This list of events will continue to be updated throughout the month. Some events may be rescheduled due to inclement weather. The most up-to-date information for all McKinney events is available at www.mckinneybhm.com.
EDUCATIONAL
Feb. 1: Black History Month exhibit: 'Tuskegee Airmen'
The Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center will offer an exhibit on the history of the Tuskegee Airmen for Black History Month. Attendees can watch this short film to learn about this group of primarily Black military pilots who fought in World War II and the various hardships they faced. 10-11 a.m. Free (children age 5 and younger), $10 (youth ages 6-17), $13 (active military or veteran), $15 (adults). 5657 Mariner Drive, Dallas. 214-330-1700. link.
Feb. 5: Dallas’ Black History: Past & Present Tour
This event by Dallas Sights and Bites Tours features Black History in the heart of Dallas from Freedman’s Town to Ray Charles’ former home. The tour will offer small desserts from various Black-owned businesses as well as water and soft drinks. This tour is open to all ages. 1-4:30 p.m. $35 (children), $49 (adults). 7700 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas. 972-814-5997. link.
Feb. 10—College Megafest
The McKinney Performing Arts Center will host professors and ambassadors from historically Black colleges and universities as they engage with prospective students. A financial aid workshop and a discussion on ACT and SAT preparation will be held. 5-6:30 p.m. Free. 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney.
Feb. 10—Lecture series: “The Black Perspective on the College Experience”
Immediately following the College Megafest, the McKinney Performing Arts Center will host a panel discussion about being Black in higher education. 7-8 p.m. Free. 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney.
Feb. 15—'Otherness: Racial Disparities in Health Care'
In this lecture hosted by Collin College-Frisco, faculty panelists Christopher Redgraves, John Glass, Amira Albalancy and Felicia Avery will speak on a range of topics relating to Black History and health care. Some of the topics in the discussion include the Tuskegee Study, Henrietta Lacks’ cancer cells and HeLa, and beliefs that Black soldiers in the 1800s were immune to tropical diseases. 2:30-3:45 p.m. Free. Frisco Campus Conference Center, 9700 Wade Blvd., Frisco. link.
Feb. 17—Lecture series: “The Future of African Americans in Politics”
The McKinney Performing Arts Center will host this panel discussion featuring local politicians, political science educators and political hopefuls. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney.
Feb. 22—Lecture series: “Black Businesses—Overcoming Obstacles and Leveraging Opportunities”
Gather Event Center will host this panel discussion that will begin with a mixer for attendees and panelists. 5-7:30 p.m. Free. 207 E. Virginia St., McKinney.
Feb. 24—Lecture series: “Integration of McKinney Schools”
The McKinney Performing Arts Center will host this panel discussion featuring people who were involved in the integration of McKinney ISD. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney.
Feb. 26—True Black History Month Museum
True Black History is a traveling museum that teaches history through rare and authentic artifacts. Legacy Keepers of Old East McKinney will host this event at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney.
ART AND MUSIC
Feb. 3: Jazz in the Library
Roy & Helen Hall Memorial Library will host this evening of jazz featuring the music of Miles Davis. 6-7 p.m. Free. 101 E. Hunt St., McKinney.
Feb. 4: Shades of Black showcase
This Shades of Black showcase at the South Dallas Cultural Center will feature six projects by different artists that celebrate Black history through three different mediums: spoken word, music and dance. The featured artists and groups include Damoyee, Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance, Beckles Dancing Company, OS Malandros De Mestre Touro and Laura Neal. 7-9 p.m. Free with limited seating; ticket required. 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas. 214-670-0315. link.
Feb. 5—Black History Month Art Show
This art exhibit at the McKinney Performing Arts Center will showcase pieces from both experienced and emerging artists. Top artists selected by a panel of judges will receive cash prizes. The art will remain on display at the MPAC throughout February. 6-8 p.m. Free. 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney.
Feb. 17: 'Women, Words, and Wisdom: Songs by Black Female Composers'
In this musical event, composers and musicians Audra Scott, Karen Slack, Veronica Williams, Jasmine Barnes and Joseph Williams will pay homage to the music of Black female composers of the 20th and 21 centuries. The concert includes featured works from Nina Simone, Jasmine Barnes, Veronica Williams, Margaret Bonds and other musicians. 2-3:30 p.m. Free (donations accepted). 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth. 817-731-0726. link.
