Black History Month

Bill Hawkins surrounded by a large group individuals.

Disc Jockey Bill “Hawk” Hawkins and his fan club in a jam session, 1940s-50s. Photograph by Mitchell Studios. Gift of W. Allen Taylor, son of "Walkin' Talkin' Bill Hawkins," The First Black Disc Jockey of Cleveland, Ohio

Celebrate Black History Month with Smithsonian events, resources, exhibitions, and podcasts. The 2024 theme is "African Americans and the Arts" spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more.

Upcoming Events

Arts Resources

Abstract illustration of a person holding up a megaphone with red, peach, black, and green colors.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Art as a Platform for Social Justice

Learn about African American artists and how they have historically served as change agents through their crafts.

Smithsonian Collection Spotlight

African American Artists

Explore a selection of self-portraits and other works by Black artists in the Smithsonian's collections.

Photo of the three members of the band Run DMC.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Musical Crossroads

Read stories of African American music from the arrival of the first Africans to the present day.

Smithsonian Snapshot

Let's Go!

The Harlem Hellfighters fought with ferocity and gallantry and are honored in Bisa Butler’s artwork.

Technics Turntable, used by Grandmaster Flash.

Smithsonian Collection Spotlight

Hip-Hop and Rap

This Technics brand turntable was used by hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash. Discover more hip-hop collection items.

An African American woman sitting on a striped couch with her feet up. Made of rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel on wood panel.

Smithsonian American Art Museum

African American Art

SAAM hosts one of the most significant collections of works by African American artists in the world.

National Portrait Gallery

Phillis Wheatley Redrawn

In this Portraits podcast episode, Ashleigh Coren and writer Honorée Jeffers ask us to re-imagine Wheatley's life, drawn in poetry.

Photograph of William P. Foster and members of the Florida A&M University Marching "100" in uniform around a bass drum.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Musical Life at HBCUs

Explore the musical legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in this "Collection Story."

Sidedoor Podcast Episodes

Sidedoor Podcast

General Resources

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Gestures of Solidarity in African American Culture

Many African Americans stand, walk, dance and communicate in gestures that set them apart. These gestures can be quiet and illusive, or vibrant and confident.