The month of February has been dedicated as “Black History Month” for 53 years now. A month that was originally observed by the people of the United States is now federally recognized by the governments in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Lasting from February 1st to March 1st, Black History Month is a time in which the contributions and successes of African Americans in this country are celebrated, despite their sacrifices.

The city of Louisville has taken it upon itself to hold events with the goal to educate, promote, and celebrate Black history and culture in our local community. Below, you can find details on a few of the many events that Louisville will be hosting throughout the month of February. 

Unlocking our Lost Stories

A tour visiting 10 cities, including Louisville! An opportunity to hear stories of unsung local heroes of Black entrepreneurship. 

WHERE: Loft, The Biscuit Lounge, 120 S. 10th St.

WHEN: Feb. 2 from 5:30-8 p.m.

OTHER: Entry is free, but reservations are requested. To reserve your spot, visit eventbrite.com 

DeRay Davis 

Comedian and actor, DeRay Davis, comes to Louisville! 

WHERE: Louisville Comedy Club, 110 W. Main St.

WHEN: Feb. 3 at 7:30 and 10:15 p.m.; Feb. 4 and 7 at 9:45 p.m.; Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.

OTHER: Tickets as low as $35.00! Buy tickets at louisvillecomedy.com

Black History Month Film Series: ‘Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am’ 

The first of four BHM film series films to show at LFPL. “Author Toni Morrison leads an assembly of her peers, critics and colleagues on an exploration of race, history, America and the human condition.” PG-13. 

WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.

WHEN: Feb. 5 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

OTHER: Discussion will follow the film. Entry is free, but registration is required. To register, call 502-574-1611 or check out lfpl.org 

BLatinX: Fast Class Celebrating Puerto Rico’s African Heritage 

UofL associate professor, Dr. Thomas Wayne Edison will lead discussion regarding the history, music, and poetry that reflect Puerto Rico’s communities of African heritage.

WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.

WHEN: Feb. 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

OTHER: This event is held by MyLibraryU. Entry is free, if you have any questions contact the library at 502-574-1611 or find information online at lfpl.org

Trevor Noah: Off the Record Tour

Comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and former television host, Trevor Noah, comes to Louisville. Emmy and Peabody Award-winner will be performing at the Palace this month!

WHERE: Louisville Palace, 625 S. Fourth St.

WHEN: Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

OTHER: Tickets as low as $74.00! Visit the Palace’s website at louisvillepalace.com 

Black Superhero Showcase 

For younger Louisville residents, the library will be showcasing a variety of media including graphic novels, artwork, and activities. These works will specifically feature some of the media’s most popular and lesser-known Black superheroes. 

WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Portland Branch, 3305 Northwestern Parkway

WHEN: Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.

OTHER: For children ages 5 and under. Come dressed as your favorite superhero! Entry is free and more information can be found on the library’s website at lfpl.org

Black History Month Film Series: ‘Aftershock’

The second of four BHM film series films to show at LFPL. “A disproportionate number of Black women are failed every year by the U.S. maternal health system. Shamony Gibson and Amber Rose Isaac die due to childbirth complications. Now, their partners and families sound a rallying cry around this crisis.” TV-MA

WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.

WHEN: Feb. 12 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

OTHER: Discussion will follow the film. Entry is free, but registration is required. To register, call 502-574-1611 or check out lfpl.org 

History Deep Dives: Shelby Lockhart’s Family History Journey

As a part of the Daytime History Speaker Series, Shelby Lockhart will speak about her journey in researching her family’s history. Lockhart will also provide listeners with advice to apply to their own research as she shares how she located her ancestors’ country of origin in Africa and uncovered her family’s stories. 

WHERE: Carnegie Center for Art & History, 201 E. Spring St., New Albany, Indiana

WHEN: Feb. 14 from noon to 1 p.m.

OTHER: Entry is free, however registration is required. Check out carnegiecenter.org to register. 

Black Inventors Family Storytime 

The library hosts an educational event about Black inventors. Everything from the traffic light to the potato chip, to the modern home security system were all created by Black inventors. Learn more about these inventions through books, a craft, and– of course– a potato chip eating contest.

WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Southwest Branch, 9725 Dixie Highway.

WHEN: Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.

OTHER: Entry is free, but registration is requested. Call the library at 502-933-0029, or visit lfpl.org 

Black History Month Film Series: ‘Till’ 

The third of four BHM film series films to show at LFPL. “The true story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who was brutally lynched in 1955 while visiting his cousins in Mississippi.” PG-13

WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.

WHEN: Feb. 19 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

OTHER: Discussion will follow the film. Entry is free, but registration is required. To register, call 502-574-1611 or check out lfpl.org 

17th Annual Thomas Merton Black History Month Lecture

For the 17th year, the Thomas Merton Black History Month lecture is occuring in Louisville! Craig A. Ford, Jr., professor at St. Norbert College is leading this year’s Black History Month seminar on “Letters to a White Liberal, In a Queer Key.” Professor Ford is a sought-out speaker, and a known author. 

WHERE: Hilary’s, Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Road

WHEN: Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

OTHER: Entry to this event is free. Call 502-272-8187 or check out merton.org/visit.aspx; merton.org/Events/#CF with any questions!

A Night with the Sages 

A panel discussion with sages including Diane Whitlock (UofL), Elmer Lucille Allen (Brown Forman), Karen Ash (Humana), David Cosby (Louisville Gas and Electric) and Carol Jones Clay (Republic Bank). This panel will discuss, honor and celebrate the trailblazers who have had successful careers in some of Louisville’s most distinguished businesses.  

WHERE: Republic Bank Foundation YMCA, 1720 W. Broadway

WHEN: Feb. 22 from 6-7:30 p.m.

OTHER: Entry is free, more information can be found at eventbrite.com

Craig Robinson 

Craig Robinson (otherwise known as Daryll from ‘The Office’) is in Louisville! The standup comedian will be performing for a weekend in the city, so don’t miss out! 

WHERE: Louisville Comedy Club, 110 W. Main St.

WHEN: Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 24 at 7 and 10:15 p.m.; Feb. 25 at 7 and 9:45 p.m.

OTHER: Tickets start at $40.00. To get yours, visit louisvillecomedy.com

Deep Greenwood ‘The Hidden Truth of Black Wallstreet’

The history of the affluent Black community known as the Greenwood district, otherwise referred to as “Black Wallstreet”, this play will showcase a fact-based story about people coming together and forming a Black business district. This play will unfold, telling the story of how this community stood together through a series of events that eventually led to the one of the deadliest, untold 12 hours in US History. 

WHERE: Louisville Memorial Auditorium, 970 S. 4th St.

WHEN: Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.

OTHER: Tickets are available for as low as $42.50. Get yours at eventbrite.com

Louisville Orchestra’s ‘Aretha: A Tribute’ 

The Louisville Orchestra presents a  tribute to the Queen of Soul. This show will feature symphony favorite Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Shaw performing Aretha’s iconic hits. 

WHERE: Whitney Hall, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.

WHEN: Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

OTHER: Tickets as low as $32.00. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit louisvilleorchestra.org

Black History Month Film Series: ‘My Name is Pauli Murray’ 

The fourth of four BHM film series films to show at LFPL. “Fifteen years before Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat, Pauli Murray fights for social justice. A non-binary Black lawyer, activist, poet, and priest, Murray influences both Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Thurgood Marshall.” PG-13

WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.

WHEN: Feb. 26 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

OTHER: Discussion will follow the film. Entry is free, but registration is required. To register, call 502-574-1611 or check out lfpl.org 

The Humanity Archive: Book Launch 

Jermaine Fowler, host of the history podcast “The Humanity Archive,” is launching his new book, also titled “The Humanity Archive.” 

WHERE: Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.

WHEN: Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.

OTHER: Entry is free, but registration is requested. To register, call 502-574-1611 or visit lfpl.org

These 17 activities are a great way to become more educated about Black culture and to celebrate Black History Month. While this month was federally recognized to officially bring attention to the contributions of African Americans to the United States, we should acknowledge such contributions every month and every day.