Celebrating Black History Month in St. Louis
Events, Activities and Celebrations in February
Each year in February, the United States honors Black History Month. 2026 is special, as it marks the 100th anniversary of national observance of Black Americans. Due to that, the theme of Black History Month this year is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”
Federal recognition for Black Americans first started in 1926 with Negro History Week, a week of learning and recognition of Black Americans and their impact on the United States. The founder of this movement, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, established this observation to transform how Black Americans, and America as a whole, recognized and acknowledged themselves.
50 years later, President Ford declared the entire month of February as Black History Month on February 10th, 1976. Black History Month was chosen for February because it contained the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (Feb 14) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb 12).
Around St. Louis there are many events and activities planned for February to celebrate the month. Read on for more details:
America’s MVP – A Live Presentation Of Black History in America
February 5 | 1PM – 4PM
Missouri History Museum
2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month. We are honoring the legacy, brilliance, and impact of Black history in one of St. Louis’ most iconic institutions.
Frankie Freeman Inspirational Address
February 6 | 7PM
St. Louis County Library | Clark Family Branch Library
From its origin at the turn of the 20th century to its destruction in 1959 in the name of urban renewal, Mill Creek Valley was a center for Black life in St. Louis. Vivian Gibson grew up in Mill Creek Valley. Her moving memoir, “The Last Children of Mill Creek,” depicts the families, friends, shop owners, church ladies, teachers, and others who made Mill Creek into a warm, tight-knit African-American community. Gibson will be joined in conversation by Gwen Moore, curator of the Missouri History Museum’s exhibition, “Mill Creek: Black Metropolis.”
During the event, Ohun Ashe, Michael P. McMillan, Kayla Reed, and Michelle D. Tucker will receive the Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award.
Exploring Black Fashion History
February 7 | 11AM
St. Louis Public Library | Barr Library
Step into a century of Black fashion and see how style tells a story of culture, identity and empowerment. This interactive workshop takes learners through key eras of Black fashion — from Harlem Renaissance zoot suits to Civil Rights–era dashikis, hip-hop streetwear and today’s luxury designers. Participants will then bring history to life through a creative project of sketching their own inspired designs, capturing the spirit of a chosen era while adding their unique creative touch. Registration Required.
February 23 | 6PM
St. Louis County Library | Lewis & Clark Branch Library
Presented by The Black Rep. Sixteen-year-old Takunda’s world is turned upside down when her father is arrested for his political activities in the turbulent Rhodesia of 1973. This coming of age story incorporates African folk tales and songs, featuring an ensemble of four actors and the vibrant art of storytelling.
Tea Talk: Amber Fouche & the Legacy Behind Tea ParTea
Feb. 21 | 2 p.m.
St. Louis County Library | Schlafly Library
Celebrate Black History Month with us as we welcome Amber Fouche, owner of Tea ParTea, for an inspiring conversation on history and entrepreneurship. Amber will share the story of how her grandmother Clara and a lineage of herbalist women and healers—stretching back to the time of sharecropping and the transatlantic slave trade—inspired her business and vision. For Amber, tea provides a source of community, comfort, and healing that honors her family heritage. The talk will be followed by a tea tasting and pastry pairing. Registration Required.
February 27 | 7:30PM
Powell Hall
Join your St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the IN UNISON Chorus for a joyful celebration of Black History Month. This special concert honors the lifetime achievements of renowned vocalist and choral composer Rosephanye Dunn Powell, showcasing the magnificent variety and depth of Black musical expression and her extraordinary body of work. Guest soloist Imara Ashton Miles joins for an unforgettable evening celebrating Dr. Powell’s enduring artistry, influence, and contributions to choral music.
Multiple Dates and Times
Missouri History Museum | Metro Theatre Company | St. Stephen & The Vine Church
This World Premiere production tells the true story of the 1933 Funsten Nut Strike in St. Louis, when Black women facing low wages, unsafe conditions, and segregation, organized over 2,000 workers across five factories. This act of solidarity decades before the Civil Rights Movement positioned St. Louis at the intersection of workers’ and civil rights.
With an original jazz and blues score, this true yet forgotten story highlights the pivotal role of Black women in the struggle for justice in St. Louis and beyond.