Miami is getting ready for another stand-out Black History Month, with no shortage of ways to celebrate Black culture and contributions this year. As we enter the month, we thought we’d help you out and break down some of the best performances, exhibits and events taking place across the city.
Read on to discover how you can partake in and enjoy Black History Month this February:
1. Heritage Fest
The fifth annual community event, free and for all ages, spotlights and celebrates African Diaspora artists in our community. This year’s festival, themed African Americans and the Arts, returns with a variety of vendors, performances by The W’s featuring Johnny James Dr. J. and Live in Color, and beats by DJ Cardi.
When: Sunday, February 4, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
2. Afro-Carib Festival
February is Black History Month, but it’s also Reggae Month! Both are the inspiration for the Miramar’s fourth annual Afro-Carib Festival, which takes place at the Miramar Ampitheatre. Featured artists include Nigerian afro-beats megastar Fireboy DML — best known for his huge hit “Peru” with Ed Sheeran — straight from Jamaica, reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid and dancehall icon Nadine Sutherland.
When: Saturday, February 17 at 6 p.m.
Where: Miramar Amphitheater, 16801 Miramar Parkway Miramar, FL 33027
3. Red Rooster Overtown menu additions
For Black History Month, the restaurant presented by Marcus Samuelsson, Derek Fleming and Michael Simkins is offering special additions alongside their a la carte menu for all of February. Every week, Red Rooster will craft up two new specials highlighting the different traditions and flavors from West & Central Africa, the Caribbean, New Orleans and South Carolina/Georgia low country.
- Week 1: West & Central Africa with the RR Palm Nut Soup and Goat & Chicken Jollof Rice
- Week 2: The Caribbean with Bajan Style Creole Fish and Duck Leg Souse
- Week 3: New Orleans with Seafood Gumbo and Banana Fosters Bread Pudding
- Week 4: South Carolina/Georgia low country with Carolina Style Smoked Pulled Whole Hog and Frogmore Stew
Where: 920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136
4. Black History Month room and exhibit at Arlo Wynwood
Arlo Wynwood is collaborating with two Afro-Caribbean artists to bring a museum-like gallery exhibit and a a custom-designed hotel suite. “Our Shadow Remains” by Kandy G Lopez showcases the artist’s collection, which represents marginalized individuals who inspire and move her. She channels her creativity into various mediums, including monotype prints, mixed-media collages, stained-glass works and watercolors.
The customized suite, “An Oasis of Peace and Joy” by Reyna Noriega, features floor-to-ceiling artwork and beauty products by the painter and author. The 445-square-foot suite will feature custom-painted walls with peach, orange and teal hues, and adorned with bold affirmations through vinyls on hanging mirrors. The room will also include custom art pieces within Reyna’s personal collection. Arlo Wynwood will celebrate the exhibition opening and the suite’s unveiling for Black History Month with a special event on Wednesday, February 21.
When: Wednesday, February 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
5. MOCA’s latest exhibitions, “Bound//Unbound” and “Ancient Future”
Currently on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is Jamea Richmond-Edwards’ Ancient Future. Spanning large-scale assemblages and immersive new installations, the exhibition explores the realms of Afro-futurism and mythologies through the lens of the rising artist’s bespoke visual idiom.
And opening on February 23 is Alexandra Fields O’Neale’s Bound//Unbound. This immersive installation uses sonic narratives to depict the experience of transatlantic enslavement and the quest for freedom via the saltwater railroads to the Bahamas. It explores Miami’s significance in this historical context while delving into local history.
Where: MOCA North Miami, 770 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL 33161
6. Art Talk & Print Release with DAZE at the Museum of Graffiti
The Museum of Graffiti is inviting legendary graffiti artist, Chris Daze Ellis, for an event dedicated to the celebration of art, culture and history. You’ll get a rare opportunity to meet the artist, acquire a unique signed print and dive deep into his journey — from his early days of painting subway cars in the 1970s to achieving global recognition in the art world. The event is free with online RSVP.
When: Thursday, February 29, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Museum of Graffiti, 276 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127
7. Free Gospel Sundays 15th anniversary celebration
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of the iconic free series with Music From the Bottom, a show curated and performed by locally based stars paying homage to music originating in Miami. Featured performers include Dwight Moment & Symphony, Johnny Sanders & Company, Corey Edwards & The Florida Fellowship Super Choir and Rev. Melvin Dawson & The Genesis Fellowship Delegation.
When: Sunday, February 25 at 5 p.m.
Where: Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
8. “Echoes of Overtown: A Legacy Preserved” exhibit presented by The Black Archives
Brightline and The Black Archives are set to unveil a groundbreaking interactive exhibit at MiamiCentral. Titled “Echoes of Overtown: A Legacy Preserved,” the exhibit shines a spotlight on key landmarks in Overtown that were no only main attractions, but served as vital contributors to the societal fabric over the years. It will be unveiled on Wednesday evening, Jan. 31.
When: Wednesday, January 31
Where: Brightline MiamiCentral Station, PREMIUM Lounge (Mezzanine Level), 600 Northwest 1st Avenue Miami, FL 33136
9. Harmony of Heritage: A Black History Month Jazz Celebration
Enjoy an enchanting evening with the soulful sounds of the LeNard Rutledge Quintet on Lincoln Road. This free musical performance pays homage to Black history, blending the classy elegance of Rutledge’s vocals with the raw passion inspired by his church choir roots.
When: Friday, February 23 at 7 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Road Euclid Oval, 690 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139
10. Artistry & Soul: An Evening With Gregory Porter
Raised in Bakersfield, California, acclaimed singer-songwriter Gregory Porter cites the Bakersfield Southern gospel sound, as well as his mother’s Nat King Cole record collection, as fundamental influences on his own sound. He has won the Grammy Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album twice; first for his debut Liquid Spirit and again for his follow-up,Take Me to the Alley. See him on the Arsht Center stage on Friday, Feb. 23.
When: Friday, February 23 at 8 p.m.
Where: Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132