By Lily Mihelich | Image for “The Meeting” courtesy Madison College
February is Black History Month, and there are many ways to honor the achievements, stories and cultural contributions of the Black community here in Madison. Here are a few meaningful events to check out.
“Restoring the Black Woman”
Feb. 1-29, Gallery at Truax (Madison College)
Madison College’s Black Women’s Affinity Group is hosting its third annual exhibition, featuring artists Dr. Crystasany R. Turner, DarRen Morris, Althea René Miller-Sims and Bolanle Awosika. Works celebrate Black beauty, race, spirituality, hope and healing, Black womanhood and feminism.
The exhibition’s opening ceremony takes place on Feb. 1 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Visit the website for regular gallery hours.
“The Meeting”
Feb. 10, Mitby Theater (Madison College)
Milwaukee-based Nobelman Theatre Troupe will perform “The Meeting,” an intriguing play about an imaginary meeting between Civil Rights Movement leaders Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Attendees can participate in a post-event discussion after the play.
Goodman South Madison’s Friday Family Films
Feb. 16, Goodman South Madison Library
This family-friendly monthly film series devoted its January and February screenings to sharing Black narratives. February’s selection is “Johnson Family Vacation,” a comedy starring Cedric the Entertainer and Vanessa Williams.
madisonpubliclibrary.org/events/special-series/black-history-month
Central Cinema Cinesthesia presents “Malcolm X”
Feb. 21, Madison Public Library Central Library
Cinesthesia is a discussion series that explores the relationship between film, literature and history. This month, watch director Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X,” starring Denzel Washington. The film showcases the Civil Rights leader’s story and his fight for Black rights and freedoms.
madisonpubliclibrary.org/events/special-series/black-history-month
Black Heritage Celebration
Feb. 22, Madison Children’s Museum
The Madison Children’s Museum honors Black success and leadership this month at its celebration. Enjoy fare from local Black-owned restaurants, and listen to Black musicians, including Atimevu, a Ghanaian drumming group, and locally renowned musician, Leotha Stanley.
madisonchildrensmuseum.org/event/black-heritage-celebration
“Moonshine 2024”
Feb. 23, Lathrop Hall (UW-Madison)
Professor and choreographer Chris Walker and the UW Dance Department will perform “Moonshine 2024” in honor of Black History Month. The show will feature hip hop, West African dance and Afro-Caribbean Dancehall movement styles. dance.wisc.edu/dance-department-presents-moonshine-2024
