In Grand Center, we celebrate Black History Month by exploring various events and attractions in Grand Center that honor the legends and unsung heroes of Black History. From lectures to performances and music to art, there are numerous ways to engage and celebrate black artists, musicians, or business owners, whether you visit during Black History Month or beyond.
Angad Arts Hotel hosts ON THE PULSE, a bi-weekly art talk series designed to strengthen the connectivity between artists and provide resources from the Saint Louis community. Meeting every other Thursday in the Grand Ballroom event space, attendees will be introduced to art community professionals, gain insight into valuable resources available in the city, learn techniques from experts firsthand, or hear artists speak of their work and inspirations in this rotating art talk platform.
On Thursday, February 17th, 4-6pm in the Grand Ballroom, Angad featured artist, Brandon Chavis, will talk about his work in the upcoming exhibition, Re-Play, featuring a series of deconstructed sneakers.
CAM is hosting RE: Ebony and Jet on Thursday, February 17th at 6pm to complement the current exhibition on view, Lorna Simpson: Heads. RE: Ebony and Jet explores the roles of these preeminent Black publications in visual culture and media.
CAM encourages attendees to arrive for the discussion with their own ideas, memories, and anecdotes to share relating to the meaning of Ebony and Jet in their lives, responding to the question: What do Ebony and Jet mean to you?
The International Photography Hall of Fame features the works of black photographers such as 2002 Hall of Fame Inductee, Gordon Parks, and 2020 Hall of Fame Inductee Carrie Mae Weemson on their social media channels. Visitors interested in learning more about photographer Gordon Parks are invited to an in-person screening of the HBO original, “A Choice of Weapons,” on February 12th at 1pm. Admission is free, but registration is required. Learn more here.
Jazz St. Louis features black musicians year-round with incredible musical performances focused on advancing and celebrating the soulful and unique history of Jazz. This month visitors can hear live music by Warren Wolf, Denise Thimes, and Demarius Hicks. And you certainly won’t want to miss performances by three long-time musical compadres, Christin McBride, Benny Green, and Gregory Hutchinson, as they pay tribute to legendary bassist Ray Brown. More information and a full line-up of shows can be found here.
Nine PBS is proud to celebrate Black History Month in February to commemorate important people and events, but programs that center on the Black experience appear year-round on Nine PBS’s schedule. Some of the streams this month include:
My Journey with Annie Malone: James Agbara Bryson
Premiere: Monday, February 14, 7 pm
James Agbara Bryson, a descendant of one-time Peorian Annie Turnbo Malone, explores her life and connections to Central Illinois. Annie rose to prominence in hair care and beauty products for Black women, becoming one of America’s first female Black millionaires. A turn-of-the-century entrepreneur, she also founded a cosmetology school in St. Louis. Her philanthropy helped build the Pine Street YMCA, the Annie Malone Children’s Home, and a maternity ward for Black women at Barnes Hospital.
John Lewis–Get in the Way
Encore: Tuesday, February 22nd, 9:30 pm
Follow the courageous journey of John Lewis, whose unwavering fight for justice spanned the past 50 years, from his youth in the segregated South, through his leadership within the Civil Rights movement, to his role as a powerful voice in Congress.
Find a full schedule of Black History Month programming, including these noteworthy programs, here.
Come together with the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus to celebrate the music of African American and African traditions and their influence on St. Louis and the world. This annual evening of reflective and soulful music is one to remember.
Lift Every Voice: A Black History Month Celebration
Friday, February 25th, 2022 7:30pm
Kevin McBeth, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, vocals