Black History Month in OKC

February is Black History Month which means organizations across the metro are hosting a variety of family-friendly events and exhibitions for families who want to explore Black history and culture. Here are several local events and museum exhibitions happening in the Oklahoma City metro.

(Editor’s note: This is a working list last updated Jan. 16, 2026. Check back often for updates. If you know of any events not included in this list, please let us know by emailing tips@metrofamilymagazine.com.)

Learn

Feb. 1

FREE Our Oklahoma History: The Story of Walnut Grove at Bethany Library

6700 NW 35th Street, Bethany

Historians will share fascinating and lesser-known tales about Walnut Grove from Oklahoma’s rich history. 2-3 p.m.

Feb. 7

Norman Philharmonic’s Black History Month/MLK Celebration Concert at Center for Arts & Learning, Benson Auditorium

3801 Journey Pkwy, Norman

Enjoy a special performance by Norman Philharmonic and Norman Public Schools Fine Arts. $18. 4 p.m.

FREE Phillip Tolbert: African-American Experiences at Downtown Library

300 Park Ave, OKC

Phillip Tolbert, retired librarian from the Metropolitan Library System, will present an overview of the many accomplishments of African-Americans throughout the history of America. This presentation will feature accomplishments in medicine, science, literature, music, military, sports, etc. As well as support and encouragement from other races as part of the overall African-American journey. Preregister. 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Feb. 18

FREE Culture Crew – Black History Month! at Del City Library

4330 SE 15th Street, Del City

Brigitte Harper will lead a discussion on perseverance through adversity with a focus on the life of Harriet Tubman. Preregister. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Bonus: 

• Learn more about Black artists, inventors and more with the FREE Take-Home kits offered at Metro Libraries. For a full list of events and details, visit metrolibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
• MetroFamily contributor Christina Mushi-Brunt shares about year-round learning opportunities to explore Black History in OKC.
• The Oklahoma City Thunder is celebrating Black History Month by hosting an artwork contest for students. Students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit artwork inspired by an experience, a moment or an individual in Black history.  Winners get a Thunder prize pack. Entry deadline is Feb. 7.
• Listen to this Raising OKC Kids podcast about the historic opening of the Greenwood Rising Museum in Tulsa. Philip Keith Armstrong, interim executive director of the museum, talks about the impact of this world-class facility.

Read

“Books inspire. They teach. They give comfort. They entertain. Books, and the information they impart, change people – usually for the better. Books that reflect your own culture and reality are critical.” – Camille Landry

Camille Landry, a writer, political activist and the owner Nappy Roots Books, an independent African American bookstore, art gallery, gathering space and community center, selected several books that focused on the rich history of African Americans. Here are a few of her selections:

• The Hello, Goodbye Window, written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Chris Raschka. This delightful picture book tells the story of a biracial little girl and her relationship with her grandparents, who provide a magical place for her to stay when Mom and Dad are busy.
• Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison and Kwesi Johnson. Two picture books that chronicle some of the exceptional people in Black history. These books are sure to be a welcome addition to any child’s library. They will also serve as inspirations for children to know that they can do anything they set their mind to, no matter what challenges they may face in life.
• Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Centered around Arturo Schomburg, this book tells the story of how his collection of books, letters, music and art found its way to becoming a collection at the New York Public Library.
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. The Watsons are headed to Birmingham to visit their grandmother. During their visit, their Grandmother’s church is bombed. Taking place at the time of the 16th Street Baptist Church

For more books that celebrate the Black experience that can be enjoyed by young readers of every race and nationality, read Landry’s blog about how Black history is American history.

Bonus: 

Extend your storytime with these coloring pages by Angela Charles highlighting Black historical figures Ruby Bridges, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Madam CJ Walker and Frederick Douglass.

Angela Charles is the creator behind Tote Box Kids, a virtual store on the Teachers Pay Teachers online marketplace. 

Eat

“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou

For even more local events and things to do, visit our searchable calendar fill with family-friendly events every day of the week. Or sign up for our e-newsletters to get all of MetroFamily’s best resources sent right to your inbox!