Celebrate Black History Month in University City & West

This Black History Month, we are excited to highlight just a few ways to learn, reflect, and celebrate Black culture, creativity, and community across the area.

The owners of Philadelphias Plant & People pose surrounded by plants, seated in a wicker chair

Read on to discover ways to celebrate Black History Month locally!

A visitor of the Paul Robeson House in West Philadelphia smiles while holding a book.
Historic photo of Bob Marley and James G. Spady at the United Nations in 1978. Photo by Leandre Jackson
A group of children at a Mlanjeni Magical Theater program
Flyer for Sojourner play at Curio Theatre

Black History Month Events

Scroll through to discover local events and experiences that celebrate the country’s rich Black history! Check out our Community Calendar and search #BHM for more information on these events and more!

Through the Lens of Black History: Reflections on the Photography of Leandre Jackson

Free Lecture | February 6, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Penn Libraries is hosting photographer Leandre Jackson and curator Samir Meghelli for a discussion on Jackson’s remarkable career documenting Black history-makers across five decades. From cultural icons to political leaders, the conversation will explore the stories behind the images and their lasting impact. This free, public event is co-sponsored by the Greenfield Intercultural Center.

 

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The Thinking Cap: A Magical Black History Month Storytime #BHM

Puppet Show | February 7, 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Hosted at the Lucien E. Blackwell Library, join Mlajeni Magical Theater for a joyful journey through African American history. Local storyteller Mr. Q leads a special storytime filled with puppets, magic, and hands-on crafts for kids and families!

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Sojourner: A One Woman Show at Curio Theatre

Live Theatre | Feb 7 – 14

Curio Theatre Company invites audiences to celebrate Black History Month with “Sojourner”, a one-woman performance honoring the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth. The production traces Truth’s journey from enslavement in the North to her fearless advocacy for abolition and women’s rights, spotlighting a pivotal figure in American history. All are welcome to this powerful, accessible way to engage with Black history through live performance!

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A group of volunteers smile while sitting outside of the Paul Robeson House outside of their West Philadelphia location.

Black Owned Businesses Highlighted by Visit Philly

If you are looking to celebrate Black History Month locally, the Paul Robeson House and Museum is a powerful place to visit. The historic Walnut Street home, where Paul Robeson spent the final years of his life, recently celebrated its reopening, welcoming visitors back into a space deeply rooted in history, resilience, and community. Today, the museum offers tours and exhibits that bring Robeson’s life, artistry, and activism into focus while grounding his global legacy right here in West Philadelphia. It is an opportunity to engage with Black history in a way that feels personal, place-based, and deeply human.

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The owners of Philadelphias Plant & People pose surrounded by plants, seated in a wicker chair

Black Owned Businesses Highlighted by Visit Philly

Have you ever wanted to learn more about some of the neighborhood’s most iconic Black history fixtures? Visit Philly’s Black History Month feature spotlights Black-owned, family-run businesses that have long shaped West Philly and University City. The roundup includes beloved spaces like Plant and People and Hakim’s Bookstore, with short videos that bring their stories, people, and legacies into focus.

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Discover More in the Neighborhood!