Black History Month continues with a full calendar of celebrations, conversations, performances and community gatherings across Kansas City (Kansas and Missouri) and Wichita. From film festivals and scholarship luncheons to health fairs, concerts and educational programs, these events honor the legacy, culture and ongoing impact of Black leaders while creating space for connection, learning and celebration throughout the region.
If you have an event and it’s not included here, you can post it in our online calendar on our website communityvoiceks.com. Click on “calendar” on the toolbar and then “submit an event.”
Event submissions are always free on our calendar.
Kansas City
Now – Feb. 27, Black Archives of Mid America, KC Jazz District. Exhibit: The Life of a Film Critic: As Told by Shawn Edwards. This immersive exhibit chronicles more than 25 years of Edward’s groundbreaking work in television film criticism. The exhibit serves as both a personal reflection and a cultural time capsule of Black excellence in media. in conjunction with the Black Movie Hall of Fame, now under development.
Sat.., Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Marriott Downtown KC, Annual Black History Luncheon. An annual celebration honoring the legacy, achievements, and cultural contributions of African Americans in the Kansas City region. Sponsored by the Black Archives of Mid-America. $125 ticket.
Sat., Feb, 21, Beginning at 1:30 p.m., Gem Theater, 18th and Vine, KCMO, Reel Black Film Fest. Kansas City PBS will spotlight local Black filmmakers during this festival. For more information, check out our story online. Additional free events surround the festival. Reel Black on Tap takes place Fri., Feb. 20, from 8 to 10 p.m. at Vine Street Brewing Co., offering a casual party to kick off the weekend. The celebration concludes with a free closing reception on Sat., Feb. 21, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the American Jazz Museum, featuring award presentations, filmmaker mingling, and light bites.
Sat.. Feb. 28, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Carl Bruce Middle School, 2100 N. 18th St., KCK. A Celebration of Black History. Celebrate the legacy, achievements and future of Black excellence through education, history and community connection. HBCU & Greek Fair, Black-Owned Business vending, Greek Step Show & Stroll Show, Food Tasting Experience. Sponsored by KCK NAACP Branch, GearUp KCK & KCMO
Sat., Feb. 28, 1 p.m., Black Archives of Mid-America, 1722 E. 17th Ter KCMO Black History Month Program. Sponsored by the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group. The guest speaker will be Dr. Curtis V. Smith, an accomplished author and historian, and a retired Professor and Dean at the Kansas City Kansas Community College. His presentation will be, “Kansas City, Kansas: Cultural Rhythms in Ragtime and Jazz. RSVPs are requested to kcblackhistory2@gmail.com.
Sat., Feb. 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Memorial Hall, KCK. 34th Annual KCK Black History & Scholarship Celebration bringing together community leaders, residents, and supporters for an afternoon of reflection, recognition, and investment in local students. Advance tickets are required. This year’s theme is Visions of Liberation: Honoring the Past, Reimagining the Future.” The program will feature live music, discussion panels, and opportunities for networking with community leaders. Our Editor-in-Chief Bonita Gooch is among this year’s honoree. For tickets go to For tickets go to bit.ly/4ti71y9.
Sat., Feb. 28, 6 p.m., Boone Theater, Jazz District, KCMO. Special Event: Talk Back with Shawn Edwards. An unfiltered conversation with Shawn Edwards featuring music, movies, and storytelling—presented by the Black Movie Hall of Fame. For tickets visit: blackarchives.org
Wichita
Sat. Feb. 21, 10 – 11:30 a.m., The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N.Water, Wichita. Black Cemeteries of Kansas. Join local cemetery historian Barb Myers as she discusses segregated cemeteries in Kansas. Free but RSVP requested. Go to tkaamuseum.org and click on get involved.
Sat., Feb. 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Center, 1914 E. 11th St. Heart to Heart – Health, Healing, Hope, CPR training, mammograms, TCE groundwater contamination testing, includes lunch with educational sessions, gift card and t-shirt if you give blood. Click to RSVP bit.ly/4tGni06
Sun., Feb. 22, 3-5 p.m. , Carl Brewer Center, McAdams Park, Wichita. Black History Program. Free community health experience, fun-filled family afternoon, special guests speakers, health vendors & good food, Free and open to the public but RSVP requested. Sponsored by the Fred Douglas Lodge. RSVP here. bit.ly/3O8Z0eD
Sun. Feb. 22, 3 p.m., Holy Savior Catholic Academy Gymnasium, 1457 N. Chautauqua. 4th Annual Black History Month Concert. Featuring ARISE. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children and $35 for families (2 adults and three children under 16).
Sat. Feb 28, The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water, Wichita. Mask-Making Workshop. Create, connect and explore culture with TKAAM volunteer Lovette Mba! 10 0 11a.m. – K-5 and 11:30a.,. – 1 p… 6-12th. $10 per person. For tickets, go to tkaamuseum.org and click on get involved. Scholarships are available. Call (316) 262-7651.
Sat. Feb. 28, Designated kick of times between 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Begins at Cargill Protein Headquarters, 825 E. Douglas, Black Business Tour, A guided bus tour highlighting Black-owned businesses, offering residents a hands-on way to support local entrepreneurs while learning more about the city’s Black business community. The tour includes 10-black-owned businesses, in downtown, Delano and College Hill. Plan for 2-3 hours.
Light refreshments and small bites will be provided during the tour, which is expected to last several hours. While the event is free, space is limited and advance registration is required. Click to reserve your spot bit.ly/4bFZ938.
Sat., Feb. 28, 4 p.m., Carl Brewer Center, McAdams Park. Black Educators Hall of Fame Installation & Reception. The Kansas Black Educators Hall of Fame honors the legacy and impact of Black educators across the state who have shaped generations through excellence in teaching, leadership and service. Free event begins with a reception at 4 pm. The program begins at 5 p.m.