February has been the U.S.’ official Black History Month since 1976, growing in recognition and celebrations with each passing year. The idea originated from Carter G. Woodson’s Negro History Week, which he founded in 1926, making this year the 100th year of formal celebrations in the country. The past century has cultivated many traditions surrounding the month that continue to this day. Black people have been integral to San Antonio, and the Alamo City has certainly risen to the occasion to deliver Black History Month events that do the pioneers of the past and present justice. Here are some artists and art events to lend patronage for the last half of Black History Month and beyond.
Black History Month art market
The San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum will be commemorating Black artists of the area with an art market on Feb. 21. The event, which will last from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at La Villita, will feature “exhibitions which bring the narratives and legacies of the past to life,” in recognition of the work that was done for today’s society. The market will consist of Black artists from around Southwest Texas. Celebrate Black history with free admission to music, vendors and crafts, and support local, Black artists at 218 South Presa.
“New African Masquerades” at SAMA
The San Antonio Museum of Art will be introducing their new exhibit, “New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations,” on Feb. 28. The display will feature four artists from four different regions of Africa and “recounts in-depth stories about the lives, motivations, and ideas of each of the four participating masquerade makers,” according to the museum’s website. The exhibit can be enjoyed until July 5.
“Petal Rock Black” by Willow Smith
Willow Smith, an African American musician, scheduled her seventh album for release on Feb. 17. The genre-hopping artist has spoken out about the discriminatory struggles that people of color face in the music industry.
“I just hope that I can show young Black girls that, despite the fact that people are telling us, ‘We shouldn’t listen to this music. We shouldn’t dress this way. We shouldn’t sing this way.’ — We do it and do it to the fullest!” Smith said. Listen to Smith’s newest album, “Petal Rock Black,” on streaming services to support her.
The String Queens
Kendall Isadore, Dawn Johnson and Elise Sharp make up the all-Black, all-women musical group known as The String Queens. They will be coming to San Antonio to perform musical classics spanning a variety of genres. The group aims “to create musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine.” Those who wish to see the trio will get the chance on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Jo Long Theatre for $35.
