Black History Month 2024
This year’s Black History Month theme is “African Americans and the Arts,” as selected by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
This theme recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions of African Americans to various art forms, from visual and performing arts to literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, and culinary arts.
African Americans have played a paramount role in shaping and defining these art forms. Through their artistic expressions, African American artists have not only preserved history and community memory, but also used art as a tool for empowerment.
Black History Month Events
February 10: The Art of Cultivating Community hosted by Renton Technical College, Renton-South King County Alliance for Justice, and Elevate PR Management
This event is an open discussion on how to restore hope through activism, education, and engagement. This Black History Month Community Forum will be held on Saturday, February 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Renton Technical College Library, Building C, 2nd Floor, 3000 NE 4th St.
The Art of Cultivating Change is an enlightening educational forum that is a vibrant platform for individuals passionate about societal transformation.
February 13: Advancing Racial Equity: Revisiting Dr. King's Lost Speech hosted by United Way of King County
To celebrate Black History Month and continue advancing racial equity in King County, the latest installment of United Way of King County’s Advancing Racial Equity Event Series will discuss and share Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s lost speech. The event occurs on Tuesday, February 13 at Rainier Arts Center, 3515 South Alaska St. Tickets are available online for $10.
February 17: Black History Month Event: Unsung Heroes hosted by the Renton Historical Society
Celebrate those committed to the community, contributing skills and talents, and dedicating their time and services to making Renton a better and stronger place during the Black History Month Event: Unsung Heroes.
The Renton Historical Society hosts this event on Saturday, February 17, from 1-3 p.m. at the Renton History Museum, 235 Mill Ave. S. Honorees include former Renton councilmember Margaret Proctor, Renton High School football coaching staff, and representatives from the Renton Police Department.
February 17: Black History Month Soirée at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
The BIMA Black History Month Soirée is a time to come together and celebrate Black culture with a night filled with music, art, and a special pop-up group of vendors from Seattle's Black Love Market. The event starts at 6 p.m. Indulge in a night of dancing while shopping Black-owned businesses and enjoying live music and performances. Grab a drink from the bistro, hit the dance floor, and surround yourself with community. Admission is free with a suggested $10 donation.
February 24: 2nd Annual Black Makers & Creatives Exhibit hosted by Hyatt Regency Lake Washington
An evening of fashion, poetry, and thoughtfully curated art, attend the 2nd annual Black Makers & Creatives Exhibit on Saturday, February 24, from 5-9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, 1053 Lake Washington Blvd N.
This public showcase of a selection of Western Washington's most talented Black artists and creatives will be open to the public. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Family First Community Center. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Black History Month Exhibits
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) Exhibits
February 11: In partnership with Noir Lux, a local, Black- and woman-owned company, MOHAI will host a candle-pouring event. Participants will learn about the art of candle making, select their custom fragrance, and pour a nine oz soy wax candle to take home. Candles are made with premium soy wax and high-quality phthalate-free fragrance oils, which are FDA-approved, cruelty-free, and skin-safe.
Candles take up to one hour to cure, so drop in between 12 and 3 p.m. to make a candle and then explore the museum. All ages are welcome. Adult supervision required for registrants 14 and under. Tickets for this event at the MOHAI Microsoft Lakefront Pavilion can be purchased online or at the museum.
Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) Events
February 15: NAAM will host Dr. Doretha Williams and her family history team from the Smithsonian Museum in honor of Black History Month, where she will discuss Black family history and genealogy. The event will be held on Thursday, February 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at NAAM, 2300 S Massachusetts St.
Renton History Museum: “Renton’s Hilltop Community” Study Guide Questions
“Renton’s Hilltop Community” tells the story of the Renton Hilltop, a historically Black community in the Renton Highlands. The article discusses the neighborhood’s ties to mining, agriculture, and war industries while highlighting community culture and the lives and livelihoods of well-known Hilltop residents.
The corresponding Hilltop Community mapping activity invites students to compare and contrast historic and modern maps of the area that show the development of the neighborhood over time. It also includes biographical data about Hilltop residents who came to Renton during the Great Migration. Study guides, articles, and maps to learn more can be found on the Renton History Museum’s webpage under Curricula.
The Museum of Flight
February 3: Experience a unique historical reenactment of the life of the world’s first African American female, Bessie Coleman, to become a licensed pilot in the 1920s. Through a dynamic performance by Bessie Coleman’s great-niece, Gigi, hear about her many accomplishments in the aviation field. The event will be on Saturday, February 3, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Museum of Flight, 9404 E Marginal Way S.
This is free with Museum membership and included with general admission.
Black History Month Educational Resources
- The King County Library System has curated a list of books to celebrate African American history and culture and explore contemporary issues.
- BlackHistoryMonth.gov highlights a series of federally funded virtual discussions, book talks, and other online events, as well as resources to learn more about Black History Month.
- Black Heritage Society of Washington State documents the culture and heritage of Black people statewide from the past, present, and future. They advocate for saving places to preserve, collect, and share the history of African Americans in Washington State.
- The Library of Congress website contains numerous exhibits, books, and programs related to Black History Month.
- The Center for MultiCultural Health promotes the health and well-being of diverse communities--including individuals from communities of color, individuals with limited English proficiency, immigrants, and refugees--through innovative health advocacy, health promotion, disease prevention, and immigrant and refugee service programs.
- People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) is a multicultural, multi-social service agency that addresses disparities in marginalized communities in Seattle and greater King County by offering a wealth of health services and community programs.
- Seattle Black MBA is a network for African American professionals creating economic and intellectual growth for African American communities.
- United Way of King County has committed $1.5 million for each of the next two years through their Collective to invest and shift power to the Black community.
Above is a list of Black History Month events, exhibits, activities, and resources scheduled in and around Renton. If we've missed an event, please send the information to [email protected].