wilmington de black history month

Celebrating Black History Month in Wilmington, DE

Ernest Green Wilmington DE

Ernest Green Interview at the Wilmington Public Library

The month of February dedicates its 28 days to recognizing and celebrating African-Americans

and honoring their contributions to society. During the month, Downtown Wilmington

businesses are hosting special events to educate, remember, and celebrate African Americans’

achievements throughout history.

The Living Legend Series

The Wilmington Public Library is hosting The Living Legend series for Black History Month.

  • Ernest Green | Feb 17 

    Ernest Green is one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who, in

    1957, were the first black students ever to attend classes at the segregated Little Rock

    Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Green was the first African American to

    graduate from the school in 1958.

    Green’s interview will be with CNN Commentator Bakari Sellers.

  • Pam Grier | Feb 23

    Actress Pam Grier is best known for her portrayal of tough and sexy crime fighters in the

    1970s genre of “blaxploitation” films such as ‘The Big Bird Cage’, ‘Coffy’, ‘Foxy Brown’

    and ‘Sheba Baby’. Her later work in the 1998 film Jackie Brown earned her a Golden

    Globe nomination. 

    Tonya Baynes will be moderating the conversation.

Clifford Brown Year Around  | Feb 18

Rekindle the love in your life this month with Clifford Brown Year Round! On 2/18 at the

new CSC Station, enjoy performances by Maya Belardo, Nadjah Nicole, Jea Street

(and many more!) as they answer the question “How Do You Sing Love?” Buy your

tickets today!

 A virtual link will be available for those who cannot attend in person.

The Negro Spiritual: An Afternoon Event at SsAM | Feb 19

These songs have become deeply embedded in American culture and modern faith, songs whose creators — often enslaved Black Americans — have gone largely unacknowledged, their names lost to time. Featuring the Wilmington Children’s Chorus and narrated by Bebe Coker.

Free parking in the church parking lot. Click here for directions.

The event will be live-streamed for those who cannot or choose not to attend in-person here at our church. Click here to view SsAM’s YouTube Channel.

A free-will offering will be collected from those attending.

LaFate Gallery: Black History Month Diverse Perspectives | Until Feb 26

Award Winning Folk Artist, Eunice LaFate presents a month-long exhibition called “Black History Month…Diverse Perspectives.” The exhibition features art representing a range of perspectives and moments in Black History.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11AM-5PM


Local Black-owned Businesses

Take some time this month (and all year) to shop and eat at local Black owned businesses in Downtown Wilmington. Below are a list of Black-owned businesses you can help support! 

Amity Bistro | 209 N Market St

Opened in October of 2021, enjoy classic breakfast options and American favorites for lunch and dinner. You crave it, Amity Bistro will provide.

Artzscape | 205 N Market St

Artzscape is an innovative performance and event space for theater, music, comedy, poetry, art, and social events.

Evelyn’s Soul Food | 1409 N King St 

From breakfast to dinner, Evelyn’s Soul Food has you covered. Stop by and grab some delicious soul food that’ll keep your tummy happy all day long.

Green Box Kitchen | 400 N Market St & DECO

With the goal of making healthier eating uncomplicated and easily accessible, Green Box Kitchen offers cold pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, buddha bowls and much more!

LaFate Gallery | 227 N Market St

Opened in 1993, LaFate Gallery presents a collection of contemporary, traditional, and folk art that reflect Caribbean and American landscapes.

Milk & Honey | 239 N Market St & 807 N Union St

A coffeehouse, gallery, and venue space, Milk & Honey is where the community gathers, and memorable events are held. Make sure to try their famous flat white and one of their many sandwich options.

Morgan’s of Delaware | 222 Delaware Ave

Dress to the nines with the help of Morgan’s of Delaware. The boutique carries a range of clothes and accessories fit for uptown elegance to downtown edge.

Tasties 302 | 825 N Market St

Tasties 302 offers a selection of mouth-watering soul food from southern fried chicken, beef short ribs, and their famous alfredo pasta. Dine-in and take-out options available. 

The Sold Firm | 800-B N Tatnall St

Founded in 2019, The Sold Firm features modern and contemporary emerging, talented visual artists. Their exhibits address a diverse range of cultural subject matters.

Celebrate Black History Month at the Delaware Historical Society!

Black history month wilmington de

The Delaware Historical Society’s, Mitchell Center for African American Heritage announces a month of free programming with a focus on black history!

All events take place at the Mitchell Center, 504 North Market Street Wilmington, DE.

All events are FREE.

Thursday February 15, 2018 - 6 p.m.

Race, Poverty and Delaware Public Education: Policies, Outcomes and Prospects – Part II

 What impact has a racially segregated educational system had on Delaware?  Share your experiences, perspectives and questions at the Delaware Historical Society ‘s Mitchell Center for African American History panel discussion, Race, Poverty and Delaware Public Education: Policies, Outcomes and Prospects.  Elizabeth Lockman, Director of the Parent Advocacy Council for Education (PACE), will facilitate a conversation with Dorrell Green, Director, DOE Office of Innovation and Improvement, and Shana Payne, Director, DOE Office of Higher Education.

FREE Admission – FREE Parking.

Ms. Anna B. Comegys, teacher, 1947Photo: Delaware Historical Society Archives

Ms. Anna B. Comegys, teacher, 1947

Photo: Delaware Historical Society Archives

February 24, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Family Saturday: Black History Month

We’re turning our whole museum into a playground where children (ages 5 and up) can learn more about African American culture through games, storytelling and crafts. 

Parents and grandparents (and anyone who is young at heart) are invited to take advantage of free admission and explore our new permanent and rotating exhibitions, including Journey to Freedom, that illustrate the unique contributions and experiences of people of African descent in Delaware history.  

Free Admission Courtesy PNC Bank.

Photo: Delaware Historical Society Archives

Photo: Delaware Historical Society Archives

And in March….

Family Saturday March 10, 2018  - 1:30 p.m.

Celebrating Harriet Tubman Day: Seeking Freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Families can discover what is was like to seek freedom on the Underground Railroad through hands-on activities including writing a telegram in the secret language of the Underground Railroad, and taking a picture with Harriet Tubman and Thomas Garrett!

Free Admission

Photo of Harriet Tubman courtesy  Library of Congress

Photo of Harriet Tubman courtesy  Library of Congress