5 Black History Month Events & Exhibits in Orlando
So much of American history is Black history, and that’s why we celebrate it every February during Black History Month.
Are you unsure of what you can do to celebrate? Here’s five events and exhibits happening in Orlando this Black History Month.
1. MLK Gospel Concert
Elisfkc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This annual event enters its ninth year this Black History Month at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and brings an outstanding performance of musical excellence to the city of Orlando.
To sit in on this harmonious affair, all you need to do is bring a non-perishable food donation that will be given to a local non-profit.
In 2023, the concert was produced and directed by Dr. Jeffrey Redding, a Grammy Award winner, and held in Downtown Orlando at Steinmetz Hall.
2. African American Read-In
Celebrated annually throughout the country during Black History Month is the African American Read-In. Schools, bookstores, libraries, and more from all around arrange this read-in to familiarize their communities with the accomplishments and impacts of African American art and literature on the country.
The Orange County Library System will have its 35th annual African American read-in downtown at the Orlando Public Library. Mark your calendars for February 18 because from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., you’ll get the chance to celebrate African American poetry, story, and song with the city’s local luminaries.
3. The Ritz Theater in Sanford
A big part of musical Black history is the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” herself: Tina Turner. She has made contributions to the world of music for over 50 years, and although she passed in May of 2023, people are still paying tribute to her sound.
Coming to Sanford’s Ritz Theater this Black History Month is Simply Tina, a world-class tribute band dedicated to recreating the glam and glitz you’d find at a Tina Turner concert. Stop by February 10 and hear hits like “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer,” “Simply the Best,” and more.
If you’re aching for more musical splendor, tune into the Sanford Jazz Ensemble: Black History Month Concert. Listen to Dave Weaver and the band play hits from legends like Michael Jackson, Grover Washington, Earth Wind & Fire, and Tower of Power.
Enjoy featured singer Ron Stark unleashing his soulful touch on Motown hits from Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The 4 Tops, and The Temptations. Get into the spirit of Black History Month at the Ritz Theater on February 11 and watch these musicians put on an unforgettable show.
4. Events at the Orange County Regional History Center
It wouldn’t be Black History Month in Orlando without a celebration from the city’s own history center. The Orange County Regional History Center in Downtown Orlando is spending this Black History Month keeping the historical contributions Black people have made alive.
On February 3, celebrate Bessie Coleman’s achievements as the country’s first Black and Native American woman pilot at the History Alive: Bessie Coleman Aviation Adventure event. See how history was made from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orange County Regional History Center.
Although all of February is spent celebrating Black history, the Orange County Regional History Center is taking February 17 to highlight and appreciate Black arts and culture. 2024’s theme is African Americans as leaders in the arts, and the event will consist of family-friendly performances, speakers, and activities. Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can join in on the fun for free.
5. Black History Walking Tour
Although this annual event is still fairly new, it’s taking the city by storm during Black History Month. The Black History Walking Tour is a guided experience that takes place in Downtown Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood.
Learn about the city’s rich, long-standing Black history as you take an hour-long tour of historic sites like the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture. Dates for the third annual Black History Walking Tour are still in the works, so be sure to check the city’s website for all updates.
More to Enjoy at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista
Make figuring out what to do during your February vacation in Orlando an easy feat by staying close to all the happenings at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista.
With convenient access to major highways like Interstate 4 and State Road 528, you can get to all the important Black History month events in Orlando in no time.