Black History Month Events and Celebrations in Austin, TX

February marks Black History Month in Austin and across the nation. This annual celebration of African-American culture and history serves to highlight the value of diversity in America that everyone should partake in regardless of skin color. In particular, the accomplishments of blacks in Texas can tend to get obscured within the rich cultural heritage of such a large state. With the distinct advantage of being the capital and housing massive archives detailing the contributions of blacks from pre-Civil War slavery to today, Austin will help celebrate Black History Month with a multitude of events, many of them free. From the ability to peruse historic photography collections, to jazz concerts, to a beauty pageant, there are almost as many events in Austin as there are days in February.

Black History Month should always begin at the Austin History Center (810 Guadalupe.) With an extensive collection of newspaper clippings, photographs, documents and audio recordings, the History Center is an invaluable resource in helping to understand the cultural significance of blacks in the Lone Star State. The African American Resource Guide is available online, and serves as a great starting point to learning how blacks contributed to our community. Of special interest is the documentation of the first slaves to arrive in Austin in 1839 who worked for the Barton family on the site that would later become the favorite local watering hole, Barton Springs. The History Center is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, Sunday, 12 Noon-6pm, closed Monday. You can call ahead for more information at (512) 974-7480.

After all of that research, you'll certainly want to take in a theatrical performance on February 5. Sister Moses, a dance/musical that details the life story of anti-slavery activist Harriet Tubman will be performed at 7:30pm at the Shoreline Center (15201 Burnet Rd.) Touring the Southwest since 1993, this production will incorporate local dancers alongside the touring company in collaboration with the Huston-Tillotson University Concert Choir to breathe life into the story of a woman who is central to the slave freedom movement. Tickets are $10-$20 in advance, $15-$25 at the door and can be purchased online.

The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (1165 Angelina St.) is another must-see destination during Black History Month in Austin. With over 15 events scheduled during the month of February, the Carver will more than keep you occupied. From a free screening of the all black classic film "Cabin in the Sky" at 10am on February 10, to the Traditional Spirited Journey Concert on February 25, a series of gospel concerts that showcase local church choirs, the museum is hands-down, the center of cultural activity in the coming month. For more information, call (512) 974-4926 or reference a detailed online calendar.

End the month long festivities with the Ms. Black Central Texas Pageant at 4pm on Sunday, February 28 at the Boyd Vance Theater at the Carver ( 1165 Angelina St.) This event seeks to enrich and cultivate young black women into the leaders of tomorrow. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.missblackcentraltexas.com

Once you recover from the activities from Black History Month here in Austin, you will hopefully walk away with gained insight into the contributions, diversity and multi-colored threads that make up the tapestry that is Texas, and the nation.