This February, we mark 100 years of national recognition of Black history. The City of Alexandria invites you to join us in a month-long celebration of Black History Month, featuring special events and activities that highlight the many ways Black communities have shaped our world. Black History Month is a time to reflect, celebrate, and recognize the rich history and contributions of Black and African Americans to the City of Alexandria and our nation.

How to Get Involved

Throughout the month of February, the City is sponsoring many exciting and engaging events for Black History Month. Full details can be found on the City Calendar and the Alexandria Library events page.  Whether you’re interested in art, music, history, literature, or community conversations, there’s something for everyone. Check out the full schedule and find the events that resonate with you!

Highlights of the Month

• All Month - Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Exhibition Awards: The Alexandria Black History Museum with the Office of Historic Alexandria sponsors an annual Student Poster Exhibition for Alexandria City Public School students, grades 2-5 (Feb 1).
• All Month- DASH 'Freedom Moves Forward' Bus Wrap: In observance of Transit Equity Day, celebrated on February 4, DASH pays tribute to the courageous individuals who transformed public transit into a vehicle for social change. This bus is more than just a ride; it’s a rolling reminder that access to transportation is a fundamental right. As we celebrate this centennial milestone, we remain committed to driving Alexandria toward a more equitable and connected future. Find the bus wrap on your favorite route all month long!
• February 7 - Tables of Conscience: Banned Books Dinner: Back and better than ever, ACRP will hold book-themed dinners to raise money for the scholarships in the names of Joseph McCoy and Benjamin Thomas.
• February 8 - A Free Black History Month Concert: Singing the Journey: Still We Rise. Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices and the Office of Historic Alexandria’s Division of African American History for a concert celebrating African American music, history, and culture in a concert exploring the themes of freedom, resilience, and joy, from the Civil War through the present day.
• February 20 - Grown Up Field Trips: Venture out on a four-part field trip series for adults highlighting African American history around Alexandria.
• February 21 - Black Life Through the Lens of Elrich Murphy: Join us for the opening of the Elrich Murphy Photograph Collection, featuring a lecture by Char McCargo Bah and Murphy's daughter Rita Harris.
• February 21 - Black History Poetry Slam & Open Mic: Calling all poets, rappers, singers, and artists! Step up and share your voice as we celebrate Black History Month through powerful words, music, and expression. All performances must be clean and respectful. Let’s honor the legacy, uplift the culture, and inspire the future—one mic at a time.
• February 28 - Fight for the Right to Read Program: Join authors Jeff Gottesfeld and Michelle Y. Green along with illustrator and Howard University graduate Kim Holt, for a family program that highlights their new book; Fight for the Right to Read: Samuel Wilbert Tucker and the 1939 Sit-Down Stike for Library Reading Equality.

Get Involved and Learn More

In Alexandria, Black history is not confined to a single month: It lives here all year long. Throughout the year, look for special archival programs, short-form videos, and other events that spotlight Black voices, experiences, and legacies rooted in this community on our website and on social media.

For more information about Black History Month events in the City of Alexandria, visit alexandriava.gov/BlackHistoryMonth.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.