Join us in celebrating Black History Month this February as we honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans who have influenced history in the Richmond Region and beyond. Immerse yourself in RVA's vibrant Black culture and deep-rooted history and explore these upcoming events and must-visit locations.
EXHIBITIONS
Exhibits at The Black History Museum and Cultural Center
A Prescription for Change
Now through March 15, 2025
Discover A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center, a powerful exhibition showcasing the overlooked contributions of Black medical professionals in the fight for health equity. Running through March 2025, this exhibit sheds light on achievements in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and more while challenging visitors to examine historical healthcare disparities that still impact communities today.
From Sunup to Sundown – but the Work Never Stops
January 24 - February 22, 2025
Explore the rich history of African Americans’ vital contributions to Virginia’s labor force in this exhibit. This archival exhibition delves into the struggles and triumphs of Black workers, showcasing their enduring impact on the Commonwealth’s economic progress.
We are the Builders: Honoring the Contributions of Black Workers in Virginia
January 29 - April 30, 2025
Immerse yourself in this compelling exhibition that highlights the 2025 ASALH theme, African Americans and Labor, by showcasing the stories of Black workers who shaped Virginia and beyond. Through this snapshot of history, visitors can explore the resilience, innovation, and impact of these trailblazers.
Black History Month: Portals Project
February 1 - 28, 2025
Immerse yourself in "Portals," a free self-guided tour showcasing incredible street life photos from yesteryear, blended with powerful artwork by local artists. Experience this unique journey through time by exploring the various locations throughout Shockoe Bottom.
Exhibits at The Valentine
Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power, and the "Lost Cause"
Ongoing
Learn the origins and influence of the “Lost Cause” American myth and examine the impacts this narrative has had on Black Americans throughout history. This captivating multimedia presentation combines artworks sculpted by Edward Valentine as well as documents, objects, images, quotations, and questions to connect the Lost Cause myth to today.
Edmund Archer: Perspectives on Black Dignity
Now through Sept. 1, 2025
Explore Edmund Archer: Perspectives on Black Dignity at The Valentine, where Archer’s striking portraits of Black men and women challenge past stereotypes and celebrate their strength and humanity. On view through September 2025, this exhibit highlights a progressive artistic movement in Richmond at the close of the Jim Crow era.
The Impending Crisis
The American Civil War Museum
Ongoing
The Impending Crisis will offer a unique look at not only the often-heard “North vs. South” perspectives leading up to the Civil War but also the points of view of historically overlooked populations, including enslaved people and Black church congregations. Learn about the themes that were present during this time, including resistance and resilience, seizing freedom, and action to activism.
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
January 18 - March 9, 2025
Explore Rich Soil, a sculpture series by Kristine Mays, inspired by Alvin Ailey’s Revelations and the resilience of those who shaped the land. Featuring 29 life-sized wire sculptures, this powerful exhibition honors ancestral strength and spirit, seamlessly blending art and nature in a breathtaking display.
Dear Mazie
Institute for Contemporary Art
Opening February 16, 2025
This exhibit at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU celebrates the groundbreaking legacy of Amaza Lee Meredith, the first known Black queer woman to practice architecture in the U.S. Through newly commissioned works from contemporary artists, this exhibition acts as a heartfelt letter to Meredith, illuminating her impact on art, education, and placemaking.
UPCOMING EVENTS
R&B Invitation Tour
Altria Theater
February 14, 2025
Experience an unforgettable night of R&B at the Altria Theater with legendary artists Joe, Musiq Soulchild, and Eric Benét. Feel the soul-stirring vocals and timeless hits from these GRAMMY®-nominated icons live on stage.
Black Minds in STEM: Experiments of Black Scientists
Taylor Farm Park
February 18, 2025
Celebrate Black History Month with a fascinating program honoring African American inventors who changed the world. Learn about the genius behind everyday innovations like the traffic light, ice cream, and mobile refrigeration!
The Talking Drum
Fairfield Library | February 1, 2025
Bring the family to enjoy Elegba Folklore Society’s dancers, drummers, singers and spoken word artists in a lively delivery of African and African American folktales and narratives with vocal and instrumental music to engage audiences along a rhythmic journey over continents and through time
Honoring Black Labor Leaders
Midlothian Library | February 15, 2025
Hear the inspiring stories of Black labor leaders and advocates who had a profound impact on the labor movement and the influence of Black labor on the nation's economy and American Democracy.
Black History Month Workshop
Ettrick Recreation Center | February 19, 2025
Discover the stories of influential figures in entrepreneurship, inventions, technology, arts and culture, sports, and beyond through engaging crafts and activities.
Second Annual Black History Month Vendor Fair
Beulah Recreation Center | February 22, 2025
Shop from 40+ Black-owned vendors selling everything from visual art, jewelry, clothing, ceramic art, food, apothecary products, and more.
36th Black History Month Celebration
Virginia State University Gateway & Event Center | February TBA
Celebrate Black History Month in Chesterfield County with a kick-off party in early February and a variety of programs throughout the month.
Black History Month Programming
Henrico County Parks | Various Dates in February
Henrico County’s Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to enjoy free, insightful programming throughout the month of February. Highlights include Henrico Black History Bingo; The Ragged Road of Reconstruction: Education; and Historically Speaking: Black Revolutionary Soldiers.
SELF GUIDED TOURS
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 while examining the thought provoking messages behind them. Learn more.
Jackson Ward Walking Tour
Discover the history and culture of this historic and vibrant neighborhood formerly known as "the Harlem of the South." Set out on a self-guided tour, or get a group together and embark on a guided tour with Jackson Ward native and historian, Gary Flowers.
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 at The Well Collective. Choose your adventure, find your rhythm and feel great. Start exploring.
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 Waller & Co. Jewelers to pick up something sparkly. 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
Savor the flavor of RVA's award-winning Black-owned culinary scene and experience delicious, diverse and unique cuisines offered across the region. Stop by M&F Jamaican Cafe for a taste of authentic Jamaican cuisine, Farm + Oak, a Black-owned southern table restaurant new to the scene, or The Estate, a Colonial Heights restaurant committed to community and shared enjoyment. Explore even more options, including bars, bakeries and more, here.
Need ideas on how to spend an extended stay in RVA?
Check out these six themed BLK RVA itinerary ideas!
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.
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