This February, Houston’s Black History Month will be marked by a series of culturally enriching events hosted by the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and the Community Artists’ Collective. These prominent institutions, recognized as ‘Houston Cultural Treasures’ by The Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Arts Network and Fund (BANF), are set to offer a wide range of engaging activities for the community.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is a historical preservation and education guardian and a testament to African American servicepeople’s resilience and valor from the Revolutionary era to modern times. Renowned for its dynamic exhibits and powerful storytelling, the museum is an essential educational resource for a diverse audience, including young learners, educators, scholars, artists, performers, military veterans, families, and lifelong learners.
Activities:
- “Blue Helmets in Action Exhibition” (Friday, 2/1/24): A display highlighting the roles of African American military personnel in peacekeeping missions. Entry is included in the museum ticket.
- “Living History Program” (Saturday, 2/3/24 and 2/24/24): From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this program features reenactors and historians bringing history to life.
- “The Negro Soldier” Film Screening (Saturday, 2/10/24): An insightful screening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., open to the public at no charge.
- Midtown Black History Month Celebration (Saturday, 2/17/24): A cultural festivity at Bagby Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Docent-Guided Group Tours: Available Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Registration required).
- Free Admission Thursdays: Open access every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Community Artists’ Collective
Community Artists’ Collective is dedicated to nurturing and promoting emerging African American artists. They integrate diverse and artistic voices into the global art narrative. Committed to art education accessibility, the Collective enriches the Greater Houston area through impactful programs and exhibitions, catering to individuals of all ages.
Highlights:
- “Here and Now – Cultural Expressions” Exhibition: From February 1 to 29, showcasing works from twelve prominent Black artists. The opening reception is scheduled for Feb. 1, 6 – 8 PM.
- Black Art Crawl Participation: Collaborating with the Museum of Fine Arts from February 17 to 19, 2024, highlighting artists like Ann Johnson, Earlie Hudnall, and Mark Francis.
Everyone is invited to immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant activities set by both organizations during Black History Month.
These events, supported and accentuated by BANF, signify the organization’s continued commitment to recognizing and fostering Houston’s Cultural Treasures. “These African American organizations, as well as others such as the Community Music Center of Houston, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Nia Cultural Center in Galveston, and SHAPE Community Center, are all part of our Houston Cultural Treasures cohort. They reflect the richness of our city’s cultural landscape and our dedication to a diverse and equitable arts ecosystem,” stated Sixto Wagan, Project Director of BANF. “BANF is proud to facilitate such important cultural expressions, reinforcing our vision of empowering BIPOC artists, organizations, and communities.”
About Houston Cultural Treasures:
Houston Cultural Treasures, chosen by BANF, have demonstrated exceptional community advocacy, cultural production, and connectivity. These institutions have played a critical role in enriching and uplifting Houston’s communities of color. Along with recognition, they receive multi-year general operating grants, aiding their continued influence on the city’s BIPOC arts ecosystem. The cohort includes notable organizations, including Arte Publico Press, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Community Artists’ Collective, Community Music Center of Houston, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Indo-American Association, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts, Nia Cultural Center, Nuestra Palabra, SHAPE Community Center, and Silambam Houston.