WISCONSIN — As Black History Month kicks off Feb. 1, entities across Wisconsin are hosting events to celebrate Black history and support local Black-owned businesses and artists.
From cultural showcases to community gatherings, here’s a look at some events happening around the state.
Milwaukee
Black History Month at Milwaukee Public Library
Feb. 1 – 28
Various locations
The Milwuakee Public Library is celebrating Black History Month through a variety of initiatives. Take part in reading challenges, complete a bingo board and attend more than a dozen programming events. Events include film screenings, special exhibits, storytimes, crafting sessions, a Langston Hughes-themed event and more.
Indaba African Ball
Saturday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m.
St. Ann Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Aveune, Milwaukee
Kick off Black History Month with this annual celebration held to support a full year of activities at the band cell. Registration ends on Jan. 30. The evening will include live music, elegant African and Carribbean-flavored food, an African marketplace and more.
Milwaukee Black Business Expo
Saturday, Feb. 28 from noon to 4 p.m.
Zoofari Conference Center, 9715 W Bluemound Road, Milwaukee
Celebrate Black excellence, resilience and innovation by exploring panels on Black business history, watching cultural performances and seeing showcases of Milwaukee’s thriving Black businesses.
Madison
4th Annual Minding My Black-Owned Business Pop-Up Shop
Saturday, Feb. 21 from noon to 3 p.m.
Elver Park Neighborhood Center, 1201 McKenna Boulevard, Madison
More than 40 Black- and Brown-owned small businesses will have items for sale at the Elver Park Neighborhood Center this Saturday. There will be a raffle every 30 minutes with donated items from vendors and gift cards.
Moonshine
Friday, Feb. 27 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Margaret H’Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Avenue, Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Dance Department and Professor Chris Walker will host this free event aimed at celebrating the Black experience through music, theater and dance.
Black Heritage Celebration
Thursday, Feb. 19 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison
Madison Children’s Museum will honor and celebrate Black artists, musicians and leaders at this free event. Admission starts at 4 p.m. and activities begin at 5 p.m.
Green Bay & Fox Cities
Afro Hair Fair
Saturday, Feb. 28 from 1-5 p.m.
Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 N Bluemound Drive, Appleton
Whether you’re passionate about “hair equity” or simply a parent or student, come learn and grow at this event, feating barber/stylist demonstrations, hands-on workshops and more. General admission costs $10 and extra workshops cost more. Kids 9 and under are free.
Celebrate Black Culture
Feb. 1 – March 1
UW-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will host a variety of events, many of which are open to the public, throughout the month to celebrate Black culture. From a mental wellness panel to speaker events and a “Black Wall Street” there are plenty of oppurtunities to engage with the community.
Around the Badger State
8th Annual Black Herstory & Black History Month Expo
Saturday, Feb. 14 from noon to 6 p.m.
Eclipse Event Center, 184 Eclipse Center Street, Beloit
Browse a variety of Black and Latino entrepreneurs, hear from speakers, explore exhibits on Black Herstory and Black History and more.
BSU: Reflections of Ebony
Saturday, Feb. 14 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Bluffs Room Student Union, 521 East Avenue N Second Floor, La Crosse
The public is invited to join the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse community at this annual Black History Month event that focuses on community and Black excellence.
Black History Month Read-In
Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Racine Public Library, 75 7th Street, Racine
Everyone is welcome to join the annual read-in at Racine Public Library. Read short historical and modern works from Black authors. It’s a chance to celebrate “Black excellence, culture and heritage.”
