9 Black History Month events + more ways to celebrate in Birmingham

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Once recognized as Black History Week, the month of February has been designated as Black History Month since 1976.

As a city with rich ties to the Civil Rights Movement, Birmingham is not short of ways to commemorate the role African American leaders have played in U.S. history. Keep reading for nine events and other ways to celebrate all month long.

Celebrate Black History Month in Birmingham

Learn about Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights Movement at these historic landmarks:

1. Black History Month + Valentine’s Day Festival

Support local Black-owned businesses at this first-of-its-kind Black History Month and Valentine’s Day Festival.

You can shop for gifts such as:

Jewelry
T-shirts
Candles
Soaps, body oils + fragrances
Books
Organic food, juices + desserts

When: Saturday, February 1 | Noon-6PM
Where: Yolaine’s Enhancing Skincare, 1900 C 11th Avenue S Birmingham, AL, 35205
RSVP

2. UAB Men’s Basketball Black History Month kickoff

UAB Men’s Basketball is taking on the Charlotte 49ers tomorrow, February 1 at Bartow Arena.

Members of the UAB Black Alumni Association are invited to cheer on the Blazers during this Black History Month kickoff game.

When: Saturday, February 1 | 1PM
Where: Bartow Arena, 617 13th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Tickets: Starting at $12 | UAB Black Alumni Network: $5

3. Tuskegee Airmen Lunch & Learn

Dr. Lisa Bratton, who once served as a historian for the National Park Service’s Tuskegee Airmen Oral History Project, will present “The Tuskegee Airmen—In Their Own Words.”

Held at Trussville Public Library, this lunch and learn event will reflect on the significance of the military pilots who fought in World War II.

When: Wednesday, February 5 | 11AM
Where: Trussville Public Library, 201 Parkway Dr, Trussville, AL 35173
RSVP

4. Knocking at the Door: The Life and Legacy of Dr. James Montgomery

In 1964, Dr. James Montgomery became the first Black doctor to practice medicine at UAB Hospital. Working alongside activists like Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Dr. Montgomery fought to integrate hospitals, improve healthcare for Black residents and open doors for the next generation of Black healthcare workers.

Learn more about Dr. Montgomery’s life and legacy through the Knocking at the Door discussion at UAB.

When: Wednesday, February 5 | Noon
Where: 4th floor of Lister Hill Library, 1700 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
RSVP

5. Revisiting Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’

Dr. Meena Krishnamurthy, an Associate Professor at Queen’s University, is coming to UAB to present her new book. The Emotions of Nonviolence highlights Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’ and uncovers how moral emotions motivate nonviolent action.

Join the conversation about this famous letter, the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and how protests, images and letters motivate transformative political action.

When: Thursday, February 6 | 4PM
Where: UAB National Alumni Society House, 1301 10th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205
RSVP

6. Dedication: In Honor of Black History Month

Kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to Dedication—a tribute to Black historical figures who have made their mark in music, sports and American culture.

A video will be shown to provide history for the featured icon, and then the band will play a number that represents each person’s life.

When: Wednesday, February 12 | 10AM
Where: Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
RSVP

7. Black History Month Movie @ Titusville Public Library

It’s movie night at Titusville Public Library! Grab your friends and come out for a commemorative Black History Month movie. Popcorn is provided.

When: Monday, February 17 | 10:30AM
Where: Titusville Public Library, 2 6th Ave SW, Birmingham, AL, 35211
RSVP: Call 205.322.1140

8. Social Justice Cafe: Forced Prison Labor and Convict Leasing

In this virtual event hosted by UAB and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, you can explore the history of prison labor in Alabama and across the U.S.

Leading conversation will be:

Barry McNealy, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Dr. Victoria Westmont, UAB Department of Anthropology
Tyler Malugani, Sloss Furnances

When: Wednesday, February 19 | 4PM
RSVP for virtual event

9. Community Sewing Workshop for the Jefferson County Memorial Quilt

A Jefferson County Memorial Quilt will be created in honor of the 33 African Americans who were lynched in Jefferson County from the mid-19th through the mid-20th century.

You can be a part of this initiative—sign up for the community sewing workshop and seek to “reckon with Central Alabama’s haunting history of racial violence and propel racial reconciliation.”