February is Black History Month, and local organizations and groups have programming planned throughout. A group of Kent State students and professors started the annual celebration in 1970. Six years later, President Gerald Ford officially recognized the monthlong commemoration of Black history and excellence.
Celebrating Black History in Perkins Woods
Through March 7 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Akron Zoo (505 Euclid Ave.)
Visitors to the zoo can explore a new exhibit that looks at the history of Perkins Woods, the former city park where the zoo now stands. It highlights important efforts in the area’s history, including efforts from Black residents to expand the John Brown Monument. General admission: $11 – $21; children younger than two and Akron Zoo members: free, akronzoo.org
Federated Democratic Women of Summit County event
Saturday, Feb. 1 | noon
Mustard Seed Market & Cafe (867 W Market St., second floor)
Ward 1 Akron City Council Member Samuel DeShazior will be the guest speaker at the Federated Democratic Women of Summit County’s annual Black History Month program. Free, facebook.com/FDWSC
Family Story Time: Black History Month
Saturday, Feb. 1 | 2-3 p.m.
Odom Boulevard Branch Library (600 Vernon Odom Blvd.)
Bring the kids and spend an afternoon at the library learning about Black History Month. After the story time, stop by the front desk and pick up a Black literature tic-tac-toe game. The activity boards are available throughout February. Guests who play the game have a chance to win prizes too. Free, services.akronlibrary.org
Gospel Meets Symphony
Saturday, Feb. 8 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
Now in its 31st year, this annual concert features the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the Gospel Meets Symphony choir. Students/children: $7, adults: $20-$60; akronsymphony.org
What’s New with Green Book Cleveland?
Monday, Feb. 10 | 5 – 7 p.m.
Happy Days Lodge (500 W. Streetsboro St., Peninsula)
Panelists from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cleveland State University, ThirdSpace Action Lab and the Akron Zoo will discuss Green Book Cleveland, a history project that maps and documents entertainment, leisure and recreation sites that were important to Black people in Northeast Ohio. The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A and a networking session. General admission: $10; conservancy members and students: free, eventbrite.com
Archaeology & the Great African American Migration to Akron
Monday, Feb. 10 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Odom Boulevard Branch Library (600 Vernon Odom Blvd.)
Representatives from Summit Metro Parks will present the organization’s research on Wheelock Cuyahoga Acres. Now part of Cascade Valley Metro Park, the area was once a rural enclave where Black migrants from the South settled during the Great Migration. Free, services.akronlibrary.org
Tween and Teen Tuesdays: Crafting Art Like Lorna Simpson
Tuesday, Feb. 11 | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Maple Valley Branch Library (1187 Copley Road)
In this hands-on workshop, kids in grades six through 12 will learn about photographer and multimedia artist Lorna Simpson, whose work often deals with race and identity. Free, akronlibrary.org
Tween and Teen Hangout: Create Like Alma Woodsey Thomas
Tuesday, Feb. 11 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Richfield Branch Library (3761 S. Grant St., Richfield)
Kids in grades four through 12 will learn about the life and work of painter Alma Woodsey Thomas, who was known for her colorful, abstract pieces. Free, services.akronlibrary.org
WE HAVE A VOICE TOO! Youth Empowerment Summit 2025
Friday, Feb. 14 | 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Shaw JCC (750 White Pond Dr.)
Students in grades eight through 12 are invited to this all-day conference hosted by the Summit County Historical Society’s John Brown Institute. Attendees will have a chance to work with facilitators and visit booths where they can learn more about community programming and volunteering. The event will also feature a keynote address, and breakfast and lunch will be provided. Free, eventbrite.com
Celebrating Black History Month concert
Wednesday, Feb. 19 | 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Guzzetta Recital Hall, University of Akron (157 University Ave.)
University of Akron School of Music students and faculty will perform works by Black composers from the late 19th century to the 21st century. Free, calendar.uakron.edu
Black History Month: Love Thy Self
Saturday, Feb. 22 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Summa Health Equity Center (1493 S. Hawkins Ave.)
The focus of this event is self-love and wellness. Broken into three sessions — Soul Wellness, Physical Wellness and Cultural Wellness — it will focus on healthy juicing, gentle exercises and personal coaching. Free, eventbrite.com
Celebrate Black History Teatime
Sunday, Feb. 23 | 1:30 p.m.
BLU-Tique Hotel (1 S. Main St.)
The Tea Lady will share the history of Black-owned tearooms in the United States from the early 20th century to now. There will also be a tea tasting where guests will have the chance to create their own tea blends. $25, ohiotealady.com
Black-Owned Business Expo
Tuesday, Feb. 25 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jean Hower Taber Student Union, University of Akron (303 Carroll St.)
Explore and shop wares from local Black-owned businesses at the University of Akron’s fourth annual expo. Free, calendar.uakron.edu
Tween and Teen Tuesdays: Crafting Art Like Kehinde Wiley
Tuesday, Feb. 25 | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Maple Valley Branch Library (1187 Copley Road)
Students in grades six through 12 will explore the work and craft of painter Kehinde Wiley. He is known for his portrait of former President Barack Obama, which hangs in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Free, services.akronlibrary.org