Black History Month honors the contributions of African Americans to United States history. It was first created as a week-long celebration in 1926, and became a month-long celebration in 1976. It takes place in the month of February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

There is a lot to be celebrated in this historic month, including the founding of the NAACP and other famous firsts in the African American community. And in Gwinnett, there are several ways you can acknowledge these achievements.

Center for Civil and Human Rights

Black History Month Photo Exhibit, Weekdays Feb. 1 through Feb. 29 @ Lawrenceville City Hall
Enjoy a collection, emphasizing Unity & Community, brought to you by local high school artists.

Greenwood Culture Fest Through Feb. 3 @ Lucky Shoals Park
Fun festival with booths and food celebrating Black History Month. Great for all ages. 

3rd Annual Blackout Market and Open Mic Night Feb 16 @ Aurora Theatre
Pop up market celebrating culture and creativity with Black small business owners.

A Taste of Black Gwinnett: Black History Edition  Feb. 16 @ Norcross Community & Cultural Center
Showcasing the diverse  food, businesses, products and services from the Black diaspora in Gwinnett County also showcasing Black Youthpreneurs. African, African-American, Caribbean, and Latin cuisines will be highlighted.

Explore Black History Bus Tour Feb 17 @ Lawrenceville Female Seminary/Gwinnett History Museum
Explore the rich history of African-American culture in Gwinnett County. Please bring a lunch to enjoy at one of our stops. In partnership with the United Ebony Society. Register by February 12th.

Author Talk: Family Storytime with Author Sadie Evans Feb. 18 @ Snellville Public Library
Sadie Evans will discuss how she became an author, from her early childhood stories through her published books.  She will be reading her books "Little Black Girl, You Are Unique" and "Little Black Boy, You Are A King" and help them come to life!

Black History Month Heritage Night Celebration Feb 20 @ Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center
An annual celebration, this event will feature speakers, cultural performances, and a proclamation reading by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.

Author Talk: Dianne M. Stewart Feb. 22 @ Snellville Public Library
"Obeah, Orisa, and Religious Identity in Trinidad" by Dianne M. Stewart, is an expansive two-volume examination of social imaginaries concerning Obeah and Yoruba-Orisa from colonialism to the present. 

Forum: Bridging the African Divide Feb. 25 @ Norcross Cultural & Community Center
Celebrate Black history at an interactive panel discussion with a reception and vendors.

Billie Holiday

Jazz Legacy Project Presents the Life and Music of Billie Holiday Feb. 26 @ Eddie Owen Presents at Red Clay Music Foundry 
Join us as we detail how Billie Holiday developed her unique vocal style and how she blazed a trail for women and African-Americans that would pave the way for future generations. This show features a multimedia experience of live music, narration, images, and video footage.

2024 HBCU Classic Mar. 1-2 @ Coolray Field
The Atlanta Braves are proud to host the annual weekend baseball series between Historically Black College and University (HBCU) baseball programs, while honoring Braves Hall of Famers and HBCU graduates in the Ralph Garr-Bill Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic.

Looking for other ways to celebrate? Support these local Black owned businesses or take a short trip to Atlanta to visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.