MILWAUKEE — Monday kicks off Black History Month and communities across the Badger State have the chance to participate in several events.

While many celebrations may be virtual this year, there is no shortage of celebrations to celebrate the achievements of Black people.

Milwaukee

As part of its Black Lens program, Milwaukee Film is dedicating the month of February to films and events that honor and elevate Black culture and traditions. 

Some feature films include "The Road Up," "That's Wild," and "Somewhere In the Middle." 

“The Lost Tapes: Malcolm X” will screen for free for one night, Feb. 21. Other time-sensitive films being screened include “Growing Up Milwaukee,” from Feb. 22-28, “Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back" from Feb. 15-28.

For the full schedule, visit https://mkefilm.org/black-history-month-2021-milwaukee-film.

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) will recognize Black History Month, in part, through the Black Lives Matter Week of Action 2021. The week of February 1-5 is intended to bring attention to issues affecting Black people, encourage discussion, and highlight solutions that will bring positive change to the community.

The Milwaukee Public Library is also hosting several virtual events this month. The programs are free and open for all ages. 

5:30 p.m. Feb. 11, 2021 

Grimoire and the Black Experience in History & Memory: A Reading with Dr. Cherene Sherrard-Johnson

6 p.m. Feb. 15, 2021

Black History Jeopardy

5 p.m. Feb. 25, 2021

The History Buff Book Club: Stamped from the Beginning

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is offering four free virtual events this February as part of “We Rise: MKE’s Celebration of Black History Month.” The celebration will honor the contributions that African American artists, administrators, and audiences have made to Milwaukee Rep and the City of Milwaukee.

7 p.m. Feb. 1

“To Be Young, Gifted and Black: A Celebration of Lorraine Hansberry”

7 p.m. Feb. 8

“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”

7 p.m. Feb. 15

“It Takes A Village”

7 p.m. Feb. 22

“The Ground on Which I Stand”

Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has multiple events planned for Black History Month. It kicks off with “Golden Age of Black Radio - Part 1: The Early Years” by the Black Cultural Center Art Gallery.

For the full list, visit https://www.wisc.edu/black-history/.

The Madison Public Library is holding an online book festival celebrating Black authors and culture. 

The book festival will include “The Rib King” by Ladee Hubbard and “Milk Blood Heat” by Dantiel Moniz at 7 p.m. Feb. 17. Visit https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/events/special-series/black-history-month for more. 

Green Bay
UW-Green Bay is hosting numerous events Black History Month throughout February. It starts with a book discussion on Feb. 4. For more, visit https://www.uwgb.edu/student-life/events/black-history-month/.

Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh also has several events scheduled. Face coverings and physical distancing required for all in-person events.

Go to https://uwosh.edu/africanamericanstudies/bhm/ for more on the events.

Eau Claire

Pablo Center at the Confluence is hosting free, virtual events for the month. For more on the series, “Conversations in Color,” visit https://www.pablocenter.org/all-events/227/conversation-in-color-the-black-roots-of-american-prosperity/.