February is Black History Month which means organizations across the metro are hosting a variety of family-friendly events and exhibitions, both in-person and virtually, 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. 28, 2021. 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.)
Feb. 2
FREE “Race and Place: Yellow Fever and the Free African Society in Philadelphia,” Pandemic Perspectives: Stories Through Collections with the Oklahoma History Center (virtual). Panelists will explore the work of the Free African Society during the pandemic along with a discussion of the backlash that emerged against the Free African Society in the wake of the epidemic. 3-4 p.m.
Feb. 4-26
Life at Hunter’s Home: Voices of Enslaved People with Hunter’s Home Park Hill Plantation (Facebook) features virtual programming that gives voice to the enslaved residents of the home. Videos available on the Facebook group include site tours where online visitors can learn more about the enslaved people who carried out the farm and domestic work at the Park Hill plantation. $10.
Feb. 6
Kids Take Over the Cowboy at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St). In honor of Black History Month, learn about a few of the many contributions by Black people to the West and Western history. Learn about Bill Pickett and his unique method of taking down a steer, try your hand at roping, talk to a Buffalo Soldier about life on the frontier and more. 10 a.m. – noon. Activities are free with admission for children while supplies last.
FREE Oklahoma African American Family Film Festival at the Oklahoma History Center (online) features a presentation of films documenting the history and culture of the African American experience in Oklahoma. This year’s festival will be held virtually and the focus is African American pioneers on the Oklahoma frontier.
Feb. 27
FREE RACE Dance Collective Performance with the Metropolitan Library System (online) features an interactive dance performance to explore the rhythms and history of African American dance. 2-2:45 p.m.
Through Feb. 28
Black History Month Films at Harkins Theatre (150 E Reno Ave) features films that highlight inspiring stories and trailblazing roles from the African American Community. From civil rights and desegregation to sports and the music industry, these films educate and entertain the whole family. Two films are shown each day. $5. See website for showtimes.
Through March 2
FREE Still Here: The Cosmology of Black Resilience An Interdisciplinary Art Exhibition at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno Ave) features Black artists as they acknowledge what it means to be Black and resilient. Monday & Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Through May 31
A Place for All People: Introducing the National Museum of African American History and Culture at Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library (406 E Oklahoma Ave, Guthrie) features a commemorative poster exhibition highlighting key artifacts that tell the rich and diverse story of the African American experience. From the child-size shackles of a slave and the clothing worn by Carlotta Walls on her first day at Little Rock Central High School to Chuck Berry’s Gibson guitar he called “Maybellene” and the track shoes worn by Olympian Carl Lewis, the exhibition presents a living history that reflects challenge, triumph, faith and hope. Adults, $7; seniors (62 & up) & kids (6 – 18), $5; kids (5 & under) free; Family (up to 6 people), $18. Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Opening this Spring
FREE Crystal Z Campbell: Flight at Oklahoma Contemporary (11 NW 11th St) uses light, sound and digital film projection to explore the physical, architectural and cultural residue of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Advance reservations required. Wednesday-Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, until 9 p.m.
Ongoing
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.
The Conversation Workshops, a locally-based grassroots effort to provide insight about race and its effects on our social, economic and political contexts, offers a guide to learn about Black leaders, historic and modern day, every day this month, plus links for music, interviews and more that illustrations how Black history is a shared history. 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!
