Events Honoring Black History Month in Tulsa

February is Black History Month; here are some ways local organizations are honoring this important month. Find more ideas in Dr. Tamecca Rogers’ February 2023 TulsaKids article, “Black History 365.”

We will add more information as it becomes available. If you know of an event that could be added, please email our calendar editor, tara.rittler@gmail.com.

Freedom Fridays at Greenwood Cultural Center

• Fridays, Jan. 31-March 7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (reserve tickets online ahead of time)
• Greenwood Rising, 23 N. Greenwood Ave.

Greenwood Rising will offer free admission to the History Center every Friday for Oklahoma residents from January 31 through March 7. “Freedom Fridays” is a partnership between Greenwood Rising and TTCU Federal Credit Union. The free admission is courtesy of TTCU Federal Credit Union, a founding sponsor of Greenwood Rising. Reserve tickets online – see greenwoodrising.org/freedom-fridays-ttcu for important details.

12th Black Wall Street Heritage and History Festival

• Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Historic Big 10 Ballroom, 1624 E. Apache

“Black Mothers Matter” is the theme of the 12th Annual Black Wall Street Heritage & History Festival. The guest speaker is Dr. Art S. Williams. Hosts include Duke Durant, Ashlee D. Pene, and DJ Hitman.

The event will include vendors, dancing, drumming, spoken word, poetry, prize giveaways, education and history. There will also be a Soul Food Showdown where food businesses present their signature dish for participants to vote for their favorite.

The festival will also honor 24 Black mothers with a 16” x 20” wall calendar. Hear their stories and get your calendar signed.

The event will be held at the historic Big 10 Ballroom, 1624 E. Apache. Tickets may be purchased at Black Wall Street Market, 5616 N. Osage Dr.; 918.770.6020 or at the door for a $10 donation. African attire is encouraged.

Celebrate Black History Month: “African Americans and Labor” Exhibit

• Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m.
• Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford Ave.

Kick off Black History Month with an exhibit on this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor.” The exhibit will feature information about African Americans and the labor movement. Come and see the exhibit and enjoy activities, food and fun. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore the African American Resource Center. For all ages.

Jack & Jill Living Museum

• Sunday, Feb. 9, 2-4 p.m.
• Philbrook Museum, 2727 S. Rockford Rd.

Celebrate Black History Month with Philbrook and the Tulsa chapter of Jack and Jill, a national organization dedicated to raising the next generation of Black leaders. Local children and families will present a captivating living museum using interactive exhibits and storytelling that spotlight the accomplishments and contributions of influential Black leaders across history.

Celebrate Black History Month: Free Film Screening – The Killing Floor

• Thursday, Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m.
• Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave.

Join the African American Resource Center and the Circle Cinema for a free screening of The Killing Floor (1984, rated PG), starring Damien Leake and Tulsa native Alfre Woodard. Based on real individuals and real events, The Killing Floor follows Black sharecroppers from Mississippi who move to Chicago for better employment opportunities. Soon, however, they must confront racism, labor disputes and union organizing. Concessions will be available for purchase. For all ages.

Creative Truths: A History Book Discussion

• Saturday, Feb. 15, 9-10 a.m.
• Herman and Kate Kaiser Library, 5202 S. Hudson Ave.

Join librarians Mark and Barbie to discuss Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People by Tiya Miles. Read the book and then join us for a lively discussion. The program will be held before the library opens, so please follow signs to the rear door of the building to attend the discussion. Email HK@tulsalibrary.org for more information. For adults.

Celebrate Black History Month: African Presence in Early America II

• Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford Ave.

Inspired by author Ivan Van Sertimas’ book, African Presence in Early America, Kashif Rashad Nuriddin, an educator and student of the topic, will present findings from first-hand travels, books and other scholarly research, including some connections to Oklahoma, aligning with the resources in the African American Resource Center. A taste of Nigerian refreshments will be served. Hosted by the Friends of the Rudisill Regional Library. For adults and teens.

Celebrate Black History Month: Kids’ Craft Club – Traffic-Light Paper Mosaic

• Thursday, Feb. 20 ● 4-5 p.m.
• Nathan Hale Library, 6038 E. 23rd St.

In honor of Black History Month, we’ll make a craft inspired by the inventor of the traffic light, Garrett Morgan. Supplies are provided but are limited. For elementary schoolers.

Black Culture Extravaganza: STEM Edition

• Saturday, Feb. 22, 1-3 p.m.
• Jane A. Malone Center in Chamberlain Park, 4940 N. Frankfort Ave.

Join Tulsa Parks for a captivating celebration of Black Culture on February 22, as we honor the history, heritage, and contributions of the Black community.

Our Black Culture Extravaganza is a day of unity, enlightenment, and celebration through art, music, history, and STEM. We’ll also have amazing vendors, too. Save the date and join us for an unforgettable experience that pays tribute to the vibrant and influential Black Culture. Together, we’ll explore, appreciate, and celebrate the artistry, resilience, and beauty of Black history and heritage. Don’t miss this extraordinary event!

Celebrate Black History Month: Sista’ Chat Book Club

• Saturday, Feb. 22 ● 2-3:30 p.m.
• Suburban Acres Library, 4606 N. Garrison Ave.

Sista’ Chat Book Club celebrates Black History Month and starts the year off with a discussion of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams. We also will share our favorite Nikki Giovanni poem in honor of her being a literary royalty! For adults.

Celebrate Black History Month: African American Heritage Bowl

• Wednesday, Feb. 26 ● 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford Ave.

Test your knowledge on “African Americans and Labor” in the African American Resource Center’s annual Heritage Bowl. This trivia-style bowl will include several rounds of questions on this year’s Black History Month theme. The bowl is open to middle school, high school and community teams. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded in all three categories. Registration for teams is required. To register a team or for more information, email larissa.mcneil@tulsalibrary.org.

Celebrate Black History Month: Kids’ Craft Club – Abstract Art

• Thursday, Feb. 27 ● 4-5 p.m.
• Nathan Hale Library, 6038 E. 23rd St.

In honor of Black History Month, we will make abstract art inspired by Alma Thomas. Supplies are provided but are limited. For children ages 5 and older.