MOLINE, Ill. — Feb. 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month, which is considered one of the nation’s oldest organized history celebrations, and has been recognized by U.S. presidents for decades through proclamations and celebrations.
The annual recognition of Black history and culture started back in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a founder of the Association for the Study of African American History. While it still took place in February, Black History Month started as Negro History Week. Several regions, including West Virginia in the 1940s and Chicago in the 1960s, expanded the celebration into Negro History Month. Eventually, on the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Negro History Week, the Association for the Study of African American History made the change to Black History Month.
Here's a list of some of the Black History Month events that are coming to the greater Quad Cities area this February.
Don't see an event on the list? Let us know by sending us a message on Facebook or sending an email to news@wqad.com and we'll add it to the list.
Support a Black-owned business in the QCA
One way to celebrate Black History Month is by supporting Black-owned businesses. From salons to landscaping to restaurants to gift shops, there are several places in the Quad Cities area with something for everyone
Check out Visit Quad Cities' Black-owned business directory for a list of businesses.
QC Empowerment Network's 9th Annual Black Business Expo
To support Black business owners in the Quad Cities area, The QC Empowerment Network is hosting its 9th annual Black Business Expo at SouthPark Mall, on Feb. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. Black-owned businesses and organizations will be lined up throughout the mall, showcasing their various products and services. Last year's event had more than 50 vendors in attendance. Food and entertainment will also be available, along with various resources in the community.
Catch a film focused on Black history at Rock Island Public Library
Rock Island Public Library will be hosting a Black History Month feature at its downtown facility, located at 401 19th St., on Monday, Feb. 26, starting at 2 p.m.
Attendees will learn about an event that helped pave the way for civil rights movements. According to the library's website, "Railroad titan George Pullman’s name was once synonymous with luxury. His sleeping cars changed how some Americans rode the rails. But when his success didn’t trickle down to the people who built, operated, and staffed his cars, a rebellion ensued. While the first major strike ultimately failed, a group of Black workers later found success through organizing, paving the way for a Black middle class and a civil rights movement that forever changed the course of American history."
Find more information on the library's website.
Silvis Public Library hosting Black History Month events
- Heritage of Black Reads Raffle
- Throughout the entire month of February, library-goers can check out a book from Silvis Public Library's Black History Month display and enter to win a $20 gift card to Bayside Bistro in Rock Island, along with a signed copy of the book How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith.
- Cultural Perspectives Film Series: “We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest”
- On Feb. 28 at 6 p.m., the library will host a screening of We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest, a 2020 documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of the 40th annual MLK Oratorical Festival and the kids who participated. It's part of the library's year-long effort to host events "celebrating diversity in film and exploring various cultural perspectives," according to the website. Refreshments will be available.
Past events
Annual BHM celebration returns to TMBC Lincoln Resource Center
A day to celebrate culture, heritage and achievements is coming back to the TMBC Lincoln Resource Center in Davenport. The center's annual Black History Month event will be on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m.
This free celebration will feature a variety of activities. Local students will be participating in the center's BHM wax museum, portraying prominent people of Black history. There will be a film festival as well as 'Pastries with Pals' in the center's library featuring a donut wall and a book giveaway. And new this year, the event is putting a special emphasis on everyday inventions we enjoy thanks to their Black creators. Usually, the center puts up a display, but in 2024, they're taking things one step further by demonstrating the inventions in real time!
In honor of John Thomas White, the inventor of the lemon squeezer, lemonade shakeups will be offered. Ice cream will be there since the scooper was invented by Alfred L. Cralle. A putting green will be on hand in honor of inventor Dr. George Grant. Potato chips, the fishing reel, hush puppies and the cell phone will also be honored.
Learn about Black historical figures from the QCA
In partnership with the Davenport Civil Rights Commission, the library is hosting a program called “Black History: Local Historical Figures” on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at its 3000 N. Fairmount St. location.
Attendees will learn about Black history in the Quad Cities area and the historical figures who have lived here, including Dred Scott.
For more information, please visit the library's website.
Orpheum Theatre hosts free events for Black History Month
The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, located at 57 S. Kellogg St., in collaboration with the Support Group for African American Affairs and the Galesburg NAACP, is hosting a weekend of free events centered around Black culture and history. Catch free movie screenings of Black Panther, The Butler and Soul along with a live performance from Breath of Encouragement out of Davenport called "TOGETHER AS ONE."
Here's a breakdown of the events:
- Thursday, Feb. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m.: Walk-in theatre tours offered on the hour
- Friday, Feb. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m.: Walk-in theatre tours offered on the hour
- Friday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.: Screening of Black Panther
- Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 a.m.: Screening of The Butler followed by a Q&A session
- Saturday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m.: "TOGETHER AS ONE" performance by Breath of Encouragement
- Sunday, Feb. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m.: Walk-in theatre tours offered on the hour
- Sunday, Feb. 4 at 5 p.m.: Screening of Soul
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