Celebrating Black History Month in Dallas During COVID-19: Events, Tours, and Virtual Experiences
February is a month dedicated to honoring African American achievements. In Dallas, it is a chance to celebrate the rich history, culture, and creativity that shape our city. Despite the COVID‑19 pandemic, there are still numerous meaningful ways to observe Black History Month in 2021.
Take a Bus Tour Through Black History in Dallas
7700 W. Northwest Highway; 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm on February 21 and February 27
Hop aboard the “Dallas Black History: Past and Present” bus tour and discover the stories that shaped Dallas’ vibrant African American community. Beginning in the historic Freedman’s Town, the narrated tour highlights Ray Charles’ former home, Martyrs Park, and the post‑Civil War Joppi plantation. After three hours of storytelling, the tour stops at local Black‑owned businesses for dessert treats.
In compliance with COVID‑19 safety guidelines, the bus will operate at half capacity and masks are required.
Visit the African American Museum
3536 Grand Avenue
The African American Museum, located at 3536 Grand Avenue, preserves and displays a vast array of African American artistic, cultural, and historical artifacts. This February, the museum features the “3 Decades of Social Commentary” exhibition by sculptor Vicki Meek, which examines the African American experience over the past thirty years.
The permanent “Facing the Rising Sun” exhibit offers visitors insight into Dallas’ Freedman’s Town community through photographs, found objects, and historical documents. An interactive video kiosk provides first‑hand accounts of life in Freedman’s Town.
Watch a Civil Rights Inspired Dance From Your Living Room
Virtual; 7 pm on February 6
Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents “Reminisce,” a one‑hour tribute to the Civil Rights era. The performance blends the music of Andra Day, Aretha Franklin, and Gladys Knight & the Pips with the empowering words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the choreography of the Encore! Company, featuring dancer Terrell Rogers, Jr.
The show will be streamed virtually to keep everyone safe.
Hear the Story of a Freedom Rider
Virtual; 7 pm on February 4
Betty Daniels Rosemond, a Freedom Rider who endured a violent mob in Mississippi during the 1960s, will share her story at the Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum. The virtual Zoom event, titled “A Journey for Justice: Freedom Rider Betty Daniels Rosemond,” runs alongside the museum’s current “The Fight for Civil Rights in the South” exhibition.
Eat At a Black-Owned Restaurant
Food is a powerful way to celebrate culture. Dallas boasts numerous Black‑owned restaurants that offer delicious meals throughout the year. For dessert, try Kessler Baking Studio in Bishop Arts for a cinnamon roll or Val’s Cheesecakes in Lower Greenville for a slice of cheesecake.
Barbecue lovers can visit Smokey John’s Bar‑B‑Que in the Medical District, serving hickory‑smoked brisket since the 1970s, or Off the Bone Barbecue in The Cedars, known for its baby back ribs. Sweet Georgia Brown in South Dallas serves meatloaf, fried chicken, and turkey wings, while Aunt Irene’s Kitchen in Fair Park offers Cajun‑style seafood, gumbo, lobster boxes, and more.
