MIDTOWN LIVE: Feburary Events: Things To Do During Black History Month in Houston

Here's some more exciting February Events for you. There's still time to pencil-in some more Black history Month-2010 activities on your crowded schedule of things to do in Houston . I've added some of the incredible activities in Houston that highlight African American history.

The assortment of fun and entertainment that you can enjoy this month ranges from the sizzling hot sounds of Zydeco music and Jazz to engaging story-times for youth.

I've also put together some useful resources and events celebrating African American history from other parts of the country. I mixed in a few websites, places with more details on the contributions on African Americans in Texas and the U.S., so that you'll have plenty of stuff on African Americans to sink your chops into.

Oral History Projects

My grandma always said it's better to hear it from the horses mouth. That's one of the reasons written history isn't the only source of history. In 2009 the StoryCorps a mobile studio, stopped in Houston for three weeks to record personal interviews of local residents.

They plan to record and setup a permanent oral archive in the Library of Congress of face to face interviews with prominent citizens, well known businessmen and everyday people from all across the country, over the next decade. Our local public radio affiliate KUHF plans to air some of the Houston interviews later this year.

Mayor's Oral History Project

The city of Houston and several other major cities have several ongoing oral history projects to capture fascinating bits and pieces of their history from the last century.
Former mayor Bill White commissioned interviews of well known civic, political and business leaders that have been digitally recorded. These are people who were the eyewitnesses to the historical events that created the Houston we know and have come to love. There are a total of 100 interviews that will eventually be available to us through the Houston Public Library's webspace.

The Houston History Project

The University of Houston is creating The Houston History Project. It will be a learning laboratory for public history students. It's comprised of oral history, a history magazine and a Houston history archive. Their ultimate goal is to generate materials that can be used by teachers in public schools, universities, students, amateur historians and any one interested in Houston's vibrant history.

Famous Black Houstonians

Houston is a place where beaucoup Blacks have left a legacy that paved the way for today's African Americans. Here are some of the names of famous Black Houstonians. You should become familiar with their accomplishments during the hundreds of February events that celebrate Black history in Houston.

Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr.
The First African American to walk in outerspace.
Sherman E. Stimley
Opened the first African-American Law firm in Texas to consult exclusively in tax-exempt bond law.
Dr. Lonnie E. Smith
He was the Smith named in; Smith v. Allwright. The 1944 landmark Supreme Court case which won the right of all African-Americans to vote in Texas primary elections.

That's enough talk about February events honoring Black history in Houston. You may be curious and want to learn more about your own family's history?

Where To Research Family History In Houston

If you want to discover some really interesting facts about your family history in Houston, take time to do a little sleuthing at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. It's the best place in Houston for you to connect with your ancestors and other members of past generations.

Black History Events Online

Shape Community Center
Smithsonian Institute
Program for research for Black Americans
Buffalo Soldier Museum
History.com-Black History
African American History Month in Houston

Black History Programs In Houston