Since 1976, the month of February honors and celebrates the achievements and contributions to society by Black Americans. It’s a time of remembrance for the important events and people who have shaped lives and culture throughout history.
This Black History Month, you can observe and join in the celebrations with different museum tours, live performances and more events happening all over Little Rock.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
There are numerous Black-owned stores and restaurants in Little Rock that are more than deserving of your support year-round — from Certified Pies pizza, K Hall & Sons Produce and R & M Coffee Bar & Café to A Kick Above Personal Training Studio and Hearne Fine Art + Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing. It’s simple, but shopping at these local businesses is crucial to each owner’s livelihood and visibility, as well as keeping them in our city.
View this post on Instagram
Visit the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center has released a full lineup of programming for Black History Month. New this year is MTCC’s exhibit “A Better Life for Their Children,” which details the impact of Rosenwald Schools through the photography and storytelling of Andrew Feiler. Likewise, MTCC has again partnered with Loblolly Creamery to bring back the special Maple Leaf Rag Time flavor with every scoop benefiting the MTCC. Community Bakery is also supporting the MTCC with a portion of proceeds sold from Black History Month sugar cookies.
See “Proud” at The Rep
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre is celebrating Black artistry through the years with its new rendition of “Proud! 2026.” Connecting the past, present and future of this community and its members, “Proud” takes audiences on a journey to showcase some of the biggest contributions by Black Arkansans. Developed in conjunction with the AP African American Studies curriculum at Little Rock Central High School, this year’s production will focus on the voices of Harlem Renaissance artists, blending classical literature, music and visual arts. Public performances are free and take place on March 6 at 7 p.m. and March 7 at 2 p.m. Click here to reserve your tickets.
Take a Tour of Civil Rights History in Arkansas
Little Rock is a city that is rich in Black history. Honor and remember that history by taking a Civil Rights tour through the city. This self-guided audio tour highlights more than 35 local landmarks that have shaped our home state like Central High and the Daisy Bates House Museum, and the app is free to download. The tour starts at Broadway and West Ninth Street, but you can start at any location. Click here to get started. Bonus: There’s also the shorter, self-led Little Rock Civil Rights Tour and the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail.
View this post on Instagram
Enjoy a Soul Food Night at 42 Bar and Table
Celebrate Black History Month with an evening of curated food that highlights the impact of Black culture on American cuisine at the Clinton Center’s 42 Bar and Table. Soul Food Night will also feature Brian Rodgers from the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, who will share stories of soul food throughout American history and its enduring influence. Cocktails will be crafted using products from Delta Dirt Distillery, a Black- and family-owned owned craft distillery in Helena-West Helena. For tickets to the three-course meal, click here.
Honor Black History Month at CALS
The Central Arkansas Library System is celebrating Black History Month throughout February with informative and interactive events for everyone. Hear from author ReShonda Tate during the CALS Speaker Series on Feb. 19 at the Ron Robinson Theater, where Tate will present her new novel “With Love From Harlem.” The CALS Speaker Series will also present Victoria Christopher Murray on Feb. 27. Murray is the best-selling co-author of “The Personal Librarian,” and during the speaker series, she will present her new novel “Harlem Rhapsody.” Plus, CALS even has a suggested reading list filled with Black authors.
Celebrate Black Cinema with a Movie Screening
The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is showing a screening of “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. This film recalls the aftermath of the Civil War when Congress passed the Reorganization Act in 1866, which created the first-ever all-Black peacetime regiments. These regiments soon earned the moniker Buffalo Soldiers, which served with pride, dignity and belief in defending a free America. Click here to learn more. CALS Ron Robinson Theater is also celebrating Black History Month with screenings of “Shaft,” “Boyz n the Hood” and a BingoFlix showing of “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.”
See the “Legacy of Quincy Jones” Performed by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will perform the “Legacy of Quincy Jones” on Feb. 14 and 15. Known for his ability to collaborate across genres and cultures, Quincy Jones was an American record producer, composer, musician, film and television producer and bandleader. Born in Chicago, Jones is known for his many talents, including his production of Michael Jackson’s three most successful albums and his film scores for movies like “The Wiz,” “The Color Purple” and more. Click here for more information or to secure your tickets.
View this post on Instagram
Listen to Soulful Sounds at the Ron Robinson Theater
Acute Inflections, a NYC-based jazzy R&B duo, is bringing a Harlem Nights-inspired evening of soulful music, rich storytelling and vintage glamour to the Ron Robinson Theater on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Fans of Erykah Badu and Billie Holiday will enjoy this soulful evening of dynamic duets, clever comedy and captivating freestyles. Click here to learn more and secure your ticket.
Learn and Connect at the 2026 UAMS Midsouth Black Expo
The 22nd annual UAMS Midsouth Black Expo returns on Saturday, Feb. 28, to The Venue at Westwind. This year’s theme is “Living Legacy,” and attendees are encouraged to bring their families and gather across generations. From culture and business to wellness and education, the Expo invites you to learn, celebrate and connect with one another. You can expect health screenings, business engagement, youth-focused programming, culturally rooted experiences and much more. For more information, click here.
Bonus: Central Arkansas is full of nonprofits and charitable organizations, and many of them are hosting special programming for Black History Month. Find an organization you connect with and get involved however you can.