1. Do The Right Thing Movie Showing
FEB. 7 AT 7 P.M. | ORIENTAL THEATER
Milwaukee Film’s Black History Month Programming, curated by Black Lens Programmer Ty Williams, kicks off the series with Do The Right Thing. The film follows an Italian pizzeria owner, Salvatore “Sal” Fragione, in Brooklyn who becomes confronted by a neighborhood local, Buggin’ Out, for his Hall of Fame only featuring Italian actors. He believes a pizzeria in a Black neighborhood should showcase Black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbolism of hate to Buggin’ Out and others in the neighborhood. Tickets are available at the door.
2. Black History Month Challenge Kickoff
FEB. 8 FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M. | MILWAUKEE CENTRAL LIBRARY
Milwaukee Public Library’s Black History Month Reading Challenge kickoff will have art, activities and tabling from Lush Popcorn, The Classic Shoppe and America’s Black Holocaust Museum.
3. Kids Tour Day!! Black History Month
FEB. 8 FROM 11 A.M.-1 P.M. | WISCONSIN BLACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY/MUSEUM
Bring your kiddos to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum’s kid tour day and learn about Wisconsin’s Black history, featuring an African dance workshop, artwork station, storytelling and a history presentation.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
4. Drop-In Tour: Art By Artists Of The African Diaspora
FEB. 8, 15 AND 22 FROM 2-3 P.M. | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Join a museum docent to learn more about how artists of the African diaspora document their lives, spread stories of their community and address social justice issues through their work. This drop-in experience is included with museum admission and no registration is required.
5. Walking Tour: Stories Of Strength – Honoring Black Milwaukeeans
FEB. 9 FROM NOON-2 P.M. | FOREST HOME CEMETERY AND ARBORETUM
Explore the Forest Home Cemetery and learn about Milwaukee’s rich Black history, dating back to the 1800s, on the “Stories of Strength” tour. This event will spotlight influential Black community members, including early settlers, entrepreneurs, authors, co-founders of the St. Mark AME Church and more. Tickets are available online.
6. Lyrical Sancturary Featuring RJ Riddle
FEB. 12 FROM 6-9 P.M. | UWM STUDENT UNION
This creative writing workshop will feature an open mic performance from RJ Riddle, who combines spoken word with rap and his jazz/funk sounds. His way of combining genres creates an immersive experience that make his words come to life on stage.
7. UWM Black History Month Celebration Game
FEB. 13 AT 7 P.M. | PANTHER ARENA
Celebrate Black History Month by watching the UWM men’s basketball team compete against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The game is also a UWM Alumni Social night, with light snacks, exclusive giveaways and court-side access to the game. Tickets are available online.
8. Saturday Storytime Series: Celebrating Black History Month
FEB. 15 AND 22 | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM
For families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6), the Milwaukee Public Museum will have hand-on activities and a story time that celebrate Black history on Feb. 15 and 22. This event is free with admission and no registration is required; it is first come, first served as classroom capacity allows.
9. Black Businesses Through the Years: A Roadmap for Success
FEB 19 FROM 4-5:30 P.M. | UWM SCHOOL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION CONFERENCE CENTER IN DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education is hosting a public leadership event to celebrate Black entrepreneurship. Gain insight on how to grow a successful business, hear from local and national business owners, create connections with community of business owners and leaders and build partnerships that influence growth. This event is free. Registration is required for the in-person event or watch the live stream on YouTube.
10. Black History Month Wine Dinner
FEB. 19 FROM 6-8:30 P.M. | PASTA TREE RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
Milwaukee Wine Academy and Dr. Jeffrey Coleman are hosting a night of food, wine and storytelling to celebrate Black History Month. Each course is paired with wines that compliment the rich flavors of the meal. This curated dining experience celebrates Black culinary and winemaking traditions through a crafted menu by Chef Suzzette Metcalfe. Tickets are available online.
11. Reconstruction Revisted: The Power Of Literary & Collective Action
FEB. 20 FROM 6-8 P.M. | DIVERSE DINING MARKET
Educator and historian Ashely Miner is a guest speaker at Diverse Dining to share about the transformative influence of education and unity during a pivotal era in American History. Learn about the strength of unity within the people while enjoying a meal and immersive activities with fellow community members. Reserve your spot online.
12. ‘Love N Struggle’ Exibition Reception
FEB. 21 FROM 4-7 P.M. | MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN
The reception for “Love N Struggle,” an exhibition from MIAD’s Black Leaders & Artist Coalition, is on Feb. 21. The exhibition draws inspiration from James Baldwin’s writing. View student works that explore love and resistance and their impact on the Black experience. “Love N Struggle” is on view from Jan. 31 to March 1, 2025.
13. Flowers And Love
FEB. 22 FROM 4-5:30 P.M. | THE CATACOMBS OF NETO ART MUSEUM
At the The Catacombs of Neto Art Museum, explore the poetic works of guest artist Kavon Cortez Jones, a Milwaukee storyteller and poet. He’ll be doing a poetry reading from his works, which include themes of love, flowers and connection to celebrate friendship and unity.
14. The Sound Of Gospel
FEB. 23 AT 3 P.M. | PABST THEATER
Pabst Theater is celebrating Black History Month with a show written and produced by William Pierce of 2nd Chance Outreach. The audience will go on a historical journey through work and freedom songs, ring shouts, choirs and quartets, all the way up to today’s contemporary and urban gospel. Tickets are available online.
15. Malcom X Movie Showing
FEB. 23 AT 3 P.M. | ORIENTAL THEATER
The Malcom X tribute film is included in the Milwaukee Film’s 2025 Black History Month Programming. The Black activist and leader struggled for Black liberation and hit rock bottom when imprisoned in the ’50s. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride. Tickets are available at the door.
16. Stars, Stories, & Rhythms of Africa
FEB. 26 FROM 7-8 P.M. | UWM PLANETARIUM
Celebrate Black History Month by stargazing at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee planetarium. Enjoy a night of music and storytelling under the stars.
17. MAS Black Owned Biz Market
FEB. 26 FROM 4:30-6:30 P.M. | MILWAUKEE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
Shop from local Black owned businesses at the Milwaukee Academy of Science’s Black-owned business market.
18. VIBEZ Art & Literature Program
FEB. 28 FROM 5:30-7:30 P.M. | VIBEZ CREATIVE ART SPACE
End the month-long celebration by immersing yourself to a night of art, literature and interactive activities. This family-friendly event will feature guided painting sessions led by Black artists, readings from Black authors, historical puzzles, trivia and a community art showcase. Art activity prices start at $10. Admission to the event is free but space is limited. Reserve your spot online.
