While people in Austin can learn about Black history year-round by reading anti-racist literature, learning from Black scholars, supporting Black-owned businesses and more, events on campus and around Austin offer a space to honor, celebrate and reflect on Black culture during Black History Month. From art shows to culture dinners, The Daily Texan compiled a list of events to celebrate Black history around Austin this February.

Matters of the Heart Discussion – Feb. 14

The UT Distinguished Speakers and the African American Culture Committee will host a Valentine’s Day discussion with Demetrius Harmon, founder of clothing brand You Matter. Held in the Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom, Harmon will lead a discussion in matters of the heart with free admission and light refreshments.

The Black Excellence Art Show – Feb. 17

Hosted by production studio Paradox Productions, the Black Excellence Art Show will feature a night of vendors, music, raffles and dancing. The show, taking place at The Paradox Ranch in Round Rock, will showcase a variety of pieces by local Black artists including paintings, sculptures and photography. 

Caribreoso Black Culture Dinner – Feb. 18

Participants can enjoy a three-course meal hosted by the Caribreoso spice company consisting of staple recipes in Black culture, with each course including a complimentary cocktail. While guests enjoy their dinner and drinks, guest speaker Clarissa Fuselier, program management and operations leader of diversity and inclusion consulting firm Inclusion.logic, will speak on Black culture, equity and inclusion. After the speech, guests will be treated to a performance by San Antonio-based R&B artist Ayesha Thomas.

Buda Black History Celebration – Feb. 18

The Buda Outdoor Amphitheater will hold its fourth annual free, community-wide Black History Celebration. Performances from Black musicians, dancers, poets and more centered around the theme “Standing on the Shoulders — A Legacy of Excellence.” The event will welcome keynote speaker Nicole Cross, an Emmy-award winning reporter for Spectrum News 1 Texas, and Master of Ceremony April Barnes, director of UT’s University Leadership Network.

Austin Public Library Black History Month Trivia – Feb. 18

Beginning at 3 p.m., Austin Public Library’s Ruiz Branch will put on a free trivia event. Contestants can test their knowledge in a game of Who Sampled Who, a game quizzing contestants on songs that have sampled prominent Black artists and innovators.

Pflugerville Public Library Live Reading and Mini Buzz – Feb. 23

The Pflugerville Public Library will celebrate Black literature with a live reading of participants’ favorite poems or books by Black authors. Following the readings, attendees will discuss the works of Black authors selected by staff in a mini Book Buzz presentation. As part of the event, participants can enter to win one of five $25 gift cards to Black Pearl Books, Austin’s only Black-owned bookstore.

Black History Month Kids’ Day at The Carver Museum – Feb. 25

Focused on the theme of Black Resistance, the George Washington Carver Museum’s Black History Month Kids’ Day event features activities and tables hosted by Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools Austin, Ballet Afrique and more. Geared toward children and families, the event celebrates the contributions of African American trailblazers through educational programs, crafts and music for all ages.