If we took anything from 2020 and the legacy of CHOP, it's that countering systemic racism and implicit bias starts with listening and learning. We don't need to wait until an annual observance to do that, but Black History Month is still a great place to start. Here, a list of ways to celebrate Seattle's Black history and people.

Feb 5

Brotherhood Panel

Shoreline

Black Coffee NW, a Black-owned community hub and purveyor of ethically-sourced beans, hosts a conversation about mental health and relationships from the male perspective with owner and CEO Erwin Weary and Linesa Pleshette. 

Feb 6—27

Black Coffee NW Black History Month Celebration

Ballard

Black Coffee NW celebrates the opening of their Ballard location with a month of live music—with performances from Roz, Kayla Carrington, and Arami Walker—and Afro Caribbean and Filipino food provided by caterers Keez Kitchen. 

 

Feb 10

Practical Audacity: Black Women And International Human Rights

Online

Moderated by Seattle writer and artist Reagan Jackson, this virtual panel discusses the book by Stanlie M. James, which delves into the narrative and contributions of 14 Black women in the realm of activism and international human rights. Free

Feb 13

The ABCs of Black History

Online

Northwest African American Museum may be closed for in-person visits, but its plethora of pandemic programming includes this interactive storytime of the New York Times best seller by Rio Cortez. The reading concludes with a virtual visit to a local Black-owned business. Free

Feb 19

The Green Book: More Than a Guide

South Lake Union

The Museum of History and Industry delves into the famous guide for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era with presentations from the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Black and Tan Hall, and the Washington State Historical Society. MOHAI, free with admission

 

Feb 24

Round 201

Fremont

For nearly two decades, the Round has gathered artists to showcase their works, creating an intimate space for the audience to connect with creators. This year’s event, curated by Jamaar Smiley, features spoken word poets and songwriters, like D’Mario Carter and Juá, along with a live painting experience by up-and-coming talent local to the city. Fremont Abbey Arts Center, $12-50  

Feb 24

Tiffanie Drayton: Black Womanhood and the Toll of Racism

Online

After arriving in New Jersey in the ‘90s from Trinidad and Tobago, Drayton often questioned the world she grew up in. The question that anchors her recent book, Black American Refugee: Escaping the Narcissism of the American Dream  is this: “Can Black people ever realize true emancipation here in the ‘land of the free?’”. This will be the focal point of her upcoming talk with author Krystal A. Sital. Town Hall, $5

Feb 25

Through the Eyes of Art

Online

An annual celebration of the Black experience, this livestream event cohosted by MoPop explores the world of millennial parenting through a pop culture lens, from Black-ish to Beyonce. Free

Feb 26

Seattle’s African American Writers Alliance Group Reading

Online

This dynamic collective of local Black writers, including charter member and poet Dr. Georgia Stewart McDade, returns for its 30th annual group reading, spanning genres and generations. Free

Feb 27

Robert Glasper: A Black Radio Production + Vitamin D

Belltown

The four-time Grammy winner is known for his ability to straddle musical genres. The composer’s original album Black Radio, recipient of one of his accolades, has evolved into an ongoing volumed series that boasts musical collaborations with legends like Musiq Soulchild and Erykah Badu.  His songs advocate for Black love and Black power, impressing upon listeners their responsibility to improve the world. The Moore Theater, $50-60

Through Feb 28

A Seattle History Worth Preserving: Buffalo Soldiers

Lower Queen Anne

Back when Discovery Park was still known as Fort Lawton, hundreds of Black soldiers were stationed there as part of the U.S. Army’s 25th infantry. This ongoing exhibit at Seattle Center looks at the history of the revered Buffalo Soldiers and their contributions to the region. On February 27, a jazz performance showcases their musical legacy. Seattle Center Armory, free

Through March 6

 

Black Restaurant Week

Various

Seven days (let alone a month) is not long enough to celebrate Black culinary excellence—we can do that every day. But for the first week in March, a group of Black-owned Pacific Northwest restaurants, from our own backyard all the way to Portland, will come together for the second year to show off their favorite dishes. A NOSH culinary showcase and awards ceremony honors restaurants that have been serving up exceptional food for 50 years and recognizes the community’s favorite spots. Various, various