Black History Month 2023

Each year, February marks a time of reflection and recognition of the immense, continued impact and innovation of Black Americans.  Though this month is designated as Black History Month, it is a reminder that white supremacy has continually attempted to delegitimize the significant contributions from Black folks across history and industry.  We hope you engage, in your own way, with one (or many) of the numerous opportunities to celebrate Black History Month this February.  Here is a non-comprehensive list of some upcoming events and activities happening this month in Columbus:

• Greater CMH Art Council
  • CBUS Soul® Sculpture Trail – Black Artist Sculpture Trail, Month of February
• CMH Metro Library
  • General Black History Events, Month of February
• CMH Metro Library
  • Poetry Workshop – Black Women Poetry Collective, 1-Feb
• CMH Metro Library
  • Poetry Workshop – Black Women Poetry Collective, 2-Feb
• Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Black, Out & Proud, Zora’s House, Maroon Arts Group, Sky Nile Consulting, and The Ohio REST Collective
  • Still Waters Never Crash: Film Screening & Community Discussion, 2-Feb
• CMH Metro Library
  • Open Mic Night with Black Women Poetry Collective, 3-Feb
• Gateway Film Center
  • C. PIONEERS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CINEMA, 3-Feb
• Stonewall Center
  • Evan Matthew Blake exhibition, Owens & Kowalski Gallery, 4-Feb – 27-Feb
• CMH Metro Library
  • African American Collection Spotlight, 7-Feb
• CMH Metro Library
  • Love Letters – Black Girls Rising, Inc., 7-Feb
• Sip & Shop Boutique
  • Black History – Valentine Love, 12-Feb
• COMA
  • Black History Month Concert Pop-Up featuring the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, 12-Feb
• Ohio State House
  • Black History Month Presentation, 14-Feb
• National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
  • A Seat at the Table: Celebrating Black Resistance & Resilience in the LGBTQ+ Business Community, 21-Feb
• The Ohio State University
  • THE 45TH AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL, 24-Feb
• Ohio History Center
  • As a Matter of Black: Film Screen & Discussion, 26-Feb
• CMH Metro Library
  • Love Letters – Black Girls Rising, Inc., 26-Feb
• CMH Metro Library
  • Urban Strings Community Concert, 26-Feb
• CMH Metro Library
  • Love Letters – Black Girls Rising, Inc., 27-Feb
• Gateway Film Center
  • PIONEERS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CINEMA, 3-Mar

 

The faces that make up this collage are not just a randomized assortment of people; each of them has impacted, influenced, or inspired all of us at the Center.

(Left to right)

• Stormé DeLarverie – Icons of Pride, February 2022
• Judge Deborah Batts – Icons of Pride, March 2022
• Densil Porteous – Stonewall Executive Director at Pride 2022
• Siena Liggins – Main Stage performer, Pride 2023 (anticipated)
• Bayard Rustin – MLK Day 2022
• Khris Goins – President, Black Trans Men of Ohio (BTMO) & Leaders of Pride 2022, Trans Visibility Project participants
• Audre Lorde – Icons of Pride, February 2022
• Lisa McLymont – Creator of “Pride Circles” mural, installed December 2021, dedicated June 2022
• Anisa Love – Patron of Pride 2021
• Densil (again)
• Evan Matthew Blake – Featured exhibition artist, February 2023 in the Owens & Kowalski Gallery here in the Center
• André Leon Talley – Icons of Pride, February 2022
• Mozaic Ohio – Leaders of Pride 2022, Trans Visibility Project participants
• Josephine Baker – Icons of Pride, March 2022
• Marsha P. Johnson – Icons of Pride, October 2020
• Ron Murray – President, Stonewall Board of Trustees
• Andrea Jenkins – Icons of Pride, August 2022
• Miss Major Griffin-Gracy – Pride Countdown, May 2022