Ways to celebrate Black History Month in San Antonio this year

Black History Month has taken on new meaning under the Trump administration’s ongoing attacks on DEI. That means celebrating our nation’s and community’s diversity is more important than ever.

San Antonio has a full calendar of events honoring a long history of Black excellence, defiance and resilience. So many, in fact, that we couldn’t include all of them here.

We recommend readers check websites for organizations including the San Antonio Public Library and San Antonio African American Community Archive Museum (SAACAAM) for even more ways to celebrate Black History Month.

In the meantime, are some to get you started:

Now through Sunday, Feb. 9

“Black Cowboys: An American Story”

The Witte Museum currently has the exhibition “Black Cowboys: An American Story” on view until Feb. 9. The event is included with museum admission. Now until Feb. 9, Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, wittemuseum.org.
Monday, Feb. 3

Hidden Figures

The Pearl will host a free movie screening of the 2016 movie Hidden Figures for its Movie Mondays outside at Pearl Park. The biopic tells the story of brilliant African American women who helped NASA launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Free, 6:30-9 p.m., free, The Pearl, 303 Pearl Parkway, atpearl.com.
Friday, Feb.7
Miles of Smiles

SAACAAM’s Black History Film Series will present Miles of Smiles, a documentary about the Black train porters who worked on luxury sleeping cars. Admission is free but registration is required. Free, 6 p.m., Little Carver Community Center, 226 N. Hackberry St., SAACAAM.org. Friday, Feb. 7-Friday, Feb. 21

“Honoring Black Voices of Texas Hill Country”

SAACAAM’s “Honoring Black Voices of Texas Hill Country and San Antonio” exhibition will feature art from the museum’s “Honoring Lincoln Elementary” exhibition as well as a supplemental material from the Boerne Public Library. Free, Patrick Heath Public Library, 415 N. Main Street, Boerne, SAACAAM.org.

Saturday, Feb. 8

Black History River Tour

SAACAAM is hosting a 100-minute boat tour on the San Antonio River that will delve into the deep history of African Americans in the Alamo City. Attendees are encouraged to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the boat is scheduled to depart. $40, 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m., 218 S. Presa St., SAACAAM.org.

Sunday, Feb. 9

Bob Marley: One Love

The San Antonio Public Library will host a free movie screening of the 2024 film Bob Marley: One Love. Free, 2 p.m., Collins Garden Library, 200 N. Park Blvd, MySAPL.org.
Saturday, Feb. 15

Black History River Tour

SAACAAM is hosting another Black History River Tour for those who couldn’t catch the first one. $40, 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m., 218 S. Presa St., SAACAAM.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Black Panther

The Pearl will host a free screening of Marvel action flick Black Panther for its Movie Mondays outside at Pearl Park. Bring a picnic blanket and grab snacks at the Bottling Plant Food Hall. Free, 6:30-9 p.m., The Pearl, 303 Pearl Parkway, atpearl.com.

Coach Carter

San Antonio Public Library is hosting a free screening of Coach Carter, the 2005 film starring Samuel L. Jackson, at its Great Northwest Library. Free, 3:30-5:45 p.m., Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood St., MySAPL.org.

Thursday, Feb. 20

African Genealogy Workshop

The public library is presenting a workshop in partnership with AARP on African American genealogy “for community members who are wondering where and how to begin their journey.” Free, 10:30 a.m., free, Schaefer Library, 6322 U.S. Highway 87 East, MySAPL.org.

Saturday, Feb. 22

Black History Month Art Market

SAACAAM’s Black History Month Art Market is returning for a second year, this time with a theme of “African Americans and Labor.” Attendees can peruse work by local artists and enjoy poetry readings, story time for children and a community painting project. Free, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 Presa St., SAACAAM.org

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This article appears in Jan 22 – Feb 4, 2025.