February is Black History Month, a time to honor and recognize the difficulties, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans. Check out some of the local events taking place + other ways to celebrate in Chattanooga.
The History of Hip-Hop | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery | Free, RSVP | Learn about hip-hop’s history and how it has served as a vehicle for transmitting the experience of being Black in America to the masses.
Bonus: The Chattery is also hosting a BHM Challenge — you can get started now on day six of the challenge: register for the history of hip-hop lecture.
“Shared Legacies” | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 6-8 p.m. | Bessie Smith Cultural Center | Free | Watch a screening of “Shared Legacies: The African American-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance.”
Disparities in Health and Healthcare among African Americans | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Bessie Smith Cultural Center | Free | Join this panel discussion with African American physicians from the Mountain City Medical Society.
Movie Night | Thursday, Feb. 16 | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Chattery | $10 | Watch the film “Poetic Justice” — feel free to BYOB.
Black History Festival | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | East Lake Community Center | Free, RSVP | Learn more about Black and African culture at this event with vendors, authors, an interactive museum, cultural performances, and more.
Game Night + Live DJ Finale | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery | Free, RSVP | Join for a night of music, games, and celebrating the Black experience.
Chattanooga Black History | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Bessie Smith Cultural Center | Free | Dr. Clark White will discuss African American history from the early years to today.
Black-Owned Business Expo | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Hamilton Place Mall | Free+ | Support and shop various Black-owned small businesses.
Lil Mama’s BHM Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 12-4 p.m. | Lil Mama’s Chicago Style Hoagy | Price of purchase | Shop from Black entrepreneurs at the pop-up, listen to live music, and eat delicious hoagies — 10% of sales will be given back into the community via Girls Inc.
Community Day | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bessie Smith Cultural Center | Free | Enjoy free admission to the center + view the opening of the art contest exhibit.
Nearest Green Distillery Excursion | Saturday, Feb. 25 + Sunday, Feb. 26 | Meet at Hotel Indigo Chattanooga | $82.50 | Make the inaugural trip with Chatt Taste to learn, have fun, and honor the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green.
Bessie Smith: Orchestrating the Blues | Monday, Feb. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $20 | The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will put on a show honoring the legacy of Blues legend Bessie Smith.
Bonus: Check out various BHM happenings for students going on at UTC + ChattState, watch Chattanooga Preparatory School’s annual “Speak Like a King” event, and stay updated on BHM happenings and history on the Urban League’s social pages.