Photos via cowboyworldtv and blackcoffeefw on Instagram
It’s Black History Month! And because it’s a leap year, there’s an extra day to celebrate.
While broad acknowledgment of Black people’s varied contributions to society has increased greatly in recent years, there’s still much more to learn. For many of us, February can bring intense pressure to learn centuries of Black contributions to society in four weeks. Don’t fret! Black history is Fort Worth history. You don’t have to limit your learning to just February, but you can find some timely activities all the same.
Want to know how to celebrate it in Fort Worth, Texas? We’ve got you! Read on for a list of local events, experiences, and attractions that are engaging and educational year round.
Learn about local landmarks and historic sites
Visit the Douglass and McGar Park Marker
Douglass Park was founded in 1895 in honor of Frederick Douglass so African Americans could have a place for recreation amid segregation. Thomas Mason, a Black entrepreneur who worked with J.D. Johnson and A. Sumlin, purchased the Trinity River bottoms area and later named it Douglass Park. McGar Park came later as a space for baseball fans to watch teams play, including McGar’s Wonders (later the Black Panthers). While both Douglass and McGar parks no longer exist, you can visit the historical maker in their honor located at the intersection of Calhoun Street and NE 7th Street.
Check out the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society (TCBHG)
The Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum is sponsored by the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, a non-profit organization whose mission is to locate, collect, analyze, organize, and preserve African-American historical contributions. If you visit, expect to find photographs and other materials documenting Black history. There are also a few items in the “video hall” and the online portal to view online! The Lenora Rolla Heritage Center and Museum’s Tenth Annual Juried Art Show also takes place through March 17.
More info here.
Take a Self-Guided African American History Tour
Event Description: Fort Worth’s history includes notable figures like Dr. Vada Felder, Dr. King’s friend and the first Black woman to receive an advanced degree from Brite Divinity School, and historic sites like I.M. Terrell, the first Black public school in Ft Worth. Explore and learn more about the city’s top heritage sites on this self-guided tour.
More info here.
Enjoy Local Black-owned eats
Drew’s Place
With roots as far back as 1987, Drew’s place prides itself on “serving up good ol’ fashioned Southern cooking to thousands of people for over three decades.” It specializes in soul food dishes that showcase some of the best flavors of the South and was voted “Best Fried Chicken in Fort Worth, Texas” in 2016.
Location: 5701 Curzon Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107
More info here.
Smoke A Holics Bbq
This spot was named one of Texas’ 50 Best Barbeque spots. In addition to traditional fare like ribs and mac and cheese, it also offers more novel dishes like loaded cornbread and hot dogs topped with brisket and queso.
Location: 1417 Evans Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76104
More info here.
Carpenter’s Cafe & Catering
Carpenter’s Cafe & Catering’ aims to nourish the bodies and souls of our community. Try Sunrise Sammies for breakfast or Asian Zing Nachos for lunch.
Location: 1116 Pennsylvania Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76104
More info here.
Hustle Blendz
Located in a shipping container, Hustle Blendz is said to be the only Black-owned cold brew coffee shop in Fort Worth.
Location: 1201 Evans Ave. #101 Fort Worth, TX, 76104
More info here.
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Black Coffee Fort Worth
Stop in for coffee, tea, or a signature drink like the SPP (Sweet Potato Pie) Latte or Honey Lavender Latte, all expertly crafted by Black locals.
Location: 1417 Vaughn Blvd,. Fort Worth, TX 76105
More info here.
The Singing Chef Cafe
The Singing Chef Cafe combines the love of food—think shrimp & catfish, Philly cheese steak pasta, or a shepherd’s pie stacker—with the joy of music.
Location: 8000 Wichita St. #113, Fort Worth, TX 76140
More info here.
Bonus: Dough Boy Donuts
Whether you want straight up sweet treats like the Death By Chocolate donut with homemade brownie pieces and chocolate chips or something more savory, like the Dough Boy breakfast sandwich with sausage, bacon, and American, cheddar, and Pepper Jack cheeses, you’ll find it here.
Location: Dough Boy Donuts started in Fort Worth but moved down the road to Burleson at
291 W Hidden Creek Pkwy., Burleson, TX 76028
More info here.
Attend an event
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Visit the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
When: Saturday, February 17; 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm
With reenactments, history highlights, and Western adventure, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo showcases the legacy of Black Cowfolks and their contributions in Fort Worth and beyond. Can’t make the February 17 event? You’ll have another chance to see a short May 18 and June 15 to celebrate Juneteenth.
Location: Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth Stockyards
More info here.
An Evening Of Brilliance. A Celebration Of African American Heritage Month
When: February 24; 5 pm
The beauty and diversity of African American culture is highlighted through engaging performances, provocative discussions, and inspiring activities.
Location Fort Worth Association of Federated Women’s Clubs
1051 Evans Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76104
More info: here
“Black Cowboys: An American Story” exhibit at Fort Worth Museum
When: Now through April 13
This fascinating exhibition explores the largely-unknown work and skills of Black cowboys through historical artifacts, photographs, and documents
Location: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History; 1600 Gendy Street Fort Worth, TX 76107
More info: here
Jumping the Broom | Fort Worth Public Library (multiple locations)
When: Through February 29
Learn about the cultural significance of “broom jumping” in the African American community, and get a chance to make a wedding broom of your own.
More info: here
Celebrate with Opal Lee | Burleson City Hall
When: Saturday, February 17; 10 am
Fort Worth native and “Grandmother of Juneteenth” Opal Lee will speak in a moderated discussion. Signed copies of her children’s book, “Juneteenth: A Children’s Story,” will be also available: $25 for paperback or $45 for hardcover.
Location: Burleson City Hall, 141 W. Renfro St.
More info: here
dwb (driving while black) at Van Cliburn Concert Hall and Kimbell Art Museum
When: February 16, 17, and 24
This production uses intense music, vocals, and lyrics to convey 16 years of a Black mother’s hopes and fears for her son. As her child grows up and learns to drive, the mother is terrified by all the ways something so simple could be so dangerous for her beautiful and beloved son. .
Locations: Van Cliburn Concert Hall 2900 W Lowden St., Fort Worth, TX 76109
Kimbell Art Museum 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107
More info: here
39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade and Rally
When: February 19, 10 am
Hosted by the Greater Fort Worth Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee, the 39th annual parade and rally will “highlight community unity, the living hope of Dr. King’s Dream, and a commitment to justice for all humankind.” Attendees are invited to meet downtown “and bring out your floats, classic cars, and walking groups as we celebrate Dr. King and remember his Dream.”
Location: Fort Worth Convention Center Parking Garage, 1301 Commerce Street Fort Worth, TX 76102
More info here.
“Michael Darough: The Talk” at East Fork Gallery
When: Now through March 8
This exhibit by Michael Darough features images created in response to the Black Lives Matter Movement. The faceless men represent the countless individuals affected by tmass incarceration and police brutality. “Those images void of the figure symbolize the stories that struggle to be told; they are the ones that do not receive news coverage.”
Location: 300 Trinity Campus Circle Fort Worth, 76102 TX
More info: here
