Black History Month was created to acknowledge, congratulate and celebrate the many contributions of African Americans in the United States. It is celebrated Feb.1-28.
There are many opportunities across the Bay to join in on the celebration. Here are eight activities across the Bay to learn about the contributions African Americans have made in the Tampa Bay community.
Tampa
Walking Tour with Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center offers three unique tours centered on Black History in Tampa. Register in advance at tampabayhistorycenter.org.
- “Madame Fortune Taylor” Learn about the newly renamed Fortune Taylor Bridge (Feb. 5)
- “Black Wall Street” Central Avenue West Walking Tour (Feb. 6)
- “Harlem of the South” Central Avenue East Walking Tour (Feb. 26)
Downtown Tampa Running Tour
Various starting points in downtown Tampa
Schedule a 7K run with gorunningtours.com and discover the rich African American history of downtown Tampa! The cost ranges from $38.50 and up depending on the amount of people attending.
Join the Tampa Bay Black Excellence Challenge in honor of Black History Month!
I’ve teamed up with Karimah Henry of @craftingafunlife to help families like yours celebrate Black History Month while supporting black owned businesses. Save their digital BINGO card to your phone and visit as many black owned businesses as you can. Get your whole family involved and turn it into a little friendly competition. There are a variety of businesses to patronize. Shop small and local at businesses such as a gym, hair studio, restaurant or pharmacy. Play along and tag @tampabaybec on Instagram! Happy Black History Month!
St. Pete
Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival
2240 9th Ave. S., St. Pete, FL 33712
Learn the rich history of collard greens in the African American community. Enjoy workshops, shopping and food at this fun family festival that occurs one day only, Saturday Feb. 19. Full details are at www.tbcgf.org.
Carter G Woodson African American Museum
2240 Ninth Ave. S., St. Pete, FL 33712
Schedule a tour with your family to learn about iconic African American leaders. Full details can be found at www.woodsonmuseum.org.
Museum of Fine Arts
255 Beach Dr. NE., St. Pete, FL 33701
View the current exhibit “Explore The Vaults: Black Portraits” until Feb. 27. This exhibit shows various approaches to visualizing Black identity and experiences. Full details can be found at www.mfastpete.org.
Clearwater/ Largo
Pinellas County African American Museum
110 Marshall St., Clearwater, FL 33755
Come out and view the “Living Legends and Lives of African Americans in Entertainment” exhibit. The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Fridays by appointment only. The exhibit runs until March 1. Full details can be found at www.curtismuseum.org.
Clearwater Countryside Library
2642 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater, FL 33761
On Feb. 19, join renowned orator Windell Campbell as he celebrates Black History Month through the art of storytelling. Campbell is a professional oral storyteller who travels the state of Florida visiting libraries and participating in their reading programs. Full details can be found at www.myclearwaterlibrary.com.
Florida Botanical Gardens
12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774
The Pinellas African American Heritage Celebration is a one-day festival at the Florida Botanical Gardens on Feb. 26. Come out and learn about this talented and diverse community in Pinellas County. Full details can be found at www.flbgfoundation.org.
*Photog credit: Miyah Jones Photography | Originally Published in the February 2022 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.
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