black history month miami
© Ailey II / Nir Arieli

Like every year in February, the United States celebrates Black History Month. Initiated in 1976, this event highlights the history and culture of the African American community. In Miami, a series of exhibitions, shows and meetings are organized until the end of the month.

" Take responsibility and be proud of yourself "Assures, with a broad smile, the French Guylaine Conquet who, through her project" Just Afro ", a set of paintings representing her vision and the history of natural hair, is trying to dismantle the clichés on frizzy hair. Originally from Guadeloupe, the painter will share his capillary adventure, from rejection to acceptance and embarrassment to pride, during the Got Culture conference? to be held on Thursday February 6 at 7pm at Studio 18 in Pembroke Pines. His works will also be exhibited on Saturday February 21 at the International School of Broward. 1101 Poinciana Dr, Pembroke Pines – Info and reservations here

For more than thirty years, young dancers and choreographers have perpetuated the memory of Alvin Ailey, one of the emblematic figures of African American dance. Currently in Florida, New York company Ailey II will present their latest creation, mixing modern jazz, ballet and contemporary dance, on Saturday February 8 at 7pm on the stage of the Adrienne Arsht Center in Downtown Miami. 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami – Info and reservations here

During Black History Month, you can also soak up African-American culture by strolling the streets of Overtown, nicknamed the "Southern Harlem", during a Historic Overtown Walking Tour. Organized from Tuesday to Sunday until Saturday February 29, these guided walking tours allow you to learn more about the history of this district of Miami by opening the doors, notably of certain buildings that have hosted personalities such as Martin Luther King, the pianist Duke Ellington, Muhammad Ali and Dana Dorsey, one of the first African-American millionaires in Florida. Meeting point in front of the Dunns Hotel – 1028 NW 3rd Ave, Miami – Info and booking here

Notes of jazz, a musical genre deeply rooted in African American culture, will resonate in the heart of the Historic Lyric Theater in Miami's Overtown neighborhood. The legendary concert hall, where several big names in song such as James Brown, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald stood out, hosts the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival from Friday February 28 to Sunday March 1. Three days of festivities during which many musicians will follow one another on stage. 819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami – Info and reservations here

Gospel lovers, meanwhile, will flock on Sunday February 9 at 5pm at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay to attend the eighth edition of the Gospel Fest in the presence of Pastor William Murphy or the youngster prodigy Caleb Serrano, just seven years old. 10950 SW 211 St, Cutler Bay – Info and reservations here

Finally, a musical wind will also blow on the Adrienne Arsht Center in Downtown Miami on the occasion of the Free Gospel Sunday which will feature, on Sunday February 23 at 4pm, The Brown Singers, a family choir which will make you wiggle and type hands in rhythm. 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami – Info and reservations here

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