This year marks a century of honoring Black History in the United States. Black History Week was first designated in February 1926 by historian Carter Woodson and ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life & History). Fifty years later, in 1967, in conjunction with the bicentennial celebration, it moved to what we now recognize as Black History Month.
Black History is integral to the Kansas City region, which was shaped by slavery, the Underground Railroad, and major population growth over time. The Black community built the vibrant jazz culture, drove business growth, and propelled civil rights activism, all while facing threats of racism and systemic barriers, like redlining, that have created challenges to long-term growth and prosperity.
This month, we encourage Kansas Citians to learn, make an impact, and get involved. Several events are happening across the KC metro to celebrate and educate about Black history. Check out these events below:
Annual Black History Luncheon, hosted by the Black Archives of Mid-America Inc. | Mission Possible: Our Story, Our Strength, Our Future. February 21ST, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM. The luncheon offers a meaningful setting to engage in insightful conversations and enjoy rich cultural presentations. Learn more.
Film Screening of “W.E.B. DU BOIS: A Biography in Four Voices” by The Museum of Kansas City | Sunday, February 22 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Admission is Free with Registration. This program aligns with the 2026 Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, founded by Carter G. Woodson, whose work gave rise to Negro History Week and eventually Black History Month. Click here to RSVP.
Reclaiming The Canvas: A Tribute to 100 Years of Black History Month | Saturday, Feb 7 from 2 pm to 10 pm, Zhou B Art Center Kansas City. Celebrate 100 years of Black History Month with an immersive night of live music, dance, spoken word, and visual art by KC artists. Art Exhibition Opening (2PM–5PM FREE), Performing Artist Showcase (7PM–10PM Ticketed)
Black Union Soldiers and the Fight for Freedom, presented By Daniel Smith | Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026, 6 – 7 pm, Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch, Truman Forum Auditorium. The Battle of Westport was the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. Approximately 15% of participating Union forces were African American, including the first battlefield command by Black officers. This group continues to be undercelebrated and underrecognized, though its 1000 members played a major role in winning the battle that ultimately helped emancipate enslaved people in Missouri. RSVP.
Meet Dr. King, part of the Folly Kids Series | Wednesday, February 18 2026 | 9:45 am & 11:30 am showtimes, Recommended ages: K – 2nd grade. This a wonderful introduction to the life and work of one of America’s most influential men. This show is perfect for younger audiences, serving to introduce students to major concepts of Black History like freedom, integration and equality. More information here.
Reel Black Film Festival 2026, by Kansas City PBS | Gem Theater Kansas City, Friday, February 20th and Saturday, February 21st. Join Kansas City PBS in celebrating Black History Month with exclusive film screenings, panel discussions, community vendors, and more. Learn more and RSVP.
Born a Slave: Rediscovering Arthur Jackson’s African American Heritage, By The Museum of Kansas City | Saturday, Feb 28 from 2 pm to 3 pm. Please join us for a book singing and lecture with author and local historian David Jackson as he explores his family’s history. Born a Slave: Rediscovering Arthur Jackson’sAfrican-American Heritage explores this man’s birth, childhood, life as a freedman, his ancestry, and his master’s family. RSVP here.
POP IS BLACK: Concert with KC’s Top Black Pop Artists, by Zhou B Art Center Kansas City | Saturday, Feb 28 from 6 pm to 11 pm Pop is Black! Our SOLD OUT show returns again in 2026! POP IS BLACK is a live concert event dedicated to celebrating pop-influenced music by Black artists in Kansas City and beyond. This is not a tribute show, but a showcase of original music highlighting artists working across hip-pop, rap, pop, R&B, alternative pop, and genre-blending sounds that reflect the current and evolving landscape of Black musical expression. Buy tickets here.
Family Storytime: Celebrating Black History Month at the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library | Saturday, February 28, 11 am – 11:30 am. Families are invited to join us for fun, interactive storytimes every Saturday morning. This special storytime will include singing, dancing, and some great books! This storytime is geared towards guests over the age of 2 and their families. No registration is required. Storytime will be held in the 2nd floor Youth Services program room. Learn more.
34th Annual KCK Black History and Scholarship Celebration by Unified Government Black History Committee | Saturday, Feb 28 from 11 am to 2 pm. Memorial Hall, Kansas City, KS. Join us for the 34th Annual KCK Black History & Scholarship Celebration “Visions of Liberation: Honoring the Past, Reimagining the Future”. Purchase Tickets.
Other ways to honor Black History Month:
Learn
- Read books by Black authors and about Black experiences
- Follow Black activities, educators and creators online to diversify the voices shaping your worldview
- Study Kansas City’s local Black history with a visit to places like The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, American Jazz Museum, and the Black Archives of Mid-America. Or consider taking a driving tour to learn about local Black history.
Get Involved
- Donate to or volunteer with organizations led by or primarily serving communities of color. Selecting “Nonprofit Catalyst Grantees” in our Community Partners Directory is a great place to start.
Make an Impact
- Patronize Black-owned businesses in our community. KC Black Owned has a directory for you to explore.
- Attend community events and meetings led by Black activists
- Join a workplace committee uplifting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion practices and initiatives
Black History Month should inspire year-round commitment to dismantling racism within ourselves, our spaces, and our systems.