With an assortment of events highlighting the rich history and culture of the Black community, get ready to honor Black History Month in Wisconsin with the following celebrations and exhibitions.
“Under African Skies” at Manfred Olson Planetarium
Join Manfred Olson Planetarium for “Under African Skies” every Friday from Feb. 9 to Feb. 23. This exciting series features captivating talks by different guest speakers sharing insights into their countries, cultures and celestial connections. These guests include travelers from Eritrea, Nigeria and Kenya, from 7 to 8 p.m. Treats from Immy’s African Cuisine will also be available post-program, in addition to an indoor stargazing session. General admission to this experience is $6 and $5 for UWM students. For more information, visit uwm.edu.
Wisconsin Black Art & Culture Expo 2024
Racine
The 2024 Wisconsin Black Art & Culture Expo is back, spanning two months to celebrate Black artistic contributions. This annual event, the largest of its kind in the state, caters to art enthusiasts, collectors and music lovers. With new sponsors and added elements, the expo kicks off Black History Month in Wisconsin, featuring diverse collaborations in new venues like Racine Theatre Guild and America’s Black Holocaust Museum. Attendees will also enjoy sculpture workshops at Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace, Inc., curated art shows at UW-Parkside College of Arts and Humanities and artist talks at the Racine Art Museum. This expo will run from now until March 31. For more information, visit abhmuseum.org.
Black History Month at Madison Public Libraries
Madison
Madison Public Libraries has curated an event series throughout February that explores various facets of Black history and culture. From discussions on pivotal historical moments to book clubs delving into African American literature, each event is an opportunity to engage with and learn from the diverse narratives that shape the African American experience. Upcoming experiences include screenings of Malcolm X and Johnson Family Vacation, story hours for children and more, taking place every Friday at a participating Madison Public Library. Each event is free. For more information, visit madisonpubliclibrary.org.
Soul Food Dinner at University of Wisconsin
Green Bay
On Friday, Feb. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m., join the University of Wisconsin for a Soul Food Dinner in honor of Black History Month in Wisconsin. This exciting event is free for students and open to the public, with vibrant cuisine and an inspiring keynote speaker. Soul Food Dinner is hosted annually, with this year’s cosponsors including the Black Student Union, Student Engagement Center and Good Times Programming. For more information, visit uwgb.edu.
Children’s African Story Hour at Pinney Library
Madison
As a special treat for the community’s youngest members, Pinney Library in Madison hosts Children’s African Story Hour to help celebrate Black History Month in Wisconsin. Through captivating tales and interactive sessions, children can embark on a literary journey that celebrates African culture, fostering an early appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. This event will also feature hands-on activities, samples from different African cuisines and more enriching experiences from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19. This event is free. For more information, visit madisonpubliclibrary.org.
Milwaukee Film Presents Black History Month
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Film invites cinephiles to explore Black history through cinema throughout February. With a curated selection of films that highlight diverse perspectives, this event series provides a platform for enlightening and entertaining storytelling, showcasing Black experiences on the big screen. Upcoming screenings include Boomerang (Feb. 6), Nanny (Feb. 15), Invisible Beauty (Feb. 17), Girl (Feb. 20) and many others. For more information, visit mkefilm.org.