entry deadline is Feb. 7.
• Listen to this Raising OKC Kids podcast about the historic opening of the Greenwood Rising Museum in Tulsa. Philip Keith Armstrong, interim executive director of the museum, talks about the impact of this world-class facility.
• Find more educational resources at metrolibrary.org/blackhistorymonth including coloring pages and bookmarks as well as on-demand programming.

See

Jan. 9-Feb. 26

Fantasies, Forms, & Florals – A Look Into Wonder and Abstraction at Myriad Gardens

301 W Reno Ave, OKC

Features art by Oklahoma-based artists Debra Elizabeth Martin and Jaiye Farrell. Martin’s vibrant work reflects her identity, ancestry and community, often exploring themes of Black identity and mythology. Farell’s style of painting abstract patterns highlights the communal roots of humanity.

Feb. 1-28

African American Inventor Exhibit at Ralph Ellison Library

2000 NE 23rd St, OKC

Learn about African American Inventors in an exhibit curated by librarian and researcher Phillip Tolbert.

Ongoing

FREE Inclusion in Art – Spirit of Color from the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (virtual) features works of art by nine prolific artists of color living in Oklahoma, honoring their long-standing commitment to the arts, community, sacrifice and achievements.

FREE The Life of Clara Luper: A Pioneer of the American Civil Rights Movement from the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (virtual) features archival material and historical information to present a timeline of Luper’s life and accomplishments.

FREE Edmond’s African American History: Land Run to Integration from Edmond History Museum (virtual) explores the history of African American families in Edmond, segregation and more.

Read

“Books inspire. They teach. They give comfort. They entertain. Books, and the information they impart, change people – usually for the better. Books that reflect your own culture and reality are critical.” – Camille Landry

Camille Landry, a writer, political activist and the owner Nappy Roots Books, an independent African American bookstore, art gallery, gathering space and community center, selected several books that focused on the rich history of African Americans. Here are a few of her selections:

• The Hello, Goodbye Window, written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Chris Raschka. This delightful picture book tells the story of a biracial little girl and her relationship with her grandparents, who provide a magical place for her to stay when Mom and Dad are busy.
• Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison and Kwesi Johnson. Two picture books that chronicle some of the exceptional people in Black history. These books are sure to be a welcome addition to any child’s library. They will also serve as inspirations for children to know that they can do anything they set their mind to, no matter what challenges they may face in life.
• Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Centered around Arturo Schomburg, this book tells the story of how his collection of books, letters, music and art found its way to becoming a collection at the New York Public Library.
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. The Watsons are headed to Birmingham to visit their grandmother. During their visit, their Grandmother’s church is bombed. Taking place at the time of the 16th Street Baptist Church

For more books that celebrate the Black experience that can be enjoyed by young readers of every race and nationality, read Landry’s blog about how Black history is American history.

Bonus: 

Extend your storytime with these coloring pages by Angela Charles highlighting Black historical figures Ruby Bridges, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Madam CJ Walker and Frederick Douglass.

Angela Charles is the creator behind Tote Box Kids, a virtual store on the Teachers Pay Teachers online marketplace. 

Eat

“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou

For even more local events and things to do, visit our searchable calendar fill with family-friendly events every day of the week. Or sign up for our e-newsletters to get all of MetroFamily’s best resources sent right to your inbox!