February is about celebrating the achievements, history and culture of African Americans. Black History Month has its roots as a week-long celebration in the mid-1920s before the celebration expanded to a month in 1976. Since then, each American president has issued Black History Month proclamations. Click here to discover Black History Month events taking place in Central Ohio. Below are Black History Month events taking place in New Albany.

New Albany Senior Connections is sponsoring a new series of community discussions called “Conversations That Matter.” The events are free and open to anyone. The first event will take place on Thursday, February 9, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Heit Center and will highlight “Black History: Then and Now.” The featured speakers will be Suzanne Roberts and Dr. Sierra Austin of UnifyingSolutions. No registration is necessary.

Throughout February, Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) will celebrate African American culture and experiences with programs and events across their locations. Their programming includes a New Albany branch event called “Archeology Meets Chemistry” on Monday, February 13, at 4 p.m. where you’ll learn about two accomplished African American scientists from the fields of chemistry and archaeology. Ages 7 to 11. Visit CML’s Black History Month page to learn more.

Join New Albany-Plain Local Schools in a student celebration of African-American culture and history! On Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m. at the McCoy Center, students will put on a free community performance, in honor of Black History Month, sharing the significance of the legendary Apollo Theater as the premier showplace and entertainment venue.

Carry the spirit of Black History Month into March with performances by the New Albany Symphony Orchestra. On Sunday, March 12 at 3 p.m., Maestro Luis Biava leads the New Albany Symphony in a special concert called “Ellington Price Still” to honor Duke Ellington, Florence Price, and William Grant Still. Catch the “Trailblazers” performance on Saturday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m. designed specifically for those on the autism spectrum, young families, and our friends in the dementia and Alzheimer’s communities. Click here for ticket information.