1. Milwaukee Film – Black Lens
ALL MONTH | ORIENTAL THEATRE
Milwaukee Film’s Black Lens programming will highlight Black filmmakers, perspectives and histories with six more screenings at the Oriental Theatre this month.
2. Magical Black Tears Experience: Museum Exhibition Pilot
ALL MONTH | CREATE GALLERY AT MATC
Based on the children’s book Magical Black Tears: A Protest Story by Decoteau J. Irby, this interactive exhibit educates children on creating a world free from racism. Participants ages 4-12 are invited to learn, create and play with friends and family.
Check out the MilMag Mini!
3. Under African Skies
WEDNESDAYS AT 7 P.M. | MANFRED OLSON PLANETARIUM
Plan for a night of stargazing as you experience the skies, stories and cultural perspectives of African countries. Each Wednesday this month a special guest speaker will lead a discussion about their country, culture and connection to the stars. Tickets are available online and at a discount for UWM students.
4. Racial Healing Meditation Series
THURSDAYS AT 6 P.M. | TRICKLEBEE CAFE
Every Thursday this February Tricklebee Cafe will host a Black History Month series featuring readings from “The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning – Meditation for Racial Healing” by Dr. Catherine Meeks. The event is free and open to the public.
5. Drop-In Tour: Art by Artists of the African Diaspora
SATURDAYS FROM 2-3 P.M. | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Spend a Saturday at the art museum and be guided through the works of African American and Haitian artists featured in the collection. The drop-in tour is included with MAM admission and will explore the perspectives, experiences and social issues of the African diaspora.
6. Black History Month Trivia
FRIDAY FEB. 10 AT 8 P.M. | COMPANY BREWING
Put on your thinking cap and head to Company Brewing for a special trivia night covering all things Black history and popular culture. Win or lose, DJ Lolo will be there afterwards to provide the tunes.
7. Celebration of Black Innovators in Science and Makers Market
SATURDAY FEB. 11 | DISCOVERY WORLD
Discover the minds behind groundbreaking contributions in the world of science, technology, engineering and math. Discovery World is highlighting notable Black trailblazers through interactive exhibits and educational activities. And there will be a makers market on the promenade featuring Black-owned businesses.
8. Black Business Expo
SATURDAY FEB. 11 | MARQUETTE ALUMNI UNION HALL
Check out local creators and entrepreneurs at this free event featuring workshops, live entertainment and demonstrations. With over 40 vendors to shop, this will be a space for networking and empowerment for local Black-owned businesses. You can register for free on the event page.
9. Black History Month For Young Audiences – The Harlem Renaissance
FEB. 8-10, 15-17 AND 22-24 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Black Arts MKE is hosting a new show by playwright Malaina Moore, “Harlem Renaissance.” Icons of the era will be brought to life through music and storytelling as the production journeys through history for Milwaukee’s youth followed by a discussion. These performances are only open to schools and youth organizations.
10. The Life & Times of Kendrick Lamar
FRIDAY FEB. 17 AT 7 P.M. | COMPANY BREWING
Grab a drink and take notes while pop culture critic and music journalist Miles Marshall Lewis digs into discussion on the discography of award-winning recording artist Kendrick Lamar. After the talk, sing the night away with Element Everest-Blanks and DJ Bizzon as they lead Kendrick Karaoke.
11. Kid’s Tour Day and Open House
SATURDAY FEB. 18 AT 11 A.M.| WISCONSIN BLACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Wisconsin Black History Society is inviting children of all ages to dive into Wisconsin’s Black history through an afternoon of art and storytelling. There will be African American Civil War re-enactors, themed art projects and an African dance workshop. Tickets are available on the event page.
12. Explore Linguistics: Code Switching
TUESDAY FEB. 21 AT 5 P.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY VILLARD SQUARE
The Milwaukee Public Library is offering an educational workshop for children and families on linguistics with a special screening of the documentary “Code Switching.” The event will also feature linguistics activities and a discussion on the theme of code switching. This event is part of MPL’s Black History Month programming, and more events can be found online.
13. Crafty Social Meetup
TUESDAY FEB. 21 AT 5 P.M. | WANTABLE CAFE
Milwaukee digital creative agency Craft The Future is hosting a meetup for creatives and entrepreneurs. All are welcome to network and delve into conversation about the roles creativity, technology and mental health play in our lives and communities.
14. Black History Month Celebration
THURSDAY FEB. 23 AT 4 P.M. | SHERMAN PHOENIX MARKETPLACE
Sherman Phoenix Marketplace’s Black History Month Celebration will feature performances of traditional West African Dances and drumming by Life Center Milwaukee’s After School Program. Students will also perform Black Heritage music and original uplifting raps.
15. Blac Market
SATURDAY FEB. 25 AT 11 A.M.| Nō STUDIOS
Blac Market MKE is partnering with vintage sellers Refresh Curated Goods and Jungle Gems on a market highlighting over 20 local Black-owned creatives. Shoppers will be met with music, clothing, makers, food and drinks. The event will be held at Cafe Nō, located inside Nō Studios.
16. Growing Nation Groove Theory
SATURDAY FEB. 25 AT 8 P.M. | THE COOPERAGE
It’s been over a decade since the beloved Milwaukee musical group Growing Nation performed together live, but they’re back for one night only. As part of Milwaukee Film’s Black History Month Program, The Cooperage will host a night of performances from Milwaukee’s top-performing artists in celebration of Black music and culture. Doors open at 7 P.M.
