Seattle's Child

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Two women hug in front of large pieces of abstract art hung on museum walls. The art features large, bright faces of Black women.

The Black Abstract Art class will be led by AshaAung Helmstetter, mixed media artist and the artist behind NAAM’s “Recognition, Love, and Healing” exhibit. (Image: Nikki Womac)

Black History Month events, resources for Seattle families

Exhibits and happenings around Seattle, celebrations, and ways to learn more

Black History Month offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black communities. Throughout Seattle, a variety of events and resources make it easy for families to engage with history, culture, and conversations about racial justice.

Month-long

Black History Month Activities | February 1-28 | 5 to 7 p.m. | People’s Community Center | Free | Head down to Tacoma, and enjoy Black History activities and trivia for youth every day during the month of February.

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt | February 1-28 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Multiple Locations, learn more here. | Free | Join this scavenger hunt at Tacoma Library branches to celebrate and learn more about Black artists, with the chance to earn a prize.

Black History Month Artist Spotlight  | Tuesday, February 4 – Tuesday, February 25 | 12 to 8 p.m. | Tacoma Public Library | Free | Registration not required| Visit the Moore Library in Tacoma every Tuesday in February and learn about Black artists who shaped the world. Each week they will feature a different artist’s story and work.

Call to Conscience Black History Month Museum | February 1-28 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | $15+ | Tickets here | Rainier Avenue Radio converts the historic Columbia City Theatre into a museum open from Tuesdays through Sundays during the month of February.

 

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Saturday, February 22

When the Past Meets Your Future: A Celebration of BHS Saturday, February 22 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Museum of History & Industry, Seattle | Free with museum admission | Register here | MOHAI is hosting a special Black History Month celebration at the museum called When the Past Meets Your Future: A Celebration of BHS. You must purchase admission separately from registration.

Black Art Take Over | Saturday, February 22 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Northwest African American Museum, Seattle | Free with admission | The Black Art Takeover features pop-up markets and displays from Black artists, guided tours of the latest exhibitions, panel conversations around the history of Black art in the PNW, great eats, and so much more. 

 

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Hilltop Healthy Kids & Families Carnival | Saturday, February 22 | 12 to 4 p.m. | People’s Community Center, Tacoma | Free | Join this carnival, featuring live music, free food, toys, prizes, and free services (dental cleaning, blood pressure screenings and haircuts) for kids and families. Note, haircuts have limited appointments, first come first served.

Black History Month Soiree on Bainbridge Island | Saturday, February 22 | 6 to 10 p.m. | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art | Free, suggested donation of $10 | Register here | Enjoy a night of dancing while shopping at Black-owned businesses and enjoying live music and performances.

Black Abstract Workshop | Saturday, February 22 | 3 to 5 p.m. | Northwest African American Museum, Seattle | $30 for non-members; free for members | Register here | Participants will create intuitive abstract paintings while also learning history about the integral Black influence in the birth and becoming of abstract art.

Sunday, February 23

Black History Month Crafts | February 23-28 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | The Museum of Flight | Admission $29 for adult, $21 for children, free for children 0-4 | Tickets here | Build your own P-40 paper airplane inspired by the ones flown by the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.

Black History Month Market | Sunday, February 23 | 12 to 6 p.m. | Mt. Tahoma High School, Tacoma | Free admission | This night market features over 30 black-owned businesses showcasing art, fashion, and handmade goods. Enjoy live performances, food vendors, interactive art displays and family-friendly workshops and interactive activities.

More Black History Month resources:

Black History Month by National Geographic Kids

Black History Month resources from Library of Congress and other agencies

Support Black-owned businesses

Six kid-friendly books for Black History Month

Race and social justice for kids in grades K-5

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