Celebrating Black History Month Across Virginia Beach

February is Black History Month, and numerous events are taking place throughout the city to engage, learn and appreciate African American history, heritage and culture.

Public Library 

Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) is hosting several events for all ages. The full list of Black History events can be found on VBPL’s event calendar. 

Movie Matinee: Celebrate Black History 
Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25, 1-3:30 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library 

Celebrate Black History Month through film, with movies including “Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten” on Feb. 4, “Selma” on Feb. 11, “Buffalo Soldiers” on Feb. 18, and “Origin” on Feb. 25. 

Cultural Affairs 

Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs has a variety of offerings for Black History Month, including ways to celebrate Black history all year long. 

Ethio-Blue 
Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Zeiders American Dream Theater 

Reserve your spot to see the free performance, Ethio-Blue, featuring Ethiopian American vocalist Meklit Hadero, 7 p.m., Feb. 28, at Zeiders American Dream Theater. Hadero is known for her electric stage presence, innovative sound and vibrant cultural activism. Registration is required due to limited seating. The show is part of VBGIGs (Virginia Beach Globally Inspired Gatherings), a series of free public performances bringing world-class, culturally rooted performing artists to Virginia Beach neighborhoods. 

Visit the PACTS/UKHS Museum 
The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum is open for free, self-guided tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — no need to register. For guided tours, please call 757-385-5100, or email vbhistory@vbgov.com, to confirm staff availability.

Princess Anne County Training School was the first high school for African Americans in Princess Anne County, now known as Virginia Beach. The school was a result of the African American community in the 1930s working together to raise money to build a school so their children could receive a proper education.Today, the legacy of the school continues with the establishment of the museum which shares stories of family, community, sacrifice, and the importance of education. The museum is located within Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Renaissance Academy.

Unable to visit the museum in-person? Check out a virtual tour. 

Tune in to “Black History/Black Futures” 
Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs has a continued podcast partnership with Norfolk State University to celebrate Black history all year long, “Black History/Black Futures.” Each episode includes discussions related to each year’s Black History Month theme. In 2024, the theme was “African Americans and the Arts.” The most recent episode was released on Dec. 19, 2024.  

Virginia African American Cultural Center

The Virginia African American Cultural Center (VAACC), an Arts & Humanities Commission grantee, has an inspiring event lined up allowing for both virtual and in-person audiences.  

8 Arias for Abolitionist: A VAACC Artist Masterpiece Event featuring Nathan Richardson 
Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virtual 

Join the VAACC and artist Nathan Richardson, who will perform speeches by Frederick Douglas set to the backdrop of inspirational musical selections from two soloists. The performance will be followed by a panel discussion.  

The free event will be held at Zeiders American Dream Theater and livestreamed on VAACC’s Facebook page. In-person attendees must register online in advance.