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NATCHEZ – Recitals, concerts and art exhibits are among the highlights of the Black History Month activities planned during February in Natchez.

“Natchez is rooted in a rich legacy of resilience, triumph and cultural impact,” said Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage and tourism manager at Visit Natchez. “Through our Black History Month programs, we aim to honor the stories of those who helped shape our community, emphasize the ongoing pursuit of justice and inspire future generations to champion unity and progress.”

Events planned include:

Alcorn State University Fine Arts Faculty Black Composers Recital

Tuesday, February 4, 6 p.m.

Alcorn State University invites guests to the Fine Arts Faculty Black Composers Recital, a tribute to the significant contributions of Black composers. This special event will be held in the Joyce J. Bolden Fine Arts Building (Little Theater) on the Lorman Campus. Organized by Dr. Sean Daniels, chair of Fine Arts, the recital is free and open to the public. For more information, call 601-877-3962 or email sedaniels@alcorn.edu.

Alcorn State University Concert Choir Black History Spirituals Concert

Thursday, February 13, 1 p.m.

Alcorn State University proudly presents the Concert Choir Black History Spirituals Concert, a celebration of culture and heritage, taking place in the Joyce J. Bolden Fine Arts Building (Little Theater) on the Lorman Campus. Directed by Dr. Alona Alexander, the program is organized by Dr. Sean Daniels, chair of Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors College, led by Dr. Wandra Arrington. This free event is open to the public. For more information, call 601-877-3962 or email sedaniels@alcorn.edu.

Celebrating Excellence

Sunday, February 16, 4 p.m.

The Frazier Extended Education and Cultural Enrichment Center will host “Celebrating Excellence,” a free program honoring the achievements of outstanding Black Americans. Taking place at 1445 George F. West Blvd, the event will showcase captivating performances by talented youth from the Miss-Lou community, including skits, dancing, singing and oratorical presentations. A special highlight features members of Pretty Girls with Brains, a group empowering young girls through education and leadership. Donations are welcome to support the center. For more information, call Bettye Bell at 601-334-4104.

“Memory Lessons: Meeting the Imperative for Racial Justice through Memory, Memorials, Knowledge, and Empowerment”

Tuesday, February 25, 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Paula C. Johnson, professor at Syracuse University College of Law and director of the Cold Case Justice Initiative (CCJI), will be the featured speaker at the Natchez Historical Society meeting at the Historic Natchez Foundation, located at 108 S. Commerce St. The program, free and open to the public, begins with a social at 5:30 p.m., followed by Johnson’s presentation at 6 p.m. Her talk will explore CCJI’s efforts to seek justice for unsolved Civil Rights Era crimes while preserving the victims’ legacy.

New Vision Media presents the Third Annual Black History Art Exhibit

Entire month of February, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The third annual Black History Art Exhibit will feature the artistic talents of students from Natchez-Adams County area, on display throughout February in the lobby of the WTYJ/WMIS radio station, located at 20 E. Franklin Street. Organized by Leon Hollins III, this year’s exhibit honors the 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry Regiment and its significant role in Natchez during the Civil War. Hosted by Malcolm Inniss of New Vision Media, the exhibit is free and open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 601-334-0987.

The Enslaved Journey by Rev’s Country Tours

Entire month of February

In observance of Black History Month, Rev. Tracy A. Collins will provide cultural heritage tours throughout February 2025 that will focus on the history of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement in Natchez. The tours will be available upon request or by appointment. For more information, click here.

Legacy of the Rhythm Night Club

Entire month of February

For the entire month of February, the Rhythm Night Club Memorial Museum will offer tours that highlight the lives and legacies of the Black club patrons. Stories will focus on the more than 200 people who died in the fire of 1940, as well as those who survived or were affected by the tragedy. During Black History Month, the cost of admission will be half price. For more information, click here.