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.

Black History Month at the 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. 

Black History Month To-Go Kits 
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library 

Learn, celebrate and enjoy Black History Month with stories, crafts and activities that help teach about influential and important African Americans throughout history.  

To-Go kits will be available starting Feb. 1 in the Central Library youth area while supplies last. Registration is required to pick up a to-go kit, and the video is available on the VBPL YouTube channel. 

Black History Movie Matinee 
Feb. 1, Feb. 8 and Feb. 15, 1:30-3:45 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library 

Celebrate Black History Month with a film series, including “Buffalo Soldiers” on Feb. 1, “Chevalier” on Feb. 8, and “42” on Feb. 15. 

Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum Guided Tours 

The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum (PACTS/UKHS) is open for free, self-guided tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If a group would like a guided tour of the museum, please call 757-385-5100, or email vbhistory@vbgov.com, to confirm availability of staff. 

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. It is located within Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Renaissance Academy. 

If you are unable to attend in-person, a virtual tour is available. 

Sandler Center Event

The Black Opry Revue Tour
Feb. 16, 8 p.m., Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

The Black Opry Revue showcases the diversity in sound and stories that Black artists offer to the genres of country, blues, folk and Americana music. Discover, support, and enjoy the Black artists that make magic in this space. Tickets available for purchase online or at the Sandler Center Box Office.

Virginia African American Cultural Center Events 

Virginia African American Cultural Center (VAACC), an Arts & Humanities Commission grantee, has events lined up throughout the month including both virtual and in-person events. 

The Hero Within Virtual Exhibition
Feb. 1-29, Virtual 

Follow VAACC on social media to learn more about African Americans who have been inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. 

Masterpiece Series Live featuring Terrance Afer-Anderson 
Feb. 15, 7-8:30 p.m., Virtual/Zeiders American Dream Theater 

Join the VAACC Center for a live recording of its Virtual Artist Masterpiece 2023-2024 Series featuring playwright and director Terrance Afer-Anderson. This online and in-person event features a moderated interview discussion where Afer-Anderson will reflect on his journey as a playwright, director, actor and health advocate and will end with an audience Q&A.

It will be streamed on all VAACC social media outlets as well as live at the Zeiders American Dream Theater. Viewers must register online in advance for this free event, hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission.