New York City

The month kicks off with Conversations in Black Freedom Studies: Black Power at 50 (February 2), to be followed by a Black Power Poetry Slam/Open Mic edition of First Fridays (February 3) that serves as a preview of the upcoming Black Power 50 exhibit. Other happenings at the Schomburg include Theater Talks: August Wilson Effect (February 20); After Death, A Psychological Coup (February 21), which looks at when Malcolm X and Fidel Castro crossed paths in Harlem; and Model Behavior, with fashion darlings Pat Cleveland and Bethann Hardison (February 27).

This free annual look at the Apollo’s history and future is hosted by Billy Mitchell, also known as Mr. Apollo. Among the day’s highlights are performances by Urban Word NYC, a family workshop by the Harlem Swing Dance Society and a handful of film screenings.

Black Voices, Black Art: Upending Convention with Kellie Jones and Kimberly Drew (February 7) is an evening with art historian, curator, and 2016 MacArthur “genius grant” recipient Kellie Jones. Historian and author John Strausbaugh discussing his latest book, City of Sedition: The History of New York City During the Civil War (February 9), which showcases Civil War–era New York as a place of extremes, where abolitionists and slavery proponents coexisted. Fiction by Black Writers: Who Are the Readers? (February 21) explores the issues of marketability of black literature especially in light of the success of authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Zadie Smith, Colson Whitehead and Yaa Gyasi. Finally, A Chamber Music Celebration of Black History Month (February 23) features a variety of acts performing works by African-American composers and lyricists, including Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Maya Angelou.

This trolley tour covers two sites that honor Brooklyn’s African-American history: Green-Wood Cemetery, resting place for numerous notables, and Weeksville, a pre-abolition free black community. The trip starts by visiting Green-Wood gravesites of figures such as Margaret Pine (1778–1857), the last woman to have lived as a slave in the state; Susan Smith McKinney Steward (1847–1918), the first black female doctor in New York; and the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (1959–1988). The trolley then travels to Crown Heights to visit the grounds and exhibits of the Weeksville Heritage Center, now Brooklyn’s largest African-American cultural institution.

Troubadour is a feel-good romantic comedy musical that tells the story of Joe, Inez, and Izzy as Joe attempts to enter the country music world in the footsteps of his legendary musician father. With music by Sugarland's Kristian Bush, this world premiere production is not to be missed.

After delivering his memorable I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. retires to his room at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis and orders a cup of coffee. When Camae, the mysterious maid with a much greater mission in mind arrives, THE MOUNTAINTOP re-imagines Dr. King’s last night on earth. This magical encounter filled with humor and history informs his destiny and legacy.

This featured exhibition is produced by the National Park Service in partnership with Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and The King Center. The exhibition highlights Georgia’s two great leaders of change, President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The images illustrated throughout the exhibition depict the close bond between the Carter and King families through the years and tells the story of the creation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site.

As Alvin Ailey once declared, "I want to hold up a mirror to my audience that says 'This is the way people can be; this is how open people can be.'" Now more than ever, we need the power of dance to bring us all together, connected by our common humanity. That's why we say: you don't just see an Ailey performance, you feel it. This February, engage your emotions when Ailey returns with the latest acclaimed premieres, plus Ailey's Revelations, an enduring masterpiece that transcends differences to unite us in hope.

The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American dance; today the legacy continues with Judith Jamison's remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the Company's dancers. Beauty, spirit, hope and passion know no bounds. That is the power of Ailey

HISTORIC  MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SWEET AUBURN DISTRICT DOWNTOWN ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA

Parade begins at the King Center National Park

Parade Set-Up Time @ 10:00AM 

Parade Start Time @ 1:00PM 

Parade Ends at Woodruff Park

Pre-Parade Festival | Post Parade Ceremony

From 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

History | Music Artists | Spoken Word | Speakers | Vendors

and more @Woodruff Park