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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Speaker: Donald Mills, President of Mills Marine and Ship Repair Mills Marine & Ship Repair, founded in Suffolk, VA in 2009, is one of the nation’s few Black-owned ship repair […]
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 […]