This collection of Downtown events and activities celebrates African American contributions and lasting impact to Louisville’s history, heritage, and culture.
Republic Bank Downtown Walking Tours, Civil Rights Markers
Self-guided walking tour
Tour begins at the Muhammad Ali Center, located at 144 N. 6th St.
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.
Guided Exhibitions Tours
Monday – Saturday | 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Sunday | 12pm, 2pm
Frazier Kentucky History Museum, 829 W. Main St.
During the month of February, each tour will incorporate a story or object tied to Black history in Kentucky or America.
Self-Guided Tours on the Kentucky African American Heritage Trail
Self-guided tour
Frazier Kentucky History Museum, 829 W. Main St.
At our admissions desk, museum visitors can take a handout (see attachment) that identifies objects and stories germane to Black history found on all three floors of the museum.
Pursuit of Happiness
January 2026 – May 2027
Frazier Kentucky History Museum, 829 W. Main St.
The exhibition spotlights thirteen figures from the American Revolution Era and how they pursued happiness. Several of the figures are Black Americans, including sailmaker James Forten, bodyguard Prince Whipple, and poet Phillis Wheatley.
Louisville Unions: The Best Black Baseball Team You’ve Never Heard Of
Friday – Monday | 10:30am
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.
MLB: The Show, Home Run Derby Featuring Negro League Greats
Friday – Monday | 11:30am
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.
Artifact Spotlight: Black History Heroes
Friday – Monday | 2pm
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W. Main St.
We’ve pulled three game used bats from our collection, not normally on display, to highlight. Legends with over 1200 home runs combined!
From Concept to Conqueror
Friday – Monday | 3pm
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W. Main St.
How do MLB players design their own bat? Let us teach you using artifacts from our collection and see how Hank Aaron’s idea for a model took him to the Hall of Fame.
Black Artist Showcase & Workshop
Wednesday, February 4 | 4pm
Louisville Free Public Library, Western Branch, 604 S. 10th St.
Celebrate black artists and learn about their art and history while making your own art. Supplies provided.
Brown-Forman Midnite Ramble Series presents Black Violin – Full Circle Tour
Thursday, February 5 | 7:30pm
Brown Theatre, 315 W. Broadway
Step into Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour, where GRAMMY-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine the possibilities of music by merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse. This tour captures the essence of returning to where it all began—transformed and reimagined. Each powerful performance invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys, discovering that even as we evolve, we’re often drawn back to our roots with renewed purpose.
Community Free Day at the Muhammad Ali Center
Saturday, February 14 | 10am – 5pm
The Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. 6th St.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Muhammad Ali Center will be open free to the public on Saturday, February 14, brought to you by the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky! From 11:30am – 1pm, the Center and ATBHK will be hosting an intergenerational panel speaking on compassion and Black History.
Destination Smooth Jazz
Saturday, February 14 | 7pm
Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Enjoy live jazz, tasting from Black chefs, cigars and more.
Afrolachia Comedy Show
Sunday, February 15 | 6pm
Actors Theatre of Louisville, 316 W. Main St.
AFROLACHIA is an entertainment community providing an outlet for intelligent comedians of color in the Appalachian region. We use comedy the same way we use music, storytelling and protest – to tell the truth about our experiences.
Brown-Forman Midnite Ramble Series Presents Urban Bush Women – THIS IS RISK
Friday, February 27 | 8pm
The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater, 501 W. Main St.
THIS IS RISK, looks forward and back in celebrating four decades of operating at the vanguard of movement and social activism while taking the audience through intentional storytelling to the next space of collective brilliance. This energetically charged evening includes iconic works by Founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, which feature live music including the return of Shelter, a full performance of Batty Moves, and a new commission, Contemplations on Legacy, by long-time UBW collaborator and choreographer Vincent E. Thom.
Rooted in Black History: The Inaugural Black History Gala
Saturday, February 28 | 7pm – 10pm
ROOTS 101 African American Museum, 124 N. 1st St.
Expect an elegant black-tie experience featuring cocktail hour, networking, an exquisite dinner, inspirational speakers, powerful performances, and purpose-driven activation.
If your venue or attraction is hosting a Black History Month event in the Downtown area and it is not listed here, please contact info@louisvilledowntown.org.