11 ways to celebrate Black History Month in Atlanta

5 Little Known Black History Facts 1. The most iconic part of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech was improvised King had prepared a more political speech the night before. In the moment, he decided to speak from his heart, coining the historic phrase, "I have a dream." 2. A slave named Onesimus introduced vaccination to America In 1706, Onesimus told Cotton Mather about the inoculation traditions in Africa. Mather then convinced Dr. Zabdiel Boylston to experiment with the idea amid a

It's almost impossible to talk about black history in America without mentioning Atlanta.

» RELATED: 8 powerful quotes to kick off Black History Month

Over the years, the city has become the home of record-breaking musicians, athletes, civil rights leaders, entrepreneurs and artists. Throughout February, there is no shortage of events to help you celebrate Black History Month all around the greater Atlanta area. Here are a few events you don't want to miss:

1. Discover the phenomenon of Afrofuturism

Gwinnett County Public Library - Lilburn Branch
4817 Church St., Lilburn

Morehouse College’s Dr. Tanya Clark informs guests about the Afrofuturism genre — the fusion of science and technology with traditional black culture and lore. Join the discussion on Saturday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m.

Kids play at Children’s Museum of Atlanta and celebrate the new year during the day. AJC FILE PHOTO

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2. Visit Children's Museum of Atlanta

275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta

Throughout the month of February, the Children's Museum of Atlanta will host Black History Month programs each day. The events include a mini musical and a lessons on important history makers.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $13 to $19. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.

» RELATED: How to get tickets for the national African American history museum

3. Break a sweat on the Sweet Auburn Running Tour

Butler Street CDC (Formerly Butler Street YMCA)
22 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr. NE, Atlanta

On Saturday, Feb. 22, RunWithE and Movers and Pacers ATL are sponsoring the Historic Sweet Auburn Black History Kids Running Tour. You can register online for free. The event will feature lessons about the history of the area as well as food, soft drinks and a DJ courtesy of Hip Hop Gives Back. The festivities from from 9:30 a.m.-noon.

4. Bring the kids to learn about black history with crafts

Washington Park Branch Library
1116 Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr., Atlanta

If you're looking for a hands-on activity for youngsters, the Washington Park Branch Library is hosting a fun and educational event for children ages 7-12 on Wednesday, February 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program will teach children about the contributions of African Americans throughout history and include crafts and reading during the event.

5. Join in the 2020 Gwinnett County Black History Month Celebration

Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center
75 Langley Dr., 1st Floor, Atrium, Lawrenceville

Gwinnett County is joining forces with the United Ebony Society for its annual Black History Month Celebration from 5:30 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27. This free event features performances, speakers and presentations. Attendees are encouraged to register online.

6. Take a Downtown History Tour

ATL Playground
84 Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta

On the first and third Saturday of each month, you can take the Downtown History Tour known as Atlanta from the Ashes. Learn all about Atlanta's ties to the Civil Rights Movement, the growth of Coca Cola and other interesting facts about the Woodruff Park area.

This event is free, but attendees must register online. The tour runs from noon to 1 p.m.

» RELATED: Who was Carter G. Woodson? 7 things to know about the 'Father of Black History'

7. Celebrate African Americans and in the arts

100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta

PNC Bank is hosting a free event celebrating African Americans in the arts from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. You can register and learn more online.

Macy’s occupies the same space as original anchor Rich’s at Lenox Square. The exterior and much of the interior of the mall have been transformed and expanded over the years, but the original building blocks remain. (Alyssa Pointer/alyssa.pointer@ajc.com)

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8. Chat about trends in black women’s hair

Macy's Lenox Square Mall First Floor
3393 Peachtree Rd Ne Ste 8480 NE, Atlanta

Stop by the beauty department of Macy’s Feb. 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a discussion about the power and history of black people and culture. Visitors can also learn about trends in black women’s hair.

Each year, the City of Roswell becomes the home of one of the largest Black History Month celebrations in Georgia

Credit: AJC.com

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Credit: AJC.com

9. Celebrate at Roswell's Festival of Black History and Culture

Various locations around Roswell.

Each year, the City of Roswell becomes the home of one of the largest Black History Month celebrations in Georgia. The event is described as a way to share in African American history while discovering more about the heritage, art, food and contributions that define the culture.

The festival features different events all throughout the month of February. Full details, including schedules and locations, can be found on the City of Roswell website.

10. Visit the APEX museum

135 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta

At the APEX museum, every month is Black History Month. Exhibits include Sweet Auburn Street Pride, Women in Stem, The Georgia Negro and Africa: The Untold Story exhibits.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Admission ranges from $5 to $7.

11. Get the inside-scoop on HBO’s “Watchmen”

Courtyard Marriott Decatur
130 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur

City of Decatur and Decatur Business Association's annual Black History Program will be moderated by actor Louis Gossett Jr., who appeared in the 1977 minseries "Roots." Beginning at 6 p.m. on February 25, Gossett will chat about his role on "Watchmen" and host a conversation about ) black commerce and his foundation. Space is limited and tickets are required.