Join us in celebrating Black History Month this February as we honor and amplify the achievements and contributions of African Americans who have influenced history in RVA and beyond. In the Richmond Region, African American arts and culture, businesses, community and history are woven into the fabric of our region 365 days a year. Immerse yourself in RVA's deep-rooted history this month and explore these events, activities and must-visit locations!
MUSEUMS, TOURS AND EXHIBITS
Forging Freedom, Justice and Equality
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center | Now Through April 29, 2023
As part of the museum's 40th anniversary, the exhibition “Forging Freedom, Justice and Equality” explores vital themes of Black history in culture across the Commonwealth, curated from BHMVA’s first four decades. Learn More
A Powerful Influence: Early Photographs of African Americans
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | Now Through May 8, 2023
Drawn from the collection of Dennis O. Williams and presented in the Photography Gallery, some 25 portraits of Black Americans—some enslaved, others free—offer a powerful and poignant way to explore the complicated history of how the invention of photography shaped concepts of identity, family, citizenship, and race. This installation was conceived to complement the museum's new exhibition, Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass. Learn More
Take a Mending Walls Street Art Tour
Mending Walls is a public art project created by Richmond artist, Hamilton Glass. The project brings together public artists from different cultures and backgrounds to create murals that address where we are now in society and how we can move forward through understanding and collaboration. Plan a tour with RVA TukTuk, Bike & Brunch Tours or on-foot and check out over 20 vibrant murals painted throughout Richmond's downtown corridors and examine the thought-provoking messages behind them. Learn More
SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES
Health and Wellness
Renew your mind, body and spirit in RVA and explore our region's growing list of Black-owned wellness resources. Take a high energy spin class to a trap, R&B or Soca soundtrack at Hour Cycle Studio, or relax and unwind at a yoga session with Island Yoga Fitness. Choose your adventure, find your rhythm and feel great. Learn more. (Photo Credit: @IslandYogaFitness via Facebook)
Shop Local and Black-Owned
With a number of boutiques, store fronts, pop-up shops, and markets, the Richmond Region is on the cutting edge of building creative shopping experiences. Indulge in all-natural body care products at Adiva Naturals, or head to The Book Bar to pick up a new read. Shop RVA's variety of Black-owned businesses and find the perfect product, sentimental souvenir or a gift worth giving. Explore more.
Award-Winning Dining
A trip to RVA is not complete without enjoying a delicious bite at one of the region's acclaimed restaurants. Savor the flavor of RVA's award-winning Black owned culinary scene and experience the rich, diverse and unique cuisines offered across the region. Stop by M&F Jamaican Cafe for a taste of authentic Jamaican cuisine, Croaker's Spot, a soul food staple in RVA or ML Steak, a Black-owned modern chophouse new to the scene. Explore even more options, including bars, bakeries and more, here.
EVENTS THIS MONTH
“How Black Mothers Say I Love You” Theater Performance
Richmond Triangle Players Robert B. Moss Theatre | February 1-25, 2023 (Select Nights) | 8-10 PM
"How We Heal": BIPOC Book Club Series
The Innerwork Center BIPOC Meditation Group | Every Thursday in February | 6:30-8:30 PM
"Akoma de Gado Presents African Thread, American Tread!" Theater Performance
Henrico Theater | February 4, 2023 | 2 PM & 7 PM
Untold Stories: Black & White Experiences Growing Up in Ashland/Hanover Community Discussion
Patrick Henry High School | February 5, 2023 | 4 PM
The Black Angels: A Nurse's Story Documentary Screening and Q&A
Virginia Museum of History & Culture | February 6, 2023 | 5-7 PM
Black History Month Kick-off Dinner
University of Richmond Heilman Dining Center | February 7, 2023 | 4-8 PM
Film Masterclass Workshop with Jesse Vaughan
Institute for Contemporary Art Community Media Center | February 9, 2023 | 6 PM
“From Enslavement to Empowerment: Reflections from St. Emma Military Academy & St. Francis De Sales
Virginia Museum of History & Culture | February 18, 2023 | 1-4 PM
3rd Saturday Documentaries: James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket
Elegba Folklore Society | February 18, 2023 | 5 PM
“In Full Color” Art Exhibition by Lizzie Brown
4th Friday Art Shows at Artworks | February 24, 2023 | 6 PM
2023 Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival
Dominion Energy Center Rhythm Hall | February 25-26, 2023 | 3-7 PM
This Black History Month, get to know BLK RVA, a collaborative tourism initiative that amplifies and celebrates Black culture in the Richmond Region year-round. Visit the BLK RVA website to begin exploring BLK RVA’s unique soul.
Need ideas on how to spend a full day in RVA? Check out these six themed BLK RVA itinerary ideas!
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