Explore African American influence and culture throughout Orlando during Black History Month.
February is Black History Month, and Orlando is ready to help you celebrate with engaging events, exhibitions, and live performances. Plus, take the time to explore Orlando’s rich African American heritage, history and cultural influences in Orlando's neighborhoods, galleries and museums.
Orlando's Black History Month will once again feature an art exhibition at City Hall’s Terrace Gallery and several signature celebration events, allowing the Orlando community to celebrate the rich contributions of African American residents to our nation's cultural landscape throughout its history in the visual arts, performing arts, literature, film, music and much more.
Orlando Black History Month Events 2025
January 9 – February 28
This exhibition explores the journey of African American artists such as Wonda Granville from the Central Florida community and how their works serve as a testament in preserving time. Now in its third year at Winter Garden City Hall, this exhibition explores the journey of African American artists from the Central Florida community and how their works serve as a testament in preserving time. This exhibition series preserves a small portion of the continuous American struggle, which is an African American struggle that needs to be told so that the importance can be felt year-round.
January 31 – March 30
The City of Orlando invites local visual artists to display their artwork to celebrate Black History Month in the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall from January 31 – March 30, 2025. Art is an intrinsic part of Black heritage and culture, and the city is offering an opportunity for artists to showcase the diverse richness of African American history and heritage through the visual arts.
The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor”, focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, professional, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.
February 1 - 28
Celebrate Soulfully with vibrant music, delicious food and incredible attractions at Walt Disney World® Resort, including special offerings at Disney Springs®Feast on Black Panther Petit Cake at Amorette's Patisserie, Soulful Pralines at The Ganachery and Pork Belly Diri Kolepwana from MICHELIN Recommended The Polite Pig. Plus, shop for merchandise inspired by Princess Tiana, Black Panther, Joe Gardner from Soul, and more favorite characters. A new mural will also be unveiled along the Disney Springs Art Walk, an outdoor series that currently includes murals from three Black artists.
February 1 - 22
The Winter Park Library will host a variety of events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout Black History Month. They include a virtual reality tour through key locations in King’s life, an inspirational lecture inspired by MLK’s teachings and social justice work, a screening of the 1998 animated film Our Friend Martin, and A Feast for King featuring favorite flavors and stories from Dr. King’s life. Then, join The Harlem Renaissance: A Celebration of Black Culture. This immersive and multisensory experience will blend art, music, literature and fashion in a tribute to this historic cultural explosion of African American creativity.
February 4
We invite you to join us for an evening of celebration and reflection as we honor the rich legacy of Black heritage and contributions of African Americans in our community. Our Black History Month Reception will feature an art exhibit showcasing local artists, live musical performances, and a selection of food and drinks.
February 5
Mayor Buddy Dyer, District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose, District 6 Commissioner Bakari F. Burns and the Orlando City Council invite you to the opening reception of the city's Black History Month Art Exhibition on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 5 -8 pm at the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall. The display showcases art pieces of 33 local visual artists inspired by this year’s national Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” which focuses on the various and profound ways works of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, professional, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black culture.
February 7
Live at Timucua / Timucua Amplifies Black Voices / Jazz Series: John Lumpkin and The Covenant are back! They sell out Timucua every time they come, and for good reason. Great jazz from Jacksonville!
February 8
Celebrate the rich legacy of African American literature at the City of Kissimmee’s African American Read-In! This free, open-mic-style event invites the community to honor influential African American authors through live readings, storytelling, and shared experiences. Join us for an inspiring evening of culture, creativity, and connection.
February 8
Live at Timucua / Timucua Amplifies Black Voices / Jazz Series: GRAMMY winner Ulysses Owens always sells out at Timucua. Ulysses Owens Jr. presents the 904 Jazz Organ Trio with jazz guitar legend Barry Greene and Awards winning Hammond B3 organist, Pat Bianchi.
