City celebrates Black History Month throughout February

Published on February 02, 2023

The City of Gainesville observes Black History Month with a showcase of artwork, performances and remembrances this month at several city venues.

After-school programs offered through the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department will incorporate a variety of enrichment, education and arts & crafts programming throughout the month based around black inventors and inventions.

In addition, Evergreen Cemetery will honor the lives, achievements and contributions of the Black residents buried there by sharing their stories on its Facebook page this month. Onsite honorary signage will indicate the gravesites for neighbors wishing to take a self-guided tour of the city’s only municipal cemetery, established in 1856.

The city expands the recognition to adjacent Pine Grove Cemetery in collaboration with its owner, Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Pine Grove Cemetery has long-served as the Black counterpart to Evergreen Cemetery, formerly an all-white cemetery. Special thanks to the members of the Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for assisting with placing these honorary signs.

Events are free and open to the public. 

View Black History Month info