February is Black History Month, and Fort Bend County marks the occasion each year with a range of cultural celebrations, from dance performances and marches to educational programs. This year’s observances also include a special performance in Sugar Land presented by Houston Grand Opera.
The 2026 celebration is especially significant, marking 100 years since Black History Month began in 1926 as “Negro History Week.” The original week was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14, both dates long commemorated within Black communities.
Black History Kickoff
Missouri City marks the start of Black History Month each year with a vibrant kickoff event, complete with live music, dance performances, food trucks, local vendors, and a Kid Zone for families.
When: February 7, 10 a.m.
Where: Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Texas Parkway
Learn more: missouricitytx.gov/1134/Black-History-Month-Events
Black History Month at the Children’s Discovery Center
The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center will host a daylong Black History Month celebration on February 7.
Black History Month Storytime (11 a.m.)
Chief Deputy Mattie C. Provost will lead a special story reading celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Black voices throughout history.
Abiyoyo Twanda’s Theatre on Wheels (12 p.m.)
Ms. Twanda presents an interactive performance exploring African customs and traditions through music, movement, and storytelling.
MLK Speech Reenactment (1 p.m.) – Tanner Ellis delivers a reenactment of one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speeches.
Hidden Figures Flying Cup Rockets (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) – Children can create paper rockets inspired by the trailblazing women of the film “Hidden Figures” and their contributions to space exploration.
Additionally, from February 7 through February 28, the center will offer Black History Month Storytime every Saturday at 11 a.m., featuring a different guest reader each week.
When: February 7, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Where: 198 Kempner St., Sugar Land
Learn more: childrensdiscoveryfb.org/februar-7-black-history-month
Exposing Black Artistry by Expose Excellence Youth Program
Exposing Black Artistry is a family friendly community celebration honoring Black History Month through creativity, culture, and art. At his event, the three finalists of the Expose Excellence Youth Poetry contest will share their original poems.
All attendees are also invited to participate in Black History trivia games and a collage art activity.
This event is free and open to the public.
Community partners interested in event sponsorships or donating prizes may contact raven.forrester@fbctx.gov
When: February 7, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Texas Parkway
Learn more: eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-exposing-black-artistry-tickets-1980200478938Black History Valentine’s Love & Laughter
Black History Valentine’s Love & Laughter
Since February is Black History Month, the City of Missouri City has, in recent years, blended Valentine’s Day into its celebrations by hosting a “Valentine’s Love and Laughter” event at the community center. This year’s featured comedian is Dave Lawson. Tickets can also be purchased via Edisonartsfoundation.org or Missouricity.gov websites.
When: February 13, 7- 9 p.m.
Where: Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City
Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/2xtuv7dv
Lauren Anderson Free Ballet Dance Day
Lauren Anderson is the first Black principal dancer of a major ballet company,
Houston Ballet. Every year she hosts a free ballet dance day in Missouri City in honor of Black History Month. For ages 12 and above. The class is free, but you do need to register.
When: February 14, 10 a.m.
Where: Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance, 1959 Texas Parkway, Missouri City
Learn more: edisonartsfoundation.org/lauren-anderson-ballet-master-class-series/
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/26x9zwy6
The Ensemble Theatre
For those who don’t mind a short drive, the Ensemble Theatre is performing “The Bluest Eye”, based on Toni Morrison’s 1970 novel. Tickets can also be purchased via Edisonartsfoundation.org or Missouricity.gov websites.
The Ensemble Theatre is the largest African American professional theatre company in the U.S.
When: February 15, 2 p.m.
Where: The Ensemble Theater, 3535 Main St., Houston
Tickets: ensemblehouston.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/PatronTicket__PublicTicketApp#/events/a0SS600000QFlkPMAT
“Giving Voice” presented by Houston Grand Opera
This celebration will honor both the centennial of Black History Month and the 250th anniversary of the United States. The performance brings together a group of artists, including J’Nai Bridges, Donnie Ray Albert, Michael Sumuel, and Butler Studio artists Elizabeth Hanje, Demetrious Sampson Jr., and Sam Dhobhany, alongside The Fort Bend Church Music Ministry, Voices of Houston, the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, and the HGO Chorus.
Tickets are currently $10 but will go up to $20 from February 6.
When: February 20, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fort Bend Church, 1900 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land
Learn more: my.houstongrandopera.org/givingvoice26
Black History Month at George Memorial Library
In recognition of Black History Month, Fort Bend County Libraries will host a free, daylong event at the George Memorial Library in Richmond.
The program includes a children’s book reading and craft with Ugandan-American author Sanyu Ntanda, a genealogy workshop led by lecturer Ari Wilkins on African American family history research, a hip-hop education performance by RAD Crew Productions, and an African heritage cooking demonstration by Sarah Anderson.
The day will also feature a talk by Cowboy Larry Callies of the Black Cowboy Museum and an all-day photography exhibit by Houston photographer Brian Edwards Jr., highlighting Black cowboy heritage.
When: February 21, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview Dr., Richmond
Learn more: fortbendlibraries.gov/news/celebrate-black-history-month
Black History Celebration Gala
As part of its Black History Month observances, the city of Missouri City will host a gala celebrating African American fashion and music. The event will honor Constable Daryl Smith for his service and contributions.
When: February 21, 7 p.m.
Where: Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 LaQuinta Drive
Learn more: missouricitytx.gov/1134/Black-History-Month-Events
Missouri City Tanique Evans Freedom Walk 5th
The Freedom Tree in Missouri City is a historic live oak — estimated to be more than 200 years old — that stands as a symbol of emancipation in Fort Bend County. Located on what was once the Palmer Plantation, the tree is traditionally recognized as the spot where formerly enslaved people first learned they were free after the end of the Civil War, once news of emancipation finally reached Texas in the summer of 1865.
During the event, attendees will walk from Community Park to the Freedom Tree, where local leaders, pastors, poets, singers, and performers will share reflections and performances. The group will then return to the park for a celebration honoring unity, history, and freedom.
When: February 28, 9 a.m.
Where: Community Park, 1700 Glen Lakes Lane
Family reunion/Cultural Celebration
The Freedom Walk will be followed by a cultural celebration at the Community Center, complete with food trucks, music, vendors, a Kid Zone, and dance performances, plus a special appearance by R&B, pop, jazz, and gospel vocalist Shaleya.
When: February 28, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Community Center, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City
Varma can be reached at juhi.varma@gmail.com.
