Grassroots Efforts Celebrate Black History and Culture Across North Texas
Across North Texas, individuals and community organizations are taking the initiative to honor Black history and culture through grassroots efforts that range from installing their own street lights to hosting film screenings and educational events. The Dallas chapter of Community Movement Builders installed their own street light in a video that went viral, demonstrating how residents are taking matters into their own hands rather than waiting for city action, according to KERA News. This act of community self-determination reflects a broader pattern of North Texas residents creating spaces for cultural celebration and education.
"'Resilience and joy': North Texas Puerto Ricans prepare for Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance," reported Priscilla Rice of KERA News, highlighting how communities of color across the region are finding ways to celebrate their cultural heritage and identity. This spirit of cultural affirmation extends to numerous Black History Month initiatives taking place throughout February in communities across North Texas.
The African American Museum in Dallas is marking Black History Month with a slate of exhibitions and educational programming that extends through February, KERA News reports. The museum has opened two new exhibitions featuring work by Black artists: the 28th biennial "Carrol Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition" and "Clay, Grasses and Reeds," according to KERA News. These exhibitions provide platforms for Black artists to share their work and perspectives with the broader community.
Beyond exhibitions, the museum is hosting the "Icons of Liberation: King and Mandela Exhibition" through April 17, as reported by DALLAS NEWS. This exhibition connects the legacies of two transformative civil rights leaders, offering visitors an opportunity to explore their contributions to global movements for equality and justice. The museum is also hosting a free African American Read-in event in collaboration with The Dock Bookshop on February 15, KERA News reports, creating space for literary exploration and community engagement.
For students, the museum is hosting a free competition for local middle and high school students called the Robert and Charmaine Price Know Your Heritage Bowl on February 8, according to KERA News. This educational initiative encourages young people to deepen their knowledge of Black history and culture through friendly competition and collaborative learning.
Community-based cultural spaces are also playing a vital role in these grassroots efforts. The Pan African Connection Bookstore and Resource Center is hosting a film screening of the documentary "At the Pan-African Connection" on February 26, KERA News reports. This event highlights the importance of independent Black-owned businesses and cultural centers in preserving and sharing Black history and culture.
Libraries across North Texas are serving as hubs for Black History Month programming. The Arlington Public Library will host multiple Black History Month events in February, according to DALLAS NEWS. The Nasher Sculpture Center and North Oak Cliff Branch Library are hosting a Bilingual Black History Month event on February 4, DALLAS NEWS reports, making cultural programming accessible to Spanish-speaking community members.
The City of Mesquite is hosting a series of Black History Month events across its libraries, historic sites and public spaces, according to KERA News. Additionally, Visit Mesquite has launched the Mesquite Foodie Trail: Black-Owned Trail, a self-guided culinary tour spotlighting Black-owned restaurants throughout the city, KERA News reports. This initiative not only celebrates Black culinary traditions but also supports Black entrepreneurship in the food industry.
Arts institutions are also contributing to these community-centered celebrations. The Dallas Museum of Art is hosting a Black History & Culture Celebration on January 31, according to DALLAS NEWS. The ArtCentre of Plano will present "Joy," a new exhibition by artist Emmanuel Gillespie in partnership with Pencil on Paper Gallery, KERA News reports. The Irving Arts Center is hosting the "Art Interrupted - Annual Black Month Visual Art Exhibition" from January 31 through February 28, according to DALLAS NEWS.
Performance arts are equally important in these celebrations. The Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater will perform as part of the University of North Texas Fine Arts Series, KERA News reports. The Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival will take place on March 21, according to DALLAS NEWS, bringing together musicians who preserve and innovate within Black musical traditions.
Film festivals provide another platform for cultural celebration and education. The Denton Black Film Festival will take place January 29 through February 1 in person and February 1 through February 8 virtually, DALLAS NEWS reports. This festival showcases the work of Black filmmakers and stories centered on Black experiences, creating space for representation in cinema.
These grassroots efforts to celebrate Black history and culture exist within a complex political landscape. Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Muslim Brotherhood, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and its local Texas chapters, asking a court to shut them down, according to KERA News. Ken Paxton reversed his stance on Texas CAIR chapters and sued to shut them down, KERA News reports. This legal action against a civil rights organization serving Muslim Americans contrasts with the community-building work happening through cultural celebrations.
Immigration enforcement is another challenging aspect of the regional context. Frustration is growing over the warrantless targeting of construction workers by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to KERA News. Construction industry leaders say the ICE raids are creating a worker shortage and a crisis, KERA News reports. Latino children represent two-thirds of Texas' 1.1 million uninsured kids, a new report finds, according to KERA News.
Local political developments also shape the environment in which these cultural celebrations take place. Southlake Republican keeps place on primary ballot after legal battle with GOP chair, KERA News reports. Zee Wilcox, who is running for Texas House, was removed from the GOP primary for using the wrong form when filing, according to KERA News. Fort Worth City Council members expect to hold a hearing on creating a public improvement district in early February, KERA News reports.
Personal stories of resilience further illustrate the human dimension of these community efforts. A Dallas artist rebuilt his life and practice after being shot, according to KERA News. This narrative of personal transformation mirrors the broader community work to create spaces for cultural expression and celebration despite challenges.
Through these diverse initiatives, individuals and community organizations across North Texas are demonstrating the power of grassroots action to honor Black history and culture. From installing their own street lights to hosting film screenings, exhibitions, and educational events, these efforts reflect a commitment to cultural preservation, education, and celebration that extends beyond official institutions and into the heart of communities.