WISCONSIN — Feb. 1 kicks off Black History Month and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate throughout Wisconsin.
Here are a few headliner events happening in February around the Badger State:
Milwaukee
Black History Month Book Buffet
Milwaukee Public Library East, 2320 N. Cramer St.
Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6 to 7 p.m.
Browse a curated spread of must-read books by Black authors during a reader’s advisory presentation in the library’s community room. Milwaukee Public Library has other Black History Month events and programming throughout the month, including a competitive reading challenge, book clubs, crafting and a documentary screening.
Learn more, here.
Milwaukee Film’s Black Lens
All month, various locations
Milwaukee Film is gearing up for its fifth annual Black History Month program. All month long, Milwaukee Film’s Black Lens program will host several movie screenings and live events to highlight Black culture, history and experiences.
Learn more, here.
Stars, Stories, & Rhythms of Africa
UW-Milwaukee Manfred Olson Planetarium, 1900 E Kenwood Blvd. #139
Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 to 8 p.m.
At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee planetarium, you can celebrate Black History Month under the stars with "Stars, Stories, & Rhythms of Africa." The free event features indoor stargazing, dancing, music and storytelling.
During the month of February, the planetarium will also have three nights of indoor stargazing entitled “Under African Skies,” featuring a different guest speaker each night. The Feb. 8, 15 and 22 events cost $6 per person.
Learn more, here.
Madison
A Conversation with Tyler James Williams
UW-Madison,
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tyler James Williams, NAACP Image and Golden Globe winning actor, is heading to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to speak, thanks to the university's Black History Month planning committee. An audience Q&A session will follow his talk, which is free and open to the public. Williams stars as Gregory in the ABC series "Abbott Elementary," and is known for his role as Chris in "Everybody Hates Chris." He also worked on films such as "Let it Shine," "Dear White People" and "The United States vs. Billie Holiday."
Learn more, here.
Tinkering Tuesday: Lois Mailou Jones Masks
Meadowridge Library, 5726 Raymond Rd.
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The children's area at Meadowridge Library is hosting an afternoon of art, making, tinkering and fun. This children's activity celebrates Black History Month by teaching kids about Lois Mailou Jones, a renowned artist. Kids will create a mask in Jones' style by using oil pastels. All materials will be provided by the library.
Learn more, here.
IMPACT FOR GOOD: Dream in Color: Poetry Night
DreamBank - American Family Insurance 821 E Washington Ave.
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 5 to 7 p.m.
Round out Black History Month with a dose of inspiration. Three poets lead an "emotional and experiential journey as they share their artform." The spoken word event aims to leave audiences inspired to go after their dreams.
Learn more, here.
Green Bay/Fox Valley
Black History Month at UW-Green Bay
UW-Green Bay, various locations on campus
Wednesday, Feb. 1 to Thursday, March 2
All month long, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will host an array of events that are open to the public to celebrate Black History Month. Get a taste of what the programming will be like on Feb. 1. Throughout the month, listen to spoken word performances, catch film screenings, enjoy sporting events, have deep conversations over luncheons, learn something during a lecture, sample tasty food and check out a mobile museum. There's no shortage of ways to honor Black Wisconsinites on UW-Green Bay's campus. Many events are free.
Learn more, here.
BIPOC Skate Party
Skaters Edge Roller Rink, 5714 Integrity Way, Appleton
Sunday, Feb. 5, 6 to 8 p.m.
The Appleton Area School District is hosting a roller skating night.
"We look back on an era when Black roller skating rinks were a popular pastime during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Roller skating became an outlet for Black individuals to skate freely despite discrimination. Come have a great 'Soul Night' with the BIPOC Caucus," the BIPOC Caucus said.
Learn more, here.
Black History Month - Community Celebration
Appleton East High School, 2121 E. Emmers Dr., Appleton
Saturday, Feb. 4, 12 to 4 p.m.
Local Boys & Girls Clubs have been working with other community organizations "to empower a group of 10-12 students to plan and implement this community event celebrating Black history and Black culture." The free event will include entertainment, contests, games, family portraits, guest speakers and prizes. Community resources will also be available.
Learn more, here.
La Crosse
Black Legacy Art Show
The Main, 422 Main St.
Thursday, Feb. 23, 5 to 10 p.m.
This art show features 15 local artists' work, some of which event-goers can even purchase themselves. This 21+ event features live music and drinks. Proceeds and donations from the art show will benefit La Crosse-based nonprofits Hope Restores and Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge.
Learn more, here.
Black History Month Let's Celebrate Together
The RHYMES Drop In Center, 212 11th St.
Saturday, Feb. 25, 12 to 4 p.m.
This youth-centric event is designed for 12- to 17-year-olds. Older teens are allowed to join in as well, if they're enrolled in school. Runaway Homeless Youth Mediation Emergency Services will provide community food, desserts, activities and a movie.
Learn more, here.
Eau Claire
The Black Experience
UW-Eau Claire, Davies Center's Dakota Ballroom, 77 Roosevelt Ave.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m.
The Black Student Alliance at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is hosting its second annual Black Experience with hopes to uplift Black voices and provide its community "the experience of Black excellence." The event, which is open to the public, features unique vendors, cultural expression and food significant to "Black identity." UW-Eau Claire will host other Black History events throughout the month that are open to the public, including:
Learn more, here.
Wausau
Trivia Night
Marathon County Historical Society, 410 Mcindoe St.
Thursday, Feb. 16, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
LPRC Diversity Consulting Services is partnering with a variety of community organizations to host a series of Black History Month events. For a "fun, engaging and educational" time, check out Trivia Night. This event is free and open to the public.
Learn more about this and other LPRC events, here.
Networking
White Water Music Hall, 130 1st St.
Friday, Feb. 24, 6 to 9 p.m.
LPRC Diversity Consulting Services is partnering with a variety of community organizations to host a series of Black History Month events. Head to the White Water Music Hall for an evening of dance, entertainment and networking "to commemorate the African American community's advancements, accomplishments and achievements." This event is free and open to the public.
Learn more about this and other LPRC events, here.
-
