Black History Month events in Columbus

February is Black History Month, and there are lots of events and activities honoring the significance and celebrating the achievements by Black Americans in U.S. history.

2025 Black History Month

The Ohio Statehouse Black History Month

The Ohio Statehouse celebrates Black History Month in February with free presentations on Tuesdays at noon. The live performance are 45-minutes, followed by 15 minutes for Q&A. The events are free and open to the public.  

2/4: The Lincoln School Story with Melvin Barnes of Ohio Humanities
2/11: Lyn Ford- FROM THE HEART, SO MUCH TO DISCOVER: The Heritage of Ohio’s Black Voices
2/18: Columbus Metropolitan Library- The History of the Columbus Call & Post
2/25: NPS- Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument presents – Life and Legacy of Brigadier General Charles Young

More details here.

Events from 2024, tba for 2025

BHM25 at Gateway Film Center

Black History Month 2025 program, a thoughtfully curated selection of films which honor the rich tapestry of Black experiences and showcase the talents of groundbreaking filmmakers.

• February 6: Eleven P.M. (1928) w/live accompaniment from the Columbus Jazz Orchestra
• February 10: I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
• February 12: Crooklyn (1994)
• February 16: Cooley High (1975) 4K Restoration
• February 20: Till (2022)
• February 23: Race (2016)
• February 27: Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019)
• February 28: The Annihilation of Fish (1999)

See upcoming films and purchase tickets on the website. 

Columbus Metropolitan Library Black History Month

Our amazing library system celebrates Black History Month in February with a variety of programs, both in-person and virtual.  Check out the complete schedule featuring storytelling, poetry, music, art and history. There are lots of cool exhibits and events on the schedule!

Register at the events calendar in order to receive links to participate in these programs where registration is required. 

Black History Month with Ohio History Connection

Ohio History Connection is made up of the Ohio History Center and more than 50 historic sites throughout Ohio.

The Ohio History Connection celebrates Black History month with events at the Ohio History Center, and more at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center.

They offer a robust series of Black history programs including curator talks, discussions and interactive experiences. Some are virtual, so you can participate and enjoy from anywhere. 

See registration and full offerings on the website.

Ohio History Center: The Tea Room, Presidents Day, and more

African American Heritage Festival

Black Wall Street

February 6, 2025
Location: Hale Hall MLK Lounge

The special initiatives and outreach committee along with the NAACP at Ohio State present an event paying homage to the historical Black Wall Street. This event is an acknowledgement to the creativity and wealth developed during this era. This expo-style event will highlight student organizations and exhibitions of black artists, entrepreneurs and groups across campus.. Details here. 

Experience Columbus Black History Month Resources

You’ll find lots of ways to celebrate Black History Month with Experience Columbus. 

There are various tours, historical sites of significance and several events, exhibitions and activities for all ages scheduled throughout the month. 

CBUS SoulⓇ platform

Find themed-itineraries and a list of all of the Black-owned businesses around the city to support.

Historical Sites, Museums & Gardens

During the time of the Underground Railroad, Ohio was more active than any other state, offering more than 3,000 miles of routes to enslaved people seeking freedom. The Greater Columbus area is home to several significant stops along the Underground Railroad. 

At the Kelton House Museum & Garden in downtown’s Discovery District, visitors can tour the home of former abolitionists and learn the daily life, customs and decorative arts in 19th-century Columbus, as well as the region’s significance during the time of the Underground Railroad.

At the Dublin Historical Society, learn how Dr. Eli Morrison Pinney hid freedom seekers on his property and take a walking tour to see the speaking tube Pinney used to communicate to those seeking refuge in his barn.

In nearby Westerville, visitors can tour the Hanby House and learn about its history as an Underground Railroad stop, as well as the history of William Hanby, a white former indentured servant who escaped to Ohio, became involved in the abolitionist movement and eventually co-founded Otterbein University.

(info courtesy of Experience Columbus)

More Black History events…

We’ll be adding more events for Black History Month as we find them. Check back throughout February.

Find more great resources and inspiration about Black History on the Hallmark website.