February 9
This electrifying concert invites you to journey through time, exploring the legacies of iconic American entertainers and composers who have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape and Black music history. From the soulful trumpet of Louis Armstrong to the modern jazz virtuosity of Wynton Marsalis, from the enigmatic piano genius of Thelonious Monk to the soul-stirring melodies of Marvin Gaye, their artistry has resonated across continents and generations.
February 10
Watch the Magic take on the Atlanta Hawks while celebrating Black History Month! Experience Magic Together at Kia Center!
February 10
Join Osceola’s Hometown Team for an incredible evening celebrating the rich heritage of Black History and the uplifting power of Gospel music! Enjoy a special pregame performance by Gospel legend Maurette Brown Clark, taking place on the east side of the arena from 6 - 6.45 pm.
February 11
Celebrate Black History Month with us at the City of Orlando's annual Community Celebration Event. This free event honors the lasting contributions and positive influence of African Americans in our Central Florida community.
Join Mayor Dyer and City Commissioners for a screening of the GOSPEL docuseries and to enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and a special performance by City Beautiful Voices, a choir featuring city employees.
February 13
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park will present Big Band Spirituals, a unique concert blending soulful African American spirituals with vibrant big band jazz at the stunning Knowles Memorial Chapel in Winter Park. The one-night-only event features locally sourced talent under the direction of acclaimed jazz musician and Rollins College professor Chuck Archard.
February 14
Live at Timucua / Jazz Series / Soul / Timucua Amplifies Black Voices: Gerald Law II & The Clutch make their return to the Timucua stage! Law brings a vulnerability to the stage that goes beyond entertainment — it creates a space for the audience to 'feel'.
February 15
The Eatonville Chamber of Commerce Presents: The 3rd Annual "Black History Speaks" Series. Celebrating the best in Artistic Culture. We are excited to bring you our most ambitious showing of elite, historic talent from all walks of the cultural experience. We are seeking eclectic artist to showcase the many facets of our history, through song, dance, acting, poetry and spoken word. All artist, come one, come all and be a part of history in the most historic town of them all; Eatonville, Florida 1887. Please come share a unique perspective of artistic ability and fellowship in the land of "progress through understanding."
February 15
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and inspiration as the renowned Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale, under the masterful direction of Karl Van Richards, takes the stage. Coming just after Valentine’s Day, this powerful performance blends themes of love, unity and cultural pride—an uplifting celebration perfectly suited for Black History Month. Experience the chorale's rich harmonies and soul-stirring voices as they honor American musical traditions, share timeless songs of love and resilience and celebrate the enduring spirit of our community. Don’t miss this night of artistry, heritage and heartfelt expression.
February 15
Live at Timucua / Jazz Series / Timucua Amplifies Black Voices: EarthTonez Music Collective is a vibrant and dynamic band that blends the colors of soul, jazz, alternative, and hip hop to create a kaleidoscope of musical experiences.
February 15
Experience more from the Bach Festival Society during the 90th Annual Bach Festival, including a performance from Grammy Award-winning artist Dashon Burton and pianist Lindsay Garritson. Brick by Brick is a captivating program of African spirituals that portrays the journey of African Americans with indomitable spirit and enduring hope.
February 20
In preparation for the Opera Orlando spring production of Treemonisha, the Orange County Regional History Center invites you to take a musical stroll through the past. Treemonisha is an opera about the Reconstruction Era African American experience written by Scott Joplin, who lived through this period himself. The full production of Treemonisha will take place in May at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
February 22
Come celebrate Black History Month with us at Chambers Park! Enjoy live music, delicious food, and engaging activities that showcase the rich cultural heritage and achievements of African Americans. Join the community as we honor history-makers and share in the vibrant energy of this special day. Don’t miss this fun-filled celebration of culture, history, and togetherness!
February 28
Mark your calendars for February 28, as we celebrate Black History Month with the UCF Black History Month All-Star Basketball Game! This exciting event, hosted at the UCF Education Complex and Gym, brings together representatives from UCF Black organizations like Progressive Black Men, NAACP, and more to compete in a game that highlights community, talent, and Black excellence.
