Celebrate African-American History and Culture at Black History Now 

Presented by Midtown Houston

Houston, TX – January 28, 2024 – On Saturday, February 17, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Midtown Houston will present Black History Now, a celebration honoring the rich legacy of Black history and culture in Houston and beyond. This free family-friendly event will take place at Bagby Park located at 415 Gray St. from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and will include a lineup of remarkable performances, interactive art, and engaging educational activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions and contributions of Black pioneers of the past and the present.

The dynamic stage lineup will include standout theatrical performances by The Ensemble Theatre, the largest African-American professional theater company in the Southwest known for celebrating Black experiences through outstanding productions. The event will also feature performances by the TSU Jazz Ensemble, the Bayou City Brass Band, and other local musical and dance acts, as well as an informative presentation by The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum highlighting the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers and African-American soldiers who served in the western frontier after the Civil War. 

Attendees will have the chance to explore a treasure trove of knowledge and shop from a specially curated selection of books at the Kindred Stories pop-up shop. Brooke Giles will host a morning and afternoon children’s storytime, giving attendees a chance to witness the literary contributions of Black authors, with the intention of empowering youth. In addition, The Freedmen’s Town Conservancy will present attendees the opportunity to learn about the triumphs and contributions of the individuals who shaped Freedmen’s Town, Houston’s first Heritage District, affectionately known as the “Mother of all Wards.”

“We acknowledge the rich history of the geographic location that now makes up Midtown Houston, previously being part of the historically Black Third Ward and Fourth Ward communities,” said Cynthia Alvarado, Director of Operations and Strategy for the Midtown Management District, “We also honor that before Houston’s famous wards, there was Freedmen’s Town, a landmark in American Black History. We hope to bring an experience to the community that truly honors Houston’s past while elevating the Black history makers of today.” 

Black History Now will also feature a number of vendors including face painting for kids, live chalk art representing Black icons and pioneers and a Black History Now creative station where guests can receive free temporary tattoos and create custom stickers. A table will be hosted by the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center (Self Help for African People through Education), one of the most visible and involved centers in Houston’s African American community and the Houston community as a whole, leading the way toward justice, equal opportunity, and institution building in the city, state, nation and world. Click here to see the entire vendor list and activities. 

Midtown Houston’s Black History Now Celebration will take place on February 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Bagby Park (415 Gray St., Houston, TX 77002). This free event promises to be an inspiring and educational experience for attendees of all ages. Guests must register to attend by clicking here.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact Ivis Batista at ivis@medley-inc.com or 978-885-7306.