Black History Month 2025
Published on January 31, 2025
The City of Gainesville is hosting several Black History Month events during February at A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the historic Thomas Center, Bo Diddley Plaza and Evergreen Cemetery.
African American History Month (Black History Month) is a month-long celebration of the achievements and cultural recognition of African Americans in the United States. During the 1800s to the 20th Century, African Americans have made significant contributions to Black life from the early days of the abolitionist movements, the reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, Black arts movement and the civil rights movement during Jim Crow.
The City of Gainesville is observing Black History Month with a showcase of artwork, performances and remembrances this month at several city venues.
Hats: Wear Your Fancy Hats
Date: Saturday, Feb. 1
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Location: A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, 1013 NW Seventh Ave.
Hats is an art exhibit on the tradition of wearing hats in African American traditions to kick off African American month featuring the creative work of visual artist Mark A. Hopkins, a live jazz music and the Smooth Flava Dance Troupe. In partnership with Alishia McDonald, Yvens Pierre-Antoine, Attorneys at Law and Smooth Flava Dance.
A Celebration of Black, Love, Art and Poetry
Date: Saturday, Feb. 15
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Santa Fe College Downtown Campus, 530 W. University Ave.
Poets and visual artists will feature the essence of Black love in a poetry showcase and local visual artists. Event co-sponsored by Bailey Learning and Arts Collective, Inc.
The Florida Invitational Step Show, “The Stroll”
Date: Saturday, Feb. 22
Time: 12-3 p.m.
Location: Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave.
Join African American sororities and fraternities, local cheer and dance teams for an electrifying step show!
Matthew Lewey, Intergenerational Celebration
Date: Sunday, Feb. 23
Time: 3–5 p.m.
Location: Historic Thomas Center, 302 NE Sixth Ave.
Join us for an afternoon of lemonade and conversation hearing about the life story of African American pioneer Matthew Lewey, the postmaster for Newnansville, educator at Union Academy, Civil War veteran and state legislator. In partnership with the Cultural Arts Coalition, the Alachua County Remembrance Project, the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, UF Smathers Libraries and the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department.
Evergreen Cemetery Self-guided Tour
401 SE 21st Ave.
On-site honorary signage will indicate these gravesites for neighbors wishing to take a self-guided tour of the city’s only municipal cemetery, established in 1856. Explore the historic cemetery for a self-guided walking tour of African Americans located in the cemetery such as bluesman Willie Green, Sarah McKnight and many others.