February 28
Grammy Award winners Hot 8 Brass Band will bring their Big Tuba Tour to The Abbey in Downtown Orlando to close out Black History Month. The New Orleans-based octet will combine their traditional jazz heritage with elements of funk, hip hop, rap and bounce music for a toe-tapping good time.
African American History in Orlando
Eatonville
Just 25 minutes north of Orlando’s main tourism districts, the historic town of Eatonville was incorporated in 1887, making it one of the first self-governing, all-Black municipalities in the U.S. — and the oldest still in existence today. The township’s core, the Eatonville Historic District, was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1998, drawing countless history and culture aficionados in the decades since.
Around the turn of the 20th century, Eatonville attracted a family whose daughter would go on to great acclaim as an author: Zora Neale Hurston. Her best-known novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is set in Eatonville and nearby communities.
Parramore District
The oldest and largest African American neighborhood in Orlando, the Parramore District is an area rich in culture, heritage and heart. Explore the district to see how Parramore residents are creating their own modern legacies.
One of the district’s newest additions, Luminary Green Park, shines a light on individuals who made outstanding contributions to the Parramore-Holden community throughout their lifetime, honoring them with 12 luminary art installations. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando’s Creative Village, Luminary Green is the perfect place to stop and reflect on the past while looking forward to the future.
Hannibal Square
Hannibal Square is part of Winter Park, a charming community about 25 minutes north of Orlando’s tourism districts and close to Eatonville. It’s also home to the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, where you can explore the district’s origins as an African American community.
Officially founded in 1881, Hannibal Square originally consisted of African Americans who worked for the South Florida Railroad and Winter Park’s wealthy families. On Oct. 12, 1887, it became the site of one of the country’s earliest Civil Rights marches when a group of Black residents crossed the town’s dividing railroad tracks to vote in the election that officially incorporated Winter Park, including Hannibal Square. What’s more, two Black residents were elected aldermen, serving from 1887 to 1893.
Tinker Field
Head to downtown Orlando to visit historic Tinker Field, a space next to Camping World Stadium that served as a baseball stadium from 1923 through 2015 and was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2004. It was also the site of a moving Civil Rights speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964.
Black History Museums in Orlando
Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts
Better known as The Hurston, the museum is run by the nonprofit Preserve Eatonville Community and specializes in art by individuals of African descent. The museum offers maps for self-guided tours of the area where Zora grew up and also sets up guided tours.
The modest town of 2,000 tucked just north of Orlando has preserved much of its historic roots, including Zora’s “home church,” St. Lawrence AME Church, 549 E. Kennedy Blvd., founded in 1881 and rebuilt in 1974, with 1920s-era murals depicting Eatonville residents at worship.
Hannibal Square Heritage Center
Established in 2007 and only minutes from Eatonville, the Hannibal Square Heritage Center offers over 100 photos and oral histories highlighting local and national African-American experiences, with visiting exhibits that explore quilt making, urban art and other elements of black heritage and Southern folklore.
Winter Garden Heritage Museum
The Winter Garden Heritage Museum features exhibits on Winter Garden’s Native American, early settler and citrus days, the museum boasts a permanent collection honoring the legacies of notable African American community members like Mildred Dixon, the first African American to serve on the city commission.
Wells Built Museum of African American History & Culture
Erected by one of Orlando’s first black doctors in 1921, Wells’ Built Hotel served black travelers during segregation, hosting the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Thurgood Marshall and Jackie Robinson. Today, it’s a museum showcasing memorabilia and African art from Orlando’s black community. It includes a historic hotel guestroom with authentic furniture, beading and decorations straight out of the 1930s, when Zora spent time as an adult in the area.
Orange County Regional History Center
Housed in a renovated 1927 courthouse in downtown Orlando, the museum features four floors of exhibits, including a permanent display of 14 paintings by a group of self-taught African-American artists known as The Highwaymen who sold their Florida landscape paintings from the trunks of their cars in the 1950s and 1960s. Most of the artists came from Fort Pierce, where Zora died in poverty in 1960.
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