Black History Celebrations in Houston

Black History Month in Houston has a lot of activities that for everyone that wants to learn, celebrate and participate in African American heritage events. Take a look at this sampling of just a few of the things that are on tap.

African American Heritage Month Film Festival
Central Library Wednesday, February 17 | 10 AM – 8 PM
Join them for a day of films that celebrate the African American heritage of Texas. For more information, please call 832-393-1313.

Alafia Gaidi, lead percussionist and singer for the award-winning group D.R.U.M. incorporates imaginative stories and games using African drums and other traditional percussion instruments of Africa.
Bracewell Neighborhood Library | Tuesday, February 2 | 11:30 AM
Walter Neighborhood Library | Tuesday, February 2 |4 PM
HPL Express Southwest | Friday, February 5 | 9 AM
Carnegie Neighborhood Library | Monday, February 15 | 3:30 PM
Flores Neighborhood Library | Wednesday, February 24 | 4 PM
The African American Library at the Gregory School Saturday, February 27 | 3 PM

Handle Yo Buznez
Charlie Berry shares familiar songs and several of her original tunes which promote positive values and belief in oneself.
Smith Neighborhood Library | Friday, February 3 | 4:30 PM

A versatile musician, Rickey Ford offers an exciting one-man show sharing his expertise in saxophone, flute, piano, clarinet, piano, oboe, and vocals playing everything from classical to rock, to reggae, to funk, the blues, gospel, jazz, alternative, rock, zydeco/Cajun, Latin jazz, country and R&B.

Zydeco & Blues
JABO, the man called the “Texas Prince of Zydeco”, creates musical magic with his accordion and offers samples of “ZydeBlues” – a mixture of zydeco and blues music.

Moody Neighborhood Library | Wednesday, February 17 | 3 PM
Central Library | Saturday, February 20| 12 PM

Martin Luther King Revisited
The dynamic speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are revisited by C. Anthony Jackson. He takes you on an exciting journey back to the life and times of the courageous African American leader.
Central Library | Saturday, February 6 | 2 PM

As “The Griot”, Kijana takes you on a time trip to the dawn of time – portraying an African maiden whose job it is to teach them to sing and dance with her the music of a South African Xhosa “click” song for a wedding they will all be attending. She then takes them to America, singing gospel then closing with the music of 20th century jazz ladies.

Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library |Wednesday, February 10 |10 AM
African American Library at the Gregory School |Saturday, March 13 | 3 PM

Terry Parker mesmerizes audiences with his silky smooth renditions of the music of the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, including some of the world greatest legends: Nat King Cole, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Little Anthony, The Platters and Smokie Robinson.

Henington-Alief Regional |Monday, February 22 | 3 PM

Steel Drum Magic
Shinar is the only known performer that simultaneously sings and accompanies himself on steel drums using six mallets. An avant-garde musical and portrait artist, he weaves a tale of beautiful music and eye-popping magic for young and the young at heart.

Central Library |Saturday, February 13 | 2 PM

Collier Regional Library | Saturday, February 13 | 4 PM
Lakewood Neighborhood Library |Monday, February 15 | 6:30 PM

Swingout & 2-Step
Experience the rediscovered art of American dance with these two avid performers and instructors.

Young Neighborhood Library|Saturday, February 13 | 4:30 PM

The Music of Ella & Sarah
This finalist for “Showtime at the Apollo” and NBC’s “Gimme the Mic” shares a program honoring Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. Cassandra honors these ladies of jazz while telling the stories of their rise to stardom.

Collier Regional Library |Saturday, March 6 | 2 PM

You can attend some of the Black History month films and musical performances that personify the African American experience during the African American Heritage Month Film Festival in February.

Plan to attend the musical performances by local Zydeco, Jazz and Soul artist are this month, you'll be delighted that you did. I'll keep you posted for other Houston Texas events in February.