February is Black History Month and there is no shortage of events honoring and celebrating African-Americans in Atlanta. From parades to galas, there are events all month long.
Here are five events you shouldn't miss. Find more Black History Month events at events.accessatlanta.com/blackhistory
First Thursday Downtown Art Walk: Blackness in Latin America (Atlanta)
5-8 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 4. Free. Rialto Center for the Arts. 80 Forsyth St., Atlanta. Event details at events.accessatlanta.com/walk.
Works created by a dozen Latin American artists focusing on the African influence on Latin America and the Caribbean are on display in the lobby of the Rialto Center. In addition to this evening, the works can be viewed Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. as well as during performances at the Rialto and by appointment through Feb. 29.
Legacy Ball at Spring Hall at Global Forum (Doraville)
7 p.m.-1 a.m. Fri., Feb. 12 (meet and greet); 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (workshops) and 7 p.m.-1 a.m. (Legacy Ball) Sat., Feb. 13. $20-$75. Event Details.
The Legacy Ball Atlanta is an annual event in commemoration of the dance history, style, class and elegance of Detroit-style ballroom dancing. The commitment in Atlanta is to preserve the history and style of dance as it was danced years ago.
Onyx Ball (Atlanta)
7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 20. $16.82 (Georgia Tech students), $22.09 (everybody else). The B Loft. 1465 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Suite 450, Atlanta. Event details at events.accessatlanta/com/onyx.
For the young, and young at heart. Organized by Georgia Tech's African-American Student Union, this event takes a look back at what Tech's black community has been up to so far this school year.
There are awards and announcements leading up to the introduction of the Onyx 14, who then must show their stuff on the dance floor. After their stuff has been shown, everyone hits the dance floor. It's a dressed-up affair.
In The Spirit National Talent Competition (Marietta)
5 p.m. (Red carpet), 7-10 p.m. (competition). Sat., Feb. 27. $10 (competition) $35 (red carpet + competition). Marietta Performing Arts Center. 1171 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta. Event details at events.accessatlanta.com/spirit.
Think of all your favorite televised talent competitions rolled into one and live. A wide variety of contestants will perform in one of three categories: dance, music and theatre. There will be free auditions on Friday evening from 6-11 p.m.
Registration required. There's even more to this two-day event, so be sure and check out the above link.
Black History Month Parade (Atlanta)
12 p.m. Sat., Feb. 27. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. 450 Auburn Ave, Atlanta. Event details.
The largest celebration of Black History Month in America, this parade features marching bands, entertainers, dignitaries and more. The event honors the history and accomplishments of black people in America. The parade begins near the corner of Auburn Ave. and Jackson St. in the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District and continues to Woodruff Park for festivities.
What are some other must-go black history events? Add them to our events database at accessatlanta.com/calendar/add-event
