February is Black History Month and Downtown Grand Rapids presents a variety of events and opportunities to honor this tradition. Below is a roundup of these events in chronological order.
If you know of an event taking place downtown not presented below please drop us a note with the information at info@downtowngr.org. Our goal is to present a comprehensive listing of Black History Month events occurring Downtown.
*Event dates/times subject to change.
Grand Rapids Black History Walking Tours
- February 7, 20 & 21
FREE tours begin at Rosa Parks Circle
135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Black History Month Storytimes
- Every Saturday in February at 10:00 AM
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel
Community Spotlight: A City Within A City Film with Victor Willi
- Wednesday, February 10 at 12:00 PM
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel
A Terrible Thing to Waste: Arthur Fletcher and the Conundrum of the Black Republican
- Thursday, February 11 at 7:00 PM
Online Webinar | Hosted by the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum via Zoom
Music (NOT) in the Stacks: Tom Cutts
- Thursday, February 11 at 7:00 PM
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library'sFacebook page and YouTube channel
Black History Month Exhibits at the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives
- February 12 - 16, 2021
87 Monroe Center St. NW
Ebony Road Players Present 'Anne and Emmett'
- Tuesday, February 16 at 6:00 PM
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel
Community Spotlight: We Are LIT GR with Kendra McNeil
- Wednesday, February 17 at 12:00 PM
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library'sFacebook page and YouTube channel
Music (NOT) in the Stacks: Karisa Wilson
- Thursday, February 18 at 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel
Taste of Soul Restaurant Showcase
- February 21 - 28, 2021
Show your GRPL library card at participating restaurants between February 21 -28, 2021 to receive $5.00 off
Taste of Soul Sunday: A Moment with Shannon Cohen​ & Family
- Sunday, February 21 at 1:00 PM
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel
Taste of Soul Sunday: Serita's Black Rose
- Sunday, February 21 at 1:30 PM
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel
Virtual Presentation - "The History of Grand Rapids in Black and Brown: A Conversation”
- Monday, February 22 at 6:00 PM
Online Event by the Grand Rapids Public Museum | Free to attend, registration required
Community Spotlight: Luxe Artisan Preserves
- Wednesday, February 24 at 12:00 PM
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel
A City Within A City: Community Conversation
- Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30 PM
Online Event by the Grand Rapids Public Library | Zoom
Music (NOT) in the Stacks: Jordan Hamilton
- Thursday, February 25, at 7:00 PM
Online Event | Grand Rapids Public Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel
Black History Month District Digital Market
- Saturday, February 27 at 1:00 PM
OnlineEvent by Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses
Support Local Black Businesses
- One way you can honor Black History Month every year (and all-year-round) is by supporting Black businesses. Check out this resource for a list of Black-owned businesses in Grand Rapids.