Every February we celebrate and reflect on the achievements and history of African Americans in the United States. Black History Month is celebrated all over the country to appreciate, honor, and acknowledge the struggles, successes, and strength of the Black/African American community.
There are many ways you can engage with Black History Month individually, with your family, and within the community. Check out one of these events in Pierce County this February!
Explore Tacoma’s Black History – A Scavenger Hunt
Various Tacoma Public Libraries | February 2 – 26
Join Tacoma Public Libraries for a local black history scavenger hunt at participating branches to learn amazing facts about real Tacoma heroes. Best for ages 10 and up.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visits Seattle Exhibit
Virtual | Continuous
In November, 1961, Dr. Martin Luther King visited Washington State for the first time. Experience the story of his historic visit to Seattle through images, videos, and oral histories, and meet some of the people who shaped his visit. Plus, engage in a Right to Dream Star art activity with Valencia Carroll.
Black History Month Storytime with WayOut Kidz
Virtual | February 12 | 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Join Tacoma Public Libraries and WayOut Kidz on Zoom for a Black History Month Storytime featuring children’s books written by Black authors. Online registration is required. Please provide an adult’s email address when registering. You’ll receive a link to the Zoom meeting one hour before the program.
Interactive Storytime: The ABCs of Black History
Virtual | February 13 | 1 – 1:30 p.m.
Join the Northwest African American Museum for a culturally-relevant story read-along of The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez followed by a virtual field trip to a local Black-owned business.
Black History Month Storytimes at the Children’s Museum at JBLM
Children’s Museum at JBLM | February 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 26 & 27 | 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Join Greentrike staff on Saturdays and Sundays in the lobby at Children’s Museum at JBLM’s for an engaging Storytime! Stories will focus on community, confidence, inclusion, and celebrating the similarities and differences of others. Dive into discussions and delve deeper into concepts introduced in the story through hands-on activity extensions! Saturdays & Sundays: 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Books by date – February 12 & 13: Happy in Our Skin; February 19 & 20: Black Is a Rainbow Color; February 26 & 27: Speak Up
Celebrating Our Community: Experiencing Black Puyallup
Puyallup Nazarene Church | February 25 -26
This is a two-day, free event featuring Puyallup’s Black history, community building, African drummers and storytellers, films, interviews, photo montages, live presentations, and New Orleans cajun and creole cuisine!
Black History Celebration
People’s Center, Tacoma, WA | February 26 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
All are welcome to join this free celebration to honor the richness of the African-American culture, along with achievements and contributions to our community through spoken word, dancing, singing, painting, and more. There will also be food trucks, a job fair, and interactive activities.
