This collection of events and activities celebrates African American contributions and lasting impact to Louisville’s history, heritage, and culture. There are more than 20 events taking place in Downtown Louisville to celebrate and honor Black history, from movie screenings to concerts, theater, discussions, and more.
Black History Month Film Series
Every Sunday in February, 1:30pm
Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
The Black History Month Film Series returns to the Main Library every Sunday in February 2025. This free series is presented in partnership with UofL’s HSC Office of Health Equity and Engagement and features a panel discussion led by UofL faculty following each film.
February 2, American Fiction
February 9, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possom Trot
February 16, Origin
February 23, Kiki
Black History Teen Film Series
Every Wednesday in February, 4:30pm
Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
Come to the Teen Underground for a film series that highlights Black excellence in film and animation. Films range from PG to PG-13. Come early to build your own concessions bag of treats and popcorn. Ages 13-19.
February 5, The American Society of Magical Negroes
February 12, The Color Purple (2023)
February 19, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
February 26, I Am Ali
Republic Bank Downtown Walking Tours, Civil Rights Markers
Self-guided walking tour
Tour begins at the Muhammad Ali Center, located at 144 N. 6th Street
Jump back in time with Rasheda Ali Walsh, one of Muhammad Ali’s daughters, for a historic tour of the Civil Rights Markers throughout Downtown. The burgeoning movement of the 1960s which swept across the South, and ignited a spirit of protest among African American teenagers in Louisville, who emerged as the frontline activists, challenging discrimination in public accommodations.
Black History Month at Roots 101
Every Saturday in February
ROOTS-101 African American Museum, 124 N. 1st St.
Your District 4 Neighbors and Councilman Ken Herndon invite you to experience Louisville’s own Roots 101 AAM – a space dedicated to celebrating the resilience, creativity, and contributions of African Americans.
February 1, Russell Day at Roots 101 AAM
February 8, Victory Park Day Roots 101 AAM
February 15, Smoketown Day Roots 101 AAM
February 22, California Day Roots 101 AAM
Louisville Unions: The Best Black Baseball Team You’ve Never Heard Of
Offered every day in February, 11:30am
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W. Main St.
In a true Louisville mash-up – bourbon and baseball came together as LSM&F discovered the truth behind mysterious and fascinating photographs of a black baseball team that had been exceptional in its time but lost to history.
Signature Wall Spotlight: Heroes of The Negro Leagues
Offered every day in February, 2pm
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W. Main St.
Join us for a deep dive into the over 9,000 players under contract with H&B as we highlight a few of the well-known and some forgotten stars from the golden era of the Negro leagues into baseball’s integration.
MLB: The Show — Home Run Derby, Featuring Negro League Greats
Fridays and Saturdays in February, 4pm
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W. Main St.
Choose your favorite Negro league star and see how many homers you can hit on this PlayStation game, played on our giant theater screen.
Battle For The Lantern
February 5 – February 22
ROOTS-101 African American Museum, 124 N. 1st St.
Come witness the Third Annual Black History Month challenge between Grace James Academy and W.E.B Dubois Academy!
Teen Trivia Night: African American Achievement
Tuesday, February 11, 4pm – 5pm
Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
Come to the Teen Underground for a fun trivia game that focuses on Black achievement in the arts, sports, sciences, and more. Join a team, be the first to buzz in, and you might go home a winner! Ages 12 – 19.
‘The Magic of Motown’
February 13, 7:30pm
Bomhard Theater, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
The Magic of Motown is a journey through Motown’s best including: The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and more.
Family Puppet Theatre! – Black Folktale Showcase
February 19, 2pm
Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
Join us downtown for fun stories with puppets, including full-length puppet show productions of African American folktales! Ages 4 -12.
Black Cemeteries of Louisville
February 20, 7pm
Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.
Greenwood, Louisville, and Forest Home Cemeteries are just a few of the historic Black cemeteries in the city of Louisville. Learn the history of these spaces. Participants are encouraged to share their memories and knowledge of these spaces as well.
5th Annual Molo Village African Gala
February 22, 7pm
Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. 6th St.
An evening filled with cultural celebrations, dining, and entertainment by the Unlimited Show Band. Proceeds to benefit the MOLO Village Community Development Corporation.
‘Broken Wings Still Fly’
February 28, 7:30pm
Bomhard Theater, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
The (Un)known Project and the Kentucky Performing Arts presents a series of monologues based on the narratives of enslaved women in Kentucky. Witness the stories of love, motherhood, heartbreak, resilience, and ultimate triumph.