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.

2024 Black History Month

Pioneers of African American Cinema at Gateway Film Center

This winter, watch a collection of the earliest African American films, celebrating the work of our nation’s groundbreaking filmmakers. Read more about the collaboration and see the schedule/book tickets on the website. 

The Ohio Statehouse Black History Month

The Ohio Statehouse celebrates Black History Month in February with free historical performances 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.  

Feb. 6, 2024: THE LINCOLN SCHOOL STORY, hosted by Melvin Barnes of Ohio Humanities
Feb. 13, 2024:THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN CENTRAL OHIO, with the Columbus Metropolitan Library
Feb. 20, 2024: THE LINCOLN THEATER, presented by Executive Director Suzan Bradford
Feb. 27, 2024: THE HENRY BOX BROWN SHOW, performed by Rory Rennick

More details here.

Black Joy: A Family Film Series at McConnell Arts Center

The series is presented in partnership with the Worthington Alliance of Black Families and Educators and Worthington Libraries, and sponsored by the Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries.

Tickets are free; reservations required. (Details.) Refreshments available for purchase.

February 3, 2024: The Woman King
February 10, 2024: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
March 9, 2024: The Princess and the Frog

McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St, Worthington, OH 43085 614.431.0329

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.

Black History Month and Presidents Day at Ohio History Center

All Arts Day – Aminah Robinson Day

February 17, 2024 from 12 pm – 4 pm at the King Arts Complex

Each February, The King Arts Complex honors the life and legacy of one Columbus’ most celebrated artists at the Annual Aminah Robinson Family Day.

This special event is an opportunity for people of all ages to create art with local visual artists, enjoy music, and learn more about Aminah’s rich contributions to the world of art. All Arts Day is a free, community event; register here. Registration is required.

Surround yourself in inspiration and storytelling with themed projects inspired by her work. Kick-start your imaginations with prompts designed for a wide range of ages, abilities and materials. These workshops are free and supplies are provided.

Student Life Center for Belonging and Social Change at The Ohio State University 

The Multicultural Center is hosting a variety of activities for United Black World Month. If you are a student or want to pass the information on to a student, check out the calendar here. which includes book club meetings, speakers, conversations, and more.

African American Heritage Festival

The Art of Black Wall Street: Honoring the Essence of Black Creativity and Ambition

February 23, 2024

Location: Hale Hall MLK Lounge and Rooms 1100 A&B

The special initiatives and outreach committee presents an event centered around Black Wall Street. This event is an homage to the creativity and wealth developed during this era. To coincide with The 2024 Black History Month theme of The Arts. This expo-style event will highlight student organizations and exhibitions of black artists 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.

Columbus Black History Tours

Learn the ins and outs of Columbus’ Black History with tour guide, author and local historian, Rita Fuller-Yates. Uncover the history of notable buildings such as the Lincoln Theatre, the Pythian Theater, St. Paul African Episcopal Methodist Church and more. 

Tours are available virtually at any time or in person for groups pending availability.

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.