8 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Philly

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February is Black History Month, and as a college student in Philadelphia, you’ve got plenty of opportunities (both virtual & in-person!) to celebrate Black history & culture this month. Check out what’s in the guide to Black History Month 2021.

1. Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality at The National Constitution Center

The What: Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality is the first exhibit in America devoted to exploring how constitutional clashes over slavery set the stage for the Civil War. 
The Where: 525 Arch Street
The When: Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Deal: $13 with your college ID

Photo credit: @constitutionctr

2. Virtual Events Hosted by The Free Library of Philadelphia

The What: Join The Free Library of Philadelphia for virtual discussion groups, author events, poetry workshops, and more.
The Where: Virtual
The When: Dates and times vary—view the full schedule here.
The Deal: Free; advance registration may be required

Photo Credit: @freelibrary

3. Rendering Justice at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

The What: Rendering Justice is a powerful exhibition, curated by artist Jesse Krimes, that showcases an expansive examination of mass incarceration and an unflinching depiction of contemporary America.
The Where: Online exhibition
The When: Available now
The Deal: Free

Photo credit: The African American Museum in Philadelphia

4. Black History Month Events at The Kimmel Center

The What: The Kimmel Center’s events shine a spotlight on the music of the Civil Rights Movement, as well as modern-day struggles for equality, the cultural enlightenment of the Harlem Renaissance, and offer experiences for all.
The Where: Virtual
The When: Dates and times vary—view the full schedule here.
The Deal: Ticket prices vary

Photo credit: The Kimmel Center

5. Pacts 2021 Black History Month Virtual Trivia Challenge at The Franklin Institute

The What: Grab a group of four of your friends & family members for a socially distanced Black History Month Celebration.
The Where: Zoom
The When: Feb. 27 from 1-3 P.M.
The Deal: $20 per team

Photo credit: The Franklin Institute

6. The Barnes Collection at The Barnes Foundation

The What: The collection includes important examples of African art, Native American pottery and jewelry, Pennsylvania German furniture, American avant-garde painting, and wrought-iron metalwork. 
The Where: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The When: Available now
The Deal: $5 with your student ID

Photo credit: Campus Philly, courtesy of The Barnes Foundation

7. Black History Month Events at the Museum of the American Revolution

The What: Browse a selection of special on-site and online events for all ages, including an artisan workshop, panel discussions, and more.
The Where: 101 S. 3rd Street
The When: Now through Feb. 27
The Deal: Prices vary—see the full lineup for details.

Photo credit: Museum of the American Revolution

8. Black History Month Events at the Penn Museum

The What: Experience the Penn Museum from anywhere through live virtual programs, like the lecture series, Slave Dwellings, Monuments, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy, global guide tours, films, adult events like Revolution, and more.
The Where: Virtual
The When: Available now
The Deal: Prices vary; some events are free. See the full lineup for details.

Photo credit: Penn Museum

Check out even more ways to explore Philly, and learn how you can get involved with your community this semester, on our Instagram.

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