TOLEDO, Ohio —
Black History Month runs from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 and celebrates and honors the history, culture and lives of Black Americans.
A variety of events in Toledo and the 419 offer cultural enrichment and learning experiences about the triumphs and struggles of generations of Black Americans in the U.S.
The monthlong observance encourages open dialogue on modern-day struggles Black Americans face as well, and how further strides can be made to reduce racial inequalities and empower Black voices and people.
Below is a list of events in and around Toledo.
Feb. 1
- Black History Month Kickoff: UT's Black Student Union will kick off Black History Month in the Lancelot Thomas Student Union Ingman Room from 6-9 p.m.
- Local History and Genealogy Online Exhibit: This online exhibit from the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library becomes available at the beginning of Black History Month and details the people, events and activism that have shaped Toledo's Black community over the decades through historical photos, videos and more.
Feb. 2
- Better Toledo | Confronting Racism presented by Monita Mungo: University of Toledo Professor Dr. Monita Mungo will explain "how systemic racism affects the choices and chances of individuals and the importance of perceptions and narratives used to describe recent social justice protests." The event will take place from 3-5 p.m. in downtown Toledo at the Main Library's Large Glass Community Room.
Feb. 6
- Beautyshop Talk: The University of Toledo's Office of Multicultural Student Success, in partnership with local minority beauticians and estheticians, will feature conversations about how to take care of your hair, start your own business and take care of yourself. The event will take place in UT's Lancelot Thomas Student Union T-Section from 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 7
- What They Didn't Teach you in History Class: America's Hidden True Black History: This collection and lecture will celebrate and highlight the contribution of African Americans in the arts, sciences, sports, entertainment, education, and politics. It will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in room 115 of George Mylander Hall at the BGSU Firelands Campus in Huron.
- True Black History Museum Exhibit: This traveling museum teaches Black history through the use of rare and authentic artifacts. It will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the North Building of Falcon Square at the BGSU Firelands Campus in Huron.
Feb. 11
- 53rd Annual Black Student Union Fashion Show: UT's Black Student Union will showcase "UT students and their self-expression through styling, modeling, dancing and various other performances." The recipents of the BSU Scholarship will be revealed as well. The event will take place in the Lancelot Thomas Student Union Auditorium from 6:30-11:45 p.m.
Feb. 15
- Taste of February: Unspoken Heroes: This event highlights positive impacts and accomplishments made by and for communities of color by unspoken heroes in the Black community. There will be food, performances, awards and more as Black History Month is commemorated in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Ballroom at BGSU from 7:20-9 p.m.
Feb. 16
- Black Issues Conference: This annual conference offers a forum for cultural enrichment and issues impacting the African-American community on the local, state, regional and national levels and sparks discussion in the community. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Ballroom at BGSU.
Feb. 18
- Meet the Author: Rainesha Williams-Fox: The Office of Multicultural Student Success and the Eberly Center for Women will host a reading and discussion of Detroit author Rainesha Williams-Fox's children's book "Radiant Black Girl." The event will take place the in the Eberly Center from 1:30-3 p.m.
Feb. 22
- Black History Month Celebration at the Parks Tower Cafeteria from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 26
- 33rd annual Evening with the Toledo Symphony concert: Music from Scott Joplin -- the "King of Ragtime" -- and Jessie Montgomery -- an American composer and chamber musician with dozens of works in the 2010s and early 2020s -- will be featured in the concert held at St. Martin de Porres Church at 1119 W. Bancroft St beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets for the concert can be purchased by calling the parish, 419-241-4544. Adult tickets are $25.00. High school student tickets are $10.00. Reserve tickets for adults are $35.00. Adult tickets are $30.00 at the door.
Feb. 27
- Young, Gifted and Black: Local young and Black entrepreneurs, including Tre’Shawn Pittard and his lawn service business, will be celebrated in the community room at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library's LaGrange branch from 4-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 28
- Big Idea Book Group -- Begin Again by Eddie Glaude Jr.: This ongoing book discussion group over Zoom encourages diverse perspectives, voices and authors to tackle concepts such as anti-racism and diversity in Toledo. "Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and its Urgent Lessons for Our Own" by Eddie S. Glaude Jr. touches on Baldwin and how his teachings informed historical civil rights activism and offer guidance for present-day civil rights activism. Pre-registration online is required.
ADD YOUR EVENT
Do you have an event for Black History Month you'd like to share with the community? Email us at ALLWTOLNewsTips@wtol.com
Make sure to mention our Black History Month events and we'll add it to the list.