Organizations around Arkansas are celebrating Black History Month with a variety of virtual and in-person events. This year’s offerings include art exhibitions, film screenings, lectures and a fashion show. Below is a roundup of some of the events taking place throughout the state in February. If you’d like your event added to the list, please email the details to explore@argotsoul.com.
All Month
Various times — University of Arkansas
The Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville provides a list of events (taking place on campus and in the community throughout February) in commemoration and celebration of Black History Month. You can see the full calendar in the following PDF.
Various Times — Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University will be hosting events throughout Black History Month. For a full list and information, visit the ASU website.
Various times — Black History Month at CALS
Throughout the month of February, the Central Arkansas Library System will be celebrating Black History Month with informative, interactive, and entertaining programs for all ages. For a full list of events, visit the CALS website here.
Various Times — The City of Little Rock
The City of Little Rock shared on their website five ways to commemorate Black History Month with a number of activities. You can see the details on their website here.
Various Times — Arkansas Tech University
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Contemporary Student Services will be hosting events throughout Black History Month. For a full list and information, visit the ATU website.
Various Times — Black History Month at the Clinton Presidential Center
The Clinton Center will be hosting a number of educational programs and special events, including a Bridge Builders conversation and a special student performance, as well as a look back at our past programs featuring Black voices.
1 – 4 pm — RAM Saturdays at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is inviting artists of all ages and skill levels to join them every Saturday in February to create different art projects. This month, they will be focusing on Black History Month. All art supplies provided.
February 4
10 am – 1 pm — Black History Commission of Arkansas Symposium
The Black History Commission of Arkansas is hosting a symposium titled “African American Business and Entrepreneurship in Arkansas.” Registration is free but is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/493786036327
February 7
Feb 7-March 7 — Black History Month Canned Food Drive
The NWA NAACP will be hosting a canned food drive from February 7th to March 7th. Donations will go towards 7 Hills, Care Community Center, and St. James pantry. The donation box will be located at the NWA NAACP’s front desk.
February 12
1:30 pm — Understanding Racial Massacres in Arkansas and Oklahoma
The Fort Smith Museum of History and 64.6 Downtown are collaborating for a one-day public program and speaking engagement in celebration of Black History Month. The event will host Fort Smith native, Mr. Hannibal B. Johnson. This event is free and open to the public, but there’s limited seating available and tickets are required. Tickets can be found at our website: fortsmithmuseum.org
February 13
8 pm — Black Business Expo
KLEK 102.5 FM is joining forces with the Black Student Association of Arkansas State University to host a Black Business Expo! Sign up to participate or come pout to support local Black businesses in the area. This event is open to the public, not just Arkansas State students.
February 14
9 – 10:30 am — Place, Property and Faith: A Story of the Agency and Resilience of Four Generations of Black Arkansan Women
Join Dr. Valandra as she traces the historical and contemporary intersections of systemic racism and Black placemaking in Arkansas. She will use storytelling, discussion and individual reflection on a journey of four generations of her maternal ancestors.
RSVP required to olli@uark.edu
February 17
6-8 pm — Clinton Presidential Center Presents “A Night of Poetry and Jazz” (Virtual)
The Clinton Presidential Center Presents “A Night of Poetry and Jazz.” Leron McAdoo, a nationally-known poet, will take Africa’s oral tradition and serve it over a bed of beautiful jazz music brought to you by Tim Anthony and Friends.
February 18
5 – 7 pm — Black History Month E. Boone Watson Center Museum Tour
KLEK 102.5 FM is joining forces with the Black Student Association of Arkansas State University to host a tour of the historic E. Boone Watson Center. Join us in learning about the history of Jonesboro from the unique cultural view point if African Americans in and around our city! This event is open to the public!
Urban Cellar Winery | Paid Subscribers: 25% discount until February 17th
February 17 – 18
February 17th | Film expo at the Fayetteville Town Center.
February 23
6 pm — Black History Celebration
Southern Arkansas University Tech’s annual Black History Celebration raises funds for the Betty J. Lewis Minority Scholarship. The speaker this year is Arkansas’s Joyce Elliott.
February 25
12 – 4 pm — Blackity Black Black Black Showdown
The Dynamic Dolls of West Memphis Presents Blackity Black Black BLACK showdown In honor of Black history month at the L R Jackson Activity center at 405 S 25th St West Memphis, AR, United States.
10 am – 4 pm — Black Owned NWA Business Expo
The Black Business Expo is an exciting cultural experience that places Black businesses & creatives on a platform! Here you can find items ranging from vintage clothing and candles, to baked goods and samosas from over 60 vendors. This event is free and open to the public. ALL ARE WELCOME.
March 3
12 – 2 pm — Black History Month: First Friday
UA Little Rock will be hosting a Black History Month First Friday. The UALR’s First Friday is a monthly gathering where students can connect and decompress in a safe and supportive environment. There will be food, fun, and prizes.