Feb. 18—Harlem Renaissance Remembered
Head to The Sanctuary in your 1920s Harlem Renaissance best for a night full of music, dancing and food. The Dallas Black Dance Theatre and 97.9 The Beat’s DJ Phil will be special guests at this party for people age 21 and older. 7-10 p.m. Early bird tickets start at $35. 6633 Virginia Parkway, Ste. 102, McKinney.
Feb. 20—'A Night of Black Excellence: Songs of a Revolution'
In this Black History Month concert hosted by the Fort Worth Opera, attendees can listen to celebrated opera singers and artists, including Michelle Johnson; bassist Laesio Littlejohn,; flutist Malcolm Payne Jr.; and spoken word poet, artist, activist and author Leslie N. Polk. The event will also feature a special tribute to Opal Lee, a social impact leader in Fort Worth who is considered the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” 2-3:30 p.m. $35-$75, $125 (VIP). 1411 I M Terrell Circle S., Fort Worth. 817-731-0726. link.
FILM AND THEATER
Feb. 17: 'The How to Be Project: Ten Plays for Racial Justice'
Attend this event to see 10 one-act plays composed by Black playwrights inspired by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's book “How to Be an Antiracist”. In partnership with PEN America, a nonprofit that works to defend free expression, the Bishop Arts Theater commissioned these playwrights to compose productions to start a dialogue between the book’s message and America’s racial reckoning. 8-10 p.m. $18-$30. Bishop Arts Theater Center, 215 S. Tyler St., Dallas. 214-948-0716. link.
Feb. 4-10: 'Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America'
Take an opportunity to learn about America’s history of anti-Black racism. Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler directed the film, and it was selected for the South by Southwest Film Festival. Jeffery Robinson, criminal defense/civil rights lawyer, wrote this film using interviews and accounts from individuals to draw a timeline of Black treatment in America. The movie has multiple showtimes per day from Feb. 4-10. $7.50 (children), $8.50 (adults). 7205 Bishop Road, Plano. 972-943-1375. www.angelikafilmcenter.com/plano/film/who-we-are-a-chronicle-of-racism-in-america and www.sonyclassics.com/film/whoweare.
FAMILY EVENTS
Feb. 19: Black History Month Family Day
This event invites families to participate in multiple activities celebrating Black History. There will be sessions for yoga, storytelling, cultural dancing, open-mic family-friendly singing and poetry, and two panels: "For the Culture" and a business panel. Throughout the events, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in photos and a community mural and shop at a pop-up bookstore. Those who are interested in the open mic, being a storyteller or speaking on the panel or have specific requests for cultural dancing can email Cicely Carr [email protected]. 1-4 p.m. Up to $125. 2401 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville. 612-402-1002. link.
Feb. 19 | Heroes on Pages
Roy & Helen Hall Memorial Library will host this storytelling event about heroes in Black history. 2 p.m. Free. 101 E. Hunt St., McKinney.
Feb. 21—Presidents’ Day Breakfast honoring MLK: ‘Progress through Unity’
Enjoy a day of service honoring the legacy of Dr. King. This community breakfast will bring together community leaders, businesses and nonprofits to celebrate Dr. King’s impact on leadership and service. This event is free, but attendees are encouraged to make a donation to one of eight Frisco nonprofits participating in the event. Sponsors of the event include: Verona Villa, Islamic Center of Frisco, B1 Bank, La Suprema Market and Detour Donuts. More sponsor spots are available; for more information about sponsoring this event, email [email protected]. 8:30-10 a.m. at Verona Villa, 6591 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco. Free. link.
Feb. 21—Black Stories
Roy & Helen Hall Memorial Library will host chef Kenneth Temple as he cooks a recipe from one of his Creole cookbooks and talks about his experience as a Black chef and author. 7-8 p.m. Free. 101 E. Hunt St., McKinney.
Feb. 25—Black History Month Community Celebration
This event hosted by Credit Union of Texas, The Frisco Arts Foundation and Oasis Accents will feature a food truck, face painting, art exhibits, live music, dancing and a variety of kids’ activities. Attendees of all ages are welcome to celebrate Black History at this fun and free event intended for the whole family. 5-7:30 p.m.. Nack Theater, 6711 Oak Street, Frisco. Free.
Feb. 27—Adopt A Church
New Outreach Church will host the inaugural McKinney Black Historic Church Assembly as an opportunity for community members to learn about Black churches in the city. Mass will be held from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. followed by catered lunch. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 506 Wilcox St., McKinney.
