This February, experience Portsmouth’s rich Black History, and discover the people, places, stories and events that helped shape our city, our region and our nation. Find a full list of events, lectures and family fun below, and come celebrate Black History Month in Portsmouth!
Explore All Upcoming Black History Month Events → Learn more about Black History Now events →
Waves of Strength Portraits of African American Shipyard Workers from Tidewater Virginia In the summer of 2014, photographer artist Glen McClure began his project of documenting the proud men and women who work to support a massive industry that defines South Hampton Roads, Virginia. This exhibition highlights the African Americans included in that series, with […]
A Purple Patchwork Sewn in Sisterhood The Hampton Road’s based 54-40 African American Quilters Guild of Virginia reflects on The Color Purple through their creation of quilts in this exhibition of latest works March 22nd through July 20th 2025
Description: Forged in Hampton Roads explores the transformative impact of African American labor and how it profoundly shaped the character and lifestyle of the Hampton Roads region. Come learn about John Mallory Phillips, the man who created one of the region’s first Black resorts and hotels in Hampton. Or read about a former slave named Aaron who […]
The Dry Dock Affair 1829-1831: African American Labor in America's Shipyard The Dry Dock Affair, 1829-1831: African American Labor in America’s Shipyard examines the history of both free and enslaved Black labor in the Gosport Shipyard during the 1830s. Dry Dock No.1 was completed in 1834 and became the first operational dry dock in the […]
Speaker: Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, Professor at Norfolk State University and founder of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center Dr. Newby-Alexander’s lecture will examine the history of Lord Dunmore’s Ethiopian Regiment. In […]
Speaker: Tony Snipes, Artist & Founder of Portsmouth Aeroshipbuilding Co. Artist and Portsmouth native Tony Snipes brings history to life through his creative vision. Join us as he shares how […]