COMMUNITY
Staff Report
Celebrate Black History Month Across the Community
The arrival of February also marks the arrival of Black History Month, a dedicated time for education, reflection and celebration of Black culture and contributions that have shaped the country. We’ve put together a list of some local events where you can engage with Black authors and community leaders, immerse yourself in art and music, and support Black-owned businesses.
Silas Hunt
Trisha Mays-Cummings
University of Arkansas Multicultural Center's 2025 Same Color, Different Cultures Panel Discussion
Fayetteville Public Library is hosting various events throughout the month. In an engaging session about African American ancestry research on Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to noon, family historian Trisha Mays-Cummings will share proven strategies, practical tools and culturally specific research methods developed through more than a decade of personal and professional family history work. Later that day, join the University of Arkansas’ School of Music and Special Collections for a lecture and piano recital exploring the music of composer Florence Price from 2 to 4 p.m. Learn about the life of civil rights pioneer and the first African American admitted to the U of A School of Law, Silas Hunt, during a documentary screening on Feb. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. Then, on Feb. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., U of A museum staff will highlight a collection of dolls created by Black educator I. Roberta Bell to teach her students African American history. Lastly, the Boundless Book Society, a pressure-free teen book club featuring critically acclaimed and diverse books, will discuss its February pick, The Davenports by Krystal Marquis, on Feb. 23 from 5 to 6 p.m.
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To further support the community, shop locally at the Black-Owned Business Expo on Feb. 21 at the Fayetteville Town Center. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this event shines a spotlight on Black businesses and creatives in Northwest Arkansas. More than 60 vendors, ranging from health and wellness to clothing and food, will gather in celebration of entrepreneurship, culture and economic empowerment. Don’t miss this opportunity to uplift small businesses and shop with purpose.
On the first Friday of every month at the University of Arkansas, the Multicultural Center hosts a celebration highlighting the heritage month that follows. For Black History Month, the center is honoring the legacy of Silas Hunt and “the Six Pioneers,” the first African American students to attend the U of A School of Law. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center’s location on the fourth floor of the Arkansas Student Union, meet with registered student organizations and enjoy food, art activities and listening to a guest speaker.
Then, on Feb. 10, attend the Mirror Gallery Opening at 5:30 p.m. at the Anne Kittrell Gallery, also on the fourth floor. This year’s Black History Month photoshoot celebrates Arkansas native John H. Johnson and Jet and Ebony magazines. The photography exhibition will run through March 5. The center is also hosting a lunch and learn experience on Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss issues pertaining to the Black and African diaspora. Speakers from different communities will talk about their lived experiences, with the goal of highlighting the fact that, even though someone is the same color as you, it does not mean they see the world through the same lens. And on Feb. 24, join in at the Spade Tournament and R&B Night at the center, starting at 6 p.m. Enjoy a night of games, good music, bragging rights and positive vibes.
Florence Price
Raissa Figueroa
Tony Weaver Jr.
Ashley Franklin
Attend an inspiring and dynamic Black history program at the Springdale Public Library featuring renowned scholar and author Dr. Najja Baptist, director of African and African American studies and associate professor of arts and sciences and political science at the U of A. In this powerful event, Baptist will bring to life ideas from his new book, In the Spirit, In the Dark: Black Music and Political Activism, which releases Feb. 3, revealing how spirituals, blues, jazz and hip-hop have fueled resistance, shaped political movements and given voice to freedom struggles across generations. On Feb. 28 from 2 to 4:30 p.m., audiences will experience an engaging talk filled with history, storytelling and cultural insight, followed by a meet-and-greet reception with the author.
The Tea Rose Foundation of Northwest Arkansas and the Phi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., in partnership with the Rogers Public Library Foundation and the Rogers Public Library, will present an in-person panel discussion and book reading featuring nationally renowned Black children’s book authors and illustrators. The event, We Write For You VII, will be held Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. at NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s Shewmaker Center For Global Business in Bentonville. Audience members will learn how award-winning panelists Ashley Franklin, Raissa Figueroa and Tony Weaver Jr. were led to produce children’s literature featuring Black characters and why diversity in children’s literature is important. All guests must register via EventBrite.
Tommy Terrific's Wacky Magic Show
Photo by Dr. Najja Baptist
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art invites the community to join chef Timothy Ordway and his team of culinary artists each month for Wednesdays Over Water: an evening of food, drinks and conversation featuring handcrafted small plates and expert insights. For the first WOW event of 2026, enjoy a unique culinary celebration of Black joy and history hosted by Grammy award-winning musician Boo Mitchell, Music Education Initiative founder Orson Weems, acclaimed chef Steven Brooks and KNWA news anchor Jaclyn House. Event is Feb. 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Then, on Feb. 14, stop by the museum’s Second Saturday event, in collaboration with NWA Black Heritage, to enjoy art making and a gallery talk with the U of A Multicultural Center.
In partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Bentonville Public Library will host Black History Month Storytime on Feb. 7. All ages can enjoy stories and crafts from 11 a.m. to noon. Also at the library, join magician Tommy Terrific for a magic show about Satchel Paige and Negro League baseball on Feb. 14 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. From his all-star touring shows to his amazing records with the Negro Leagues to his Hall of Fame induction as baseball’s oldest rookie and oldest player, Satchel Paige is a true American original. This 45-minute magic show is designed for kids ages 3 to 12.