Black History Month 2024
The City of Gainesville is hosting several Black History Month events during February at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the historic Thomas Center, Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center, Depot Park and Evergreen Cemetery.
African American History Month (Black History Month) is a month-long celebration of the achievements and cultural recognition of African Americans in the United States. During the 1800s to the 20th Century, African American have made significant contributions to Black life from the early days of the abolitionist movements, the reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, Black arts movement and the civil rights movement during Jim Crow.
The City of Gainesville is observing Black History Month with a showcase of artwork, performances and remembrances this month at several city venues.
Perspectives in the Parks:
Turning Pine into Turpentine and other Miraculous Histories of Black Farmers in Alachua County with Porshè Chiles
Noon-1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4
Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center, 1500 NW 45th Ave.
The monthly program features experts in science, nature, history and art.
Mobilizing Communities with Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons
6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15
A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center, 1013 NW 7th Ave.
Dr. Simmons, University of Florida professor emerita, will share her experience as a young student in 1968 working to advance the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and as a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. City of Hope: Resurrection City and the 1968 Poor People's Campaign poster exhibition is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services; the National Museum of African American History and Culture; and the City of Gainesville.
Opening reception 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16
On display Feb. 16 - Mar. 16
The Historic Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Ave.
In partnership with Moisturizer Gallery, the exhibit features printmaking, painting, oils and ceramics by Black artists. Curated by Lexus Giles.
The Florida Invitational Step Show, "FISSNIK: The Stroll”
11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St.
In partnership with the UF Black Student Union and The Florida Invitational Step Show Committee, "FISSNIK: The Stroll" will feature local and regional sororities and fraternities in a step show/stroll competition. Student organizations from the University of Florida, Bethune Cookman University, Florida International University and more will perform.
FISSNIK: The Stroll will begin with a march in by the Richard E. Parker Alumni Band of Eastside High School, dance and step performances with Smooth Flava, Chi Rho Phi Youth Sorority and the Infamous Diamonds youth dancers, dance party with DJ Jazzy Jeff, and student and alumni chapters sharing the HBCU/Divine 9 pride. Student organization, local vendors and food trucks will be on-site.
Evergreen Cemetery Self-guided Tour
401 SE 21st Ave.
All month long, Evergreen Cemetery will honor the lives, achievements and contributions of the Black residents buried there by sharing their stories on its Facebook page. On-site honorary signage will indicate these gravesites for neighbors wishing to take a self-guided tour of the City’s only municipal cemetery, established in 1856. In addition, the city will expand the recognition with additional signage at neighboring Pine Grove Cemetery, in partnership with the private cemetery.
Special thanks to the many partners who made this celebration happen!