CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH in Tampa Bay
by Kiva Williams, @thefunfoodiemama and thefunfoodiemama.com, photos by Miya Jones Photography
Black History Month was created to acknowledge, congratulate and celebrate the many contributions of African Americans in the United States. It is celebrated Feb. 1-28. There are many opportunities across the Bay to join in on the celebration. Here are eight activities across the Bay to learn about the contributions African Americans have made in the Tampa Bay community.
TAMPA
CLEARWATER/ LARGO
Walking Tour with Tampa Bay History Center Various starting points in Tampa
Pinellas County African American History Museum 110 Marshall St., Clearwater 33755
The Tampa Bay History Center offers three unique tours centered on Black History in Tampa. Register in advance at tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Come out and view the “Living Legends and Lives of African Americans in Entertainment” exhibit. The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Fridays by appointment only. The exhibit runs until March 1. Full details can be found at curtismuseum.org.
● “Madame Fortune Taylor” Learn about the newly renamed Fortune Taylor Bridge (Feb. 5) ● “Black Wall Street” Central Avenue West Walking Tour (Feb. 6) ● “Harlem of the South” Central Avenue East Walking Tour (Feb. 26)
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Downtown Tampa Running Tour Various starting points in downtown Tampa
Clearwater Countryside Library 2642 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater 33761
W
ill Schedule a 7K run with gorunningtours. l ia ra ms com and discover the rich African American Mu Fa e u mily n history of downtown Tampa! The cost ranges a t th e Ce ntral Ave from $38.50 and up depending on the amount of people attending.
ST. PETE Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival | 2240 9th Ave. S., St. Pete 33712 Learn the rich history of collard greens in the African American community. Enjoy workshops, shopping and food at this fun family festival that occurs one day only, Saturday Feb. 19. Full details are at tbcgf.org. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum 2240 Ninth Ave. S., St. Pete 33712 Schedule a tour with your family to learn about iconic African American leaders. Full details can be found at woodsonmuseum.org. Museum of Fine Arts | 255 Beach Drive NE., St. Pete 33701 View the current exhibit “Explore The Vaults: Black Portraits” until Feb. 27. This exhibit shows various approaches to visualizing Black identity and experiences. Full details can be found at mfastpete.org.
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TampaBayParenting.com FEBRUARY 2022
The Williams Family at Perr y Har vey Park
On Feb. 19, join renowned orator Windell Campbell as he celebrates Black History Month through the art of storytelling. Campbell is a professional oral storyteller who travels the state of Florida visiting libraries and participating in their reading programs. Full details can be found at myclearwaterlibrary.com. Florida Botanical Gardens 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo 33774 The Pinellas African American Heritage Celebration is a one-day festival at the Florida Botanical Gardens on Feb. 26. Come out and learn about this talented and diverse community in Pinellas County. Full details can be found at f lbgfoundation.org.
