February is Black History month and there is no better place than the Atlanta metro area to celebrate the accomplishments, heritage and culture of Black Americans. With so many February events planned, you are bound to find an event for you and your friends and family.
To sample what is available in the Atlanta area, you can kick off the month-long celebration on February 1st by attending the Black Improv night at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Giggle the night away, as you are entertained by internationally celebrated comedians from HBO, BET and Comedy Central. Next, experience African-American Folktales at the Lawrenceville Arts Center, on February 15th. Listen to stories the way they were told for centuries, with a talking drum background, delighting the senses. Lastly, you don’t want to miss out on one of the best expositions of the year at Black Expo 2025 on February 22nd and 23rd at the Georgia World Congress Center. Enjoy over 100 exhibitors and businesses, food and beverage tasting competitions and a great chance to network in a festive and exciting setting!
Closer to the Marietta/Cobb area you can also find museums and walking tours that focus on Black Americans and their accomplishments. Visit Doyal Hill Park and learn about Acworth’s black history and the community that formed after the Civil War. Use your smartphone and scan the signs to take this interesting and informative tour.
Getting outside is always a good idea as you take Marietta’s Black Heritage Walking Tour. Take the 1.9-mile loop that will guide you past significant places in history like Old Zion Baptist Church, Cole Street Baptist Church, the original site of Turner Chapel Church, the Blue Eagle Fire Company, Lemon Street Elementary School and the William Root House. "An important part of the tour is to also share how many of these communities were systematically demolished or removed through eminent domain and redevelopment, beginning in the 1960's. Entire neighborhoods including Black businesses, churches, and homes have been lost through the years. We want to let people know these places existed," says Cobb Landmarks Executive Director Trevor Beemon.
The Marietta History Center is also a great place to visit “Historic Black Neighborhood Makers”, which showcases many homes within the community that hold significant history within their walls. Walk past homes like the Hunter Home. The home of Katie and Charlie Hunter, Sr., stands to signify the accomplishments of the Hunters as they poured into their community by providing rental homes, grocery stores, beauty salons and transportation services to the communities of Marietta, when services were lacking in that era for the African-American community.
However, you don’t have to go further than your neighborhood library to educate yourself and celebrate Black History Month. At the Switzer Library in Marietta, you can enjoy cultural enrichment and performances by Cobb County teens at the African Cultural Fest on February 19th. If you feel inspired, consider taking one of the African dance classes offered during the month of February.
There is something for everyone during Black History month, making Atlanta a must-see during this month of celebrating the rich heritage and culture of African Americans.