Houston First Corporation is proud to celebrate Black History Month with a number of events and activities, all of which are free and open to the public.
As the destination management organization for the city, part of our mission is to promote the Houston region globally, and to enhance the quality of life for all Houstonians. We value diversity, inclusion and contributions from everyone, regardless of background, and we want our programming efforts to reflect the rich tapestry of the people who call Houston home.
HOUSTON FIRST - BLACK HISTORY ROUND-UP
FEBRUARY FILMS CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY ON THE AVENIDA
Houston First invites the public to join us for Saturday Night Movies on the Plaza at Avenida Houston (in front of Hall C at the George R. Brown Convention Center). Beginning Saturday, February 8, and continuing through the end of the month, the Plaza at Avenida Houston will present outdoor screenings of movies written, directed or featuring prominent African Americans. Screenings will be followed by a Q&A with Houston creatives and others discussing the relevance of the films to black history and America’s broad cultural heritage.
- Saturday, February 8, 7 p.m. - The Five Heartbeats
- Saturday, February 15, 8 p.m. – Valentine’s Weekend Feature - Love & Basketball
- Saturday, February 22, 7 p.m. – Hidden Figures
- Saturday, February 29, 7 p.m. - Smithsonian Channel Documentary – The Green Book: Guide to Freedom
Guests will be treated to free popcorn! Beverages and other movie treats will be available for purchase.
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBIT: THROUGH THE LENS OF EARLIE HUDNALL, JR.
Houston First is pleased to present four decades of the photographic work of Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Texas Commission on the Arts Visual Artist for 2020. The legendary photographer has been instrumental in documenting Houston’s African American neighborhoods since the 70’s. As TSU’s longtime staff photographer, he has also documented the university’s renowned debate team under the direction of Dr. Thomas F. Freeman.
The exhibition will be on display beginning February 1 through March 31, 2020 in the Partnership Tower Level 1 Lobby and Level 2 Garage Escalator Lobby. The exhibit is free to the public.
BLACK HISTORY HOUSTON CULTURE FEST
Avenida Houston will host the Black History Houston Culture Fest Saturday, February 15 from
3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Houston First is partnering with KTSU-FM to sponsor the cultural extravaganza that will include everything from live entertainment to food to shopping--something for the entire community.
Live entertainment on the Mainstage
- Houston Blues Legends: Keesha Pratt, Jewel Brown, Milton Hopkins, Trudy Lynn
- Gospel: Kathy Taylor
- Jazz: Kyle Turner, Theresa Grayson
- Zydeco: Paul and The Zydeco Nubreeds
- “Keeping the Music Alive” Tribute Show featuring Ernest Walker Band, Mary Griffin, Chris Walker, J. Xavier, Werner Richmond
BLCK Market – over local 40 vendors artists, designers and business entrepreneurs representing the diverse cultures of Houston across communities
Health Awareness Activations by the Houston Health Department
Black History Dramatizations with the Ensemble Theater - scenes from The Green Book (which will be in production at the theater during this time)
Re-enactments from the Buffalo Soldiers Museum
Black History Storytelling and Meditation with S.H.A.P.E. Community Center and Project Row Houses
Food Trucks and beverages
KTSU DAILY MOMENTS IN BLACK HISTORY
Houston First is partnering with KTSU-FM to highlight local African American historical leaders in its presentation of Daily Moments in Black History series throughout the month of February.
EDITORIAL SERIES
Houston First through its Visit Houston branded website will highlight some of the amazing food, arts and historic neighborhoods that enhance our city’s cultural offerings and gives Houston its unique and soulful flavor. Go to visithouston/blackhistorymonth to experience firsthand why Houston is considered the most diverse city in the country.
ENCORE PERFORMANCE OF GIVING VOICE AT WORTHAM THEATER CENTER
Houston First sponsored part of the amazing evening presented by world-renowned tenor Lawrence Brownlee and the Houston Grand Opera. Giving Voice: Lawrence Brownlee and Friends Sing Opera, Gospel, and Standards was a one-of-a-kind concert created by Brownlee to celebrate Houston’s diverse community and showcase the power of voice and song.
As a gift to the Houston community, Houston First sponsored the livestreaming of the event held at the Wortham Theater Center and is offering here the entire magical experience for the public to enjoy for the first time or as an encore performance.