HAMPTON, Va. — Come celebrate Black History Month in Hampton!
The city will have a series of events all month long that will acknowledge the wealth of sacrifices, heritage and bravery of Black Americans.
The events will cater to people of all ages with a wide variety of interests as the city aims to honor and promote the achievements of citizens of African descent.
Here's a breakdown of the city's 2024 Black History Month events.
Historical tours at Fort Monroe throughout February
A guided tour entitled "Black Legacies: Shaping the History of Fort Monroe" will take place at the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center, located at 30 Ingall Road, every Wednesday at 1 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
A walking tour called "Black Heritage at Fort Monroe" will take place every Friday and Saturday at the same location starting at 1 p.m.
Free HRT rides for Transit Equity Day on Feb. 5
Coinciding closely with civil rights activist Rosa Parks' birthday, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will offer free rides. A front seat will be reserved with signage to honor Parks’ courage and bravery in facing racism and segregation.
More information about Hampton's bus routes can be found on HRT's website.
Hampton History Museum to share the story of the Reservation on Feb. 5
The Hampton History Museum is hosting the "Port Hampton Culture Series: Life in the Reservation Community" on Feb. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m.
The event will share the story of the Reservation community, once inhabited by Black landholders and entrepreneurs, and how it was commandeered by the U.S. government in 1918 to build Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown.
The event is $5, but museum members can get in for free.
A look at life in Olde Hampton through the decades on Feb. 17
The "Life in Olde Hampton Through the Decades" program will take place Feb. 17 at the Mary W. Jackson Neighborhood Center at 3 p.m.
The program will have music and presentations of historical significance, including Basie Theatre, Dixie Hospital, Downtown Hampton, First Baptist Church, John Mallory Phillips, Mary S. Peake and more.
Black History Month Program at Y.H. Thomas Community Center on Feb. 22
This event will have dancing, singing, poetry and vendors on display. The event starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Legendary Ingramettes to perform at the American Theatre on Feb. 25
Known as Richmond’s “First Family of Gospel," the singing group will bring their rich sound back to the Hampton Roads area following successful performances elsewhere.
More information can be found on the Hampton Arts website.
Virginia Black Film Festival at Hampton University on Feb. 25
This event will take place at the Hampton University Student Center starting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 25. There will be feature films, short films and series from different genres from filmmakers both domestic and international.
Some films feature performances from actors Taye Diggs, Michelle Hurd, Sean Patrick Thomas, Jamal Woolard and Reginae Carter.