We’ve made it to February, which means we are celebrating Black history all month long! College students and young professionals have access to tons of events, activities, and educational programming this month to learn about, and pay tribute to, Black history and culture.
Below, you’ll find our top 10 suggestions to get involved! We hope that you take this month by storm and participate in these recommended initiatives—and many more educational opportunities—throughout the city.
1. Join the Between the Lines Book Club at Penn Museum
The What: The Penn Museum invites you to a unique twist on the classic book club. February’s featured book is My Lord, What a Morning: An Autobiography by Marian Anderson. The book is about the South Philadelphia native who grew from her humble but proud beginnings in the city to her groundbreaking role as the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.
The Where: Participants will meet virtually three times in the month to discuss the book.
The When: View the full schedule here.
The Deal: $15 (includes all three meetings)
2. Stop by The African American Museum in Philadelphia
The What: The fun and education of African American history continues this month as the AAMP hosts various events and programs to celebrate. You can catch free movie screenings of Harriett & “13th,” book readings and discussions, workshops; and a concert which will feature special performances by local dancers, poets, and musicians!
The Where: 701 Arch St
The When: Various dates until Feb 28
The Deal: Prices vary but most events are FREE or suggested donations!
3. Bring a Group of Friends to The Colored Girls Museum
The What: The Colored Girls Museum is a memoir museum which honors the stories, experiences, and history of ordinary Colored Girls. The museum is headquartered in the historic neighborhood of Germantown. It is equal parts research facility, exhibition space, gathering place, and think tank for the African Diaspora.
The Where: 4613 Newhall Street
The When: Tours are made by appointment for groups of 10 or more
The Deal: $10 for students
4. Visit Your Local Library
The What: The Free Library of Philadelphia has a jam-packed schedule for Black History Month that includes programming at a majority of the library locations around the city. Some of the fun programming includes virtual cooking demonstrations, Black History STEM discussions, quilting activities, and more!
The Where: Find your local library here
The When: From now until February 28
The Deal: All events are FREE!
5. Visit the Harriet Tubman Statue at City Hall
The What: This year marks the 200th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s birth. You can now visit the nine-foot sculpture, entitled Harriet Tubman – The Journey to Freedom in Center City! The traveling monument represents Tubman’s work to free hundreds of enslaved people and will be around for a couple more months, (but what better time than now to see it?).
The Where: The north apron of City Hall
The When: Any time from now until March 31
The Deal: FREE!
6. PACTS 2022 BLACK HISTORY MONTH VIRTUAL TRIVIA CHALLENGE at the Franklin Institute
The What: Grab a group of four of your friends for a virtual Black History Month trivia game. The Black History Month Trivia Challenge is a fundraiser dedicated to celebrating contributions from members of the African Diaspora to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! Think you know your history? The winning team will take home a trophy and the title as the Black History Challenge winners to carry into next year’s event!
The Where: Virtual
The When: February 27 from 2-4pm
The Deal: $20 per team
7. A Love Letter to West Philly at The Barnes Foundation **Event has passed**
The What: Did you know you can get free admission to The Barnes Foundation every first Sunday of the month?! On Sunday, February 6, you can get free admission, plus The Barnes is celebrating the community of West Philadelphia and the success of Barnes West’s Everyday Places Artist Partnerships. Last year, the project connected local social-impact artists with neighborhood sites to build engaging, interactive works. You can learn more about this collaboration and take home a kit full of activities and resources at the event.
The Where: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
The When: February 6, 10am – 5pm
The Deal: Free; registration required
8. Take a Virtual Tour with Mural Arts
The What: Mural Arts Philadelphia has created a one-hour virtual tour experience featuring murals that represent iconic African American figures and civic heroes of the past and present. Tour participants will “travel” through different Philadelphia neighborhoods to view stunning and impactful murals. Mural Arts will also have other community-based events over the next few weeks, like virtual intimate journaling workshops!
The Where: Virtual
The When: Dates and times vary—view the full schedule here.
The Deal: Free; registration required
9. Museum of the American Revolution
The What: Explore the stories of unsung Revolutionaries at the Museum of American Revolution this month. Their full lineup includes activations in the Museum’s galleries, special exhibitions and events, and daily programming! They have something for everyone, including a “Meet James Forten” performance and panel discussion, forums, Read the Revolution Speaker Series, pop-up gallery talks, and so much more!
The Where: Virtual and in-person events available (101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106)
The When: Dates and times vary—view the full schedule here.
The Deal: Prices vary
10. Catch a Performance with the Kimmel Cultural Campus
The What: Join The Kimmel in celebrating the accomplishments, heritage, and artistic contributions of Black artists in the world of performing arts with a variety of performances and shows throughout the month of February and beyond! Performances include Opera Philadelphia: Save the Boys, Dancin’ In The Streets: The Music of MOTOWN, and more.
The Where: Locations vary on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
The When: View the full schedule here.
The Deal: Prices vary
