Through numerous collaborations with organizations and businesses in the Coastal Bend, events throughout Black History Month honor the achievements and advancements of Black Americans who have inspired others and paved the way for many successes.
Various community organizations celebrate Black History Month each year with enriching conversations, presentations and showcases—most of which are open to the public. Here is a run-down of Black History Month events in Corpus Christi for you to participate in.
Annual Dr. Carter G. Woodson Poor Man Supper
Where: Oveal Williams Senior Center | When: Feb. 7, 6 p.m.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church will host its annual Poor Man Supper in honor of Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 7. Featuring keynote speaker Attorney Jacqueline Bolden, ESQ, stop by for an evening of thoughtful conversation and hearty food.
Black History Month Film Series
Where: Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Public Library | When: Feb. 16 & Feb. 23, 11 a.m.
The Garcia Library will host free public movie events in honor of Black History Month. On Feb. 16, watch “Hidden Figures,” the inspiring true story of three Black women mathematicians at NASA who play a crucial role in launching the first American astronaut into orbit (recommended for ages 10 and up). Come back on Feb. 23 for “42,” which shares the powerful true story of Major League Baseball’s first black player, Jackie Robinson, highlighting his historic debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers and how he changed the game forever (recommended for ages 13 and up).
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Spirit of MLK Awards
Where: TAMU-CC Lonestar Ballroom AB | When: Feb. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.
The Spirit of MLK Awards commends the effort and contributions of students, faculty, staff, TAMU-CC alumni and local community members for their commitment to social justice and service to Corpus Christi. The Islander Cultural Alliance hosts its annual Spirit of MLK Exemplary Awards in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. RSVP to the event online.
Black History Month w/ the Corpus Christi Black Chamber
Where: Corpus Christi Black Chamber Facebook | When: All Month
For the entire month of February, the Corpus Christi Black Chamber will honor Black History Month with a variety of series uplifting community leaders. Shared across socials, these include Member Spotlights, Black History in Motion and Black Business Crawls. Member Spotlights will feature fellow local community leaders who’ve made an impact in our community, starting with local licensed Realtor Satina Stewart.
Presented in a “then and now” format, Black History in Motion will demonstrate Black excellence in all fields, from early beginnings to a modern vision. First up: Floristry, Art and Creative Entrepreneurship, featuring LaToya Rodriguez from Rose Soiree Floral Bar. The floral bar is also the first business featured in the Black Business Crawl initiative, where the Chamber invites the community to show up and show out for different local Black-owned businesses throughout the month.
The African American Arts and Music of Corpus Christi Exhibit
Where: La Retama Central Library | When: On display until Feb. 21
Join Corpus Christi Public Libraries for a special Black History Month exhibit honoring local icons who shaped Corpus Christi’s arts and culture. Attendees will dive into the rich history, cultural significance and contributions of the African diaspora through a series of archival photographs and oral histories from the Northside History Project. Icons include a former Broadway star, blues legends and the first Black person to hold the position of Nueces County Attorney. The exhibit is free and open to the public inside La Retama downtown.
If you know of a Black History Month event in the Coastal Bend and don’t see it listed here, send information to evelyn@thebendmag.com, and we’ll get it added!
