February is Black History Month, a time to honor and recognize the difficulties, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. Check out some of the local events taking place and other ways to celebrate and learn in Indy.
- Shining A Light: Black History Tribute | Wednesday, Feb. 1-Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 6:30, 8, and 9:30 p.m. | Monument Circle | Free | In honor of Black History Month, Shining A Light will showcase the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a special video presentation and brief tribute projected on the AES Indiana building every evening in February.
- Legacy: Celebrating Black Voices | Friday, Feb. 3-Saturday, Feb. 25 | Times vary | Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis | Free | Visitors will find paintings, drawings, mixed media, and sculptures by Black artists.
- Black Heritage Preservation Research Workshop | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Join Indiana Landmarks for a day-long workshop dedicated to sharing techniques and resources for uncovering, researching, and documenting Black heritage.
- Art & Soul: Featured Artist Showcase | Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 7 p.m. | The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | $15-$25 | Three of the four Art & Soul 2023 featured artists will perform at the Jazz Kitchen — jazz musician Brandon Douthitt and playwright Crystal V. Rhodes will take the stage while visual artist Jamichael Kyng Pollard creates a live painting.
- Meet The Artists XXXV Masters Exhibit & Gala | Wednesday, Feb. 1-Saturday, March 25 | 5:30-10 p.m. | Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis | Free | Celebrate Indianapolis’ talented Black artists, fashion designers, authors, comedians, and musicians for the 35th Meet The Artists Exhibit, which will take place throughout the library — catch the gala opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 11.
- Lunch with the Legislators | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Indiana Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Free | The Indy Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting a networking event that will provide an opportunity for business owners and individuals to talk to legislators about the laws that may assist local businesses and the economy.
- Kyle T. Mays: Leon Jett Memorial Lecture | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $15 for non-members, $10 for members | Mays (Saginaw Chippewa), a professor of African American Studies and American Indian Studies and History at UCLA, will speak about hip-hop music by Native artists.
- Art & Soul: Celebration + Wes Montgomery 100-year Tribute | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 4:30-7 p.m. | Indianapolis Arts Garden, 110 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $15 | To close out the festival, Art & Soul will celebrate old and new generations with a tribute to Indy native and legendary jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, who would have turned 100 in March.