Orlando City Hall has just proclaimed February as Black History Month in the City Beautiful, and the mayor’s office will be hosting a series of events throughout the month that celebrate the contributions of Black Americans.
To see the City of Orlando Black History Month proclamation, click HERE.
Events this month include:
Thursday, February 2, 2023
5:30 p.m. – City of Orlando’s Black History Month Art Exhibition Opening Reception
Orlando City Hall, Terrace Gallery, 1st Floor
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, District 5 City Commissioner Regina I. Hill, and District 6 City Commissioner Bakari F. Burns will host the opening reception of the City of Orlando’s Black History Month Art Exhibition celebrating the creativity, inspiration, and cultural heritage of Black visual artists. The art exhibition runs from Thursday, February 2, 2023, until Sunday, April 30, 2023.
Complimentary parking is available at the City Commons Parking Garage, 460 Boone Avenue. RSVP is encouraged at orlando.gov/bhm.
Friday, February 3, 2023
5:45 p.m. – Dedication of Luminaries
Luminary Green Park at Creative Village, 437 North Terry Avenue
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 5 City Commissioner Regina I. Hill will officially unveil the Luminaires at the city’s newest park, Luminary Green Park. At the event, the 12 steel installations that posthumously honor individuals as Luminaries for their service to the Parramore community will be illuminated.
The Luminary honorees include City Commissioner Napoleon “Nap” Ford, City Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum, Vencina Cannady, Mercedes R. Clark, Wilbur S. Gary, Dr. Ozell “Billy” Green, Eddie T. Jackson, Henry Sadler, Reverend Nathaniel G. Staggers, Ira “Sonny” Vance, Georgia Nell Woodley and C.T. Williams.
Monday, February 6, 2023
2 p.m. – City of Orlando’s Black History Month Proclamation Presentation
Orlando City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
The Orlando City Council will proclaim February as Black History Month in the City of Orlando. In addition, the City of Orlando’s Black History Month Planning Committee and sponsors will be recognized for helping to coordinate, promote and support a variety of events that celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Black heritage.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
6 p.m. – City of Orlando’s Black History Month Signature Event
Camping World Stadium – West Plaza Lounge, 1 Citrus Bowl Place
The annual Black History Month Signature Event celebrates the lasting contributions and positive influence of Black Americans in the Central Florida community. This free event will include City of Orlando Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome, a keynote address from Jasmine Burney-Clark, founder of Equal Ground, performances, music, and food.
Free parking is provided via Gate E entrance on South Tampa Avenue. RSVP is encouraged at orlando.gov/bhm.
Thursday, February 23, 2023
9:15 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. – What’s Up Downtown Parramore Historic Bus Trolley Tour
Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture, 511 West South Street
The first What’s Up Downtown of 2023 will celebrate Black History Month with a focus on Black American stories of achievement, perseverance, and resilience in the Parramore neighborhood through a historic trolley tour, including a stop at Tinker Field and the Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center, which will be hosted by the tour’s creator and Dancing Fish art creator and graphic designer, Jennifer Campbell.
Tour reservations are required. Reservation times are available at downtownorlando.com/events.
Saturday, February 25, 2023
12 – 4 p.m. Fair Housing Fair
Primrose Center, 595 North Primrose Drive
The City of Orlando’s Office of Human Relations is hosting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-sponsored Fair Housing Fair with the theme, “Fair Housing is Black History.”
This free event offers the Central Florida community an opportunity to learn more about the City of Orlando’s Chapter 57 Ordinance and its discrimination protections under the Fair Housing Act. This family-friendly event will feature local community organizations, games, music, food, and Fair Housing training sessions courtesy of Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc.
Pre-registration for the training sessions is required via Eventbrite, https://blackhistorymonthfairhousingfair.eventbrite.com. Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Primrose Center.
