Northwest Philadelphia is transforming into a vibrant canvas of Black culture and history this February, with dozens of events that weave together traditional African arts, contemporary innovation, and historical reflection. From Germantown to Chestnut Hill, cultural institutions are offering a range of programming that celebrates the Black experience both past and present.
The month's celebrations particularly highlight Philadelphia's rich African American heritage, with several events focusing on local historical figures and movements. The Northwest Philadelphia region's unique …
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Northwest Philadelphia is transforming into a vibrant canvas of Black culture and history this February, with dozens of events that weave together traditional African arts, contemporary innovation, and historical reflection. From Germantown to Chestnut Hill, cultural institutions are offering a range of programming that celebrates the Black experience both past and present.
The month's celebrations particularly highlight Philadelphia's rich African American heritage, with several events focusing on local historical figures and movements. The Northwest Philadelphia region's unique contribution to Black history – from its role in the Underground Railroad to its vibrant jazz scene – takes center stage in many of the presentations.
Here's a comprehensive guide to Black History Month events in Northwest Philadelphia:
Visual arts & exhibitions
Black Art Matters (Through Feb. 28)
This cornerstone exhibition at 7054 Germantown Ave. showcases Philadelphia's contemporary African American artists working across multiple mediums. The show particularly emphasizes works that reflect themes of resilience and cultural identity. Artist reception Jan. 31, 5-7 p.m., offers an opportunity to meet the creators and engage in dialogue about their work.
South Carolina Sweetgrass Baskets (Feb. 1-March 11)
Gravers Lane Gallery presents an extraordinary exhibition celebrating Mary A. Jackson's 50-year career crafting sweetgrass baskets, a traditional art form passed down through generations of African American artisans. Opening reception Feb. 7, 5-8 p.m. includes curator talk at 6:30 p.m. Virtual artist talk scheduled for Feb. 12, 1-2 p.m.
Performance & music
Paul D. Best & Black Boys Makin' Noise (Feb. 7)
Essential Community Connections hosts an evening of African dance, drumming and storytelling, featuring the SNAP Co. Dance Group. The performance at 8030 Germantown Ave., 7-8 p.m., promises an immersive cultural experience combining traditional and contemporary elements.
Beyoncé dance party (Feb. 7-8)
DanceFit celebrates Black artistry through movement with two evenings dedicated to the music of Beyoncé at 98 Bethlehem Pike, 6 p.m. both nights.
We Are Free, No Longer Bound (Feb. 16, 23)
This ambitious musical production at Greene Street Friends School features a 35-person intergenerational cast telling the story of Juneteenth through dance, drumming, jazz, spoken word, and rap. The show traces African American history from West Africa through the present day. Performances at 3 p.m., running time 2.5 hours.
Germantown Jazz: The Josh Lee Trio (Feb. 18)
Part of the larger Germantown Jazz Festival, this performance at Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library (5 p.m.) continues Philadelphia's rich jazz tradition.
Kulu Mele (Feb. 25)
Philadelphia's longest-running African dance company brings their celebrated mix of West African, Cuban and African Diasporan traditions to Chestnut Hill Library, 5:15-6:30 p.m.
Educational & historical programs
Deep Rivers (Feb. 8)
Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion offers an intimate guided tour exploring African American achievement in the post-Emancipation era. The 90-minute program uses the mansion's period rooms to tell stories of triumph in business, arts, and cuisine. 3-4:30 p.m., reservations required.
Vinegars, Rock Sugar & the Legacy of Ms. Emma Dupree (Feb. 11)
Afro-Indigenous herbalist Yam Vallis leads this hands-on workshop at Falls of Schuylkill Library, exploring Black folk healing traditions through the story of renowned herbalist Emma Dupree. Participants will sample and create herbal vinegars. 5:30 p.m.
History of Black and Islamic Book Production (Feb. 25)
Master bookbinder Ramon Townsend discusses African American contributions to bookmaking, from Islamic African techniques brought by enslaved people to 19th-century craftspeople. Includes live demonstrations at Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 5:30 p.m.
Children & family events
Story Time with Kala Jojo (Feb. 15)
"The Tall Storyteller" brings African, African-American and Caribbean oral traditions to life at Lovett Memorial Library, 1 p.m., using authentic African instruments. Additional performance Feb. 22 at Wadsworth Library.
Black Children's Book Week kickoff (Feb. 22)
Lovett Memorial Library hosts this family-friendly festival featuring local authors, book giveaways, literacy resources, and activities designed for children ages 2-6. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Author events & lectures
Amy Jane Cohen (Feb. 22)
The author discusses her work "Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape" at Falls of Schuylkill Library, exploring Black Philadelphians' influence from colonial times through the 1960s. 3 p.m.
Danyelle Thomas (Feb. 22)
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books welcomes the speaker, public theologian, and activist for an intimate book signing and meet-and-greet.
Eve L. Ewing (Feb. 28)
Uncle Bobbie's hosts the author of "Original Sins" for a discussion about educational inequality and institutional racism in American schools.
Workshops & hands-on activities
Fundamentals of Rhythm and Hip Hop (Feb. 15)
Hip Hop Fundamentals leads this interactive workshop at Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, teaching breakdancing basics while exploring the art form's 1970s origins. 2 p.m.
Wine Down Wednesday Woodworking (Feb. 15)
A|R Workshop Chestnut Hill combines wine tasting with woodworking, celebrating Black artisans' legacy while creating custom pieces. Led by sommelier Kelly Diane Daniels, 6-9 p.m.
Alma Thomas Inspired Art (Feb. 24)
Andorra Library hosts this hands-on art workshop inspired by the Black American painter, 3 p.m. All materials provided.
Historical exhibits
Germantown Abolitionists (Feb. 27)
Lovett Memorial Library displays biographical posters of influential local abolitionists and inventors from the Emancipation Proclamation era. Self-guided tours available 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Additionally, local businesses are participating in the month-long celebration. Jonesy's Accessories (7916 Germantown Ave.) features African clothes and storewide discounts throughout February.
For updated information about any events, contact the hosting venues directly. Many events are free, but some require advance registration.