Every February, we celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans. From breakthroughs in the arts to landmark civil rights cases, St. Louis has played a crucial role in Black culture and history. This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting some ways to celebrate and learn about African American history.
the harlem of st. louis
In the first half of the 20th century, Mill Creek Valley was a hub for Black life in St. Louis. It was the birthplace of ragtime, the home of St. Louis’ major Black newspapers and a center for social activism. The Missouri History Museum is exploring the rich history of the neighborhood through its exhibit, Mill Creek: Black Metropolis. For Black History Month, the museum is hosting a special Thursday Night at the Museum event inspired by the exhibit, including performances, discussion and more.
2/12 | Missouri History Museum | 5-8 p.m.
inspired by history
In celebration of Black History Month, Jazz St. Louis is debuting a new jazz suite presenting a musical portrait of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Composed by Jazz St. Louis president and CEO Victor Goines, “The MLK Suite” will premiere with a performance by the Jazz St. Louis Big Band and acclaimed trombonist Wycliffe Gordan. The work draws from jazz, blues and gospel traditions to explore King’s spiritual foundation and values as well as key moments for his life.
2/20 and 2/21 | Jazz St. Louis | 7:30 p.m.
a ride through history
Across its 314 acres, Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum is home to many pieces of Black history. It’s the final resting place of abolitionists and civil rights leaders, such as Mother Baltimore, John Berry Meachum and Ida Woolfolk. Explore that legacy with the African American History Trolley Tour. The two-hour tour shares intriguing stories of Black History and highlights of the cemetery grounds and monuments.
2/21 | Bellefontaine Cemetery | 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
the power of song
For more than 30 years, the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus has shared the power of music from the African diaspora. Every year, its Black History Month celebration concert, Lift Every Voice, features works by African-American composers, arrangers and performers. This year, the event will honor the achievement of renowned vocalist and choral composer Rosephanye Dunn Powell. Guest soloist Imara Ashton Miles joins the SLSO for an unforgettable evening celebrating the variety and depth of Black musical expression.
2/27 | Powell Hall | 7:30 p.m.
civil rights in the stl
Written for upper elementary school readers, Standing Up for Civil Rights in St. Louis presents the special place St. Louis has in the Civil Rights Movement. Authors Amanda Doyle and Melanie Adams share the extraordinary work of local men and women in the fight for civil rights, starting in the pre-Civil War era and continuing all the way to protests in Ferguson in 2014. Packed with inspiring stories. The book includes primary sources, historic photographs and modern illustrations to tell the story.
Available at Sold on St. Louis at the Missouri History Museum
