February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience and lasting contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. What began in 1926 as National Negro Week became a month-long observance in 1976, celebrating the depth and richness of Black culture and heritage. In Mobile, Black History Month is marked by meaningful events, organizations and attractions that both celebrate African American history and acknowledge the city’s complex past. Through reflection, education and community dialogue, Mobile continues to foster understanding while honoring the stories that have shaped our city. Explore the opportunities below to experience events that uplift, educate and celebrate African American heritage.

Events

Africatown Clotilda Boat Tours

On Saturday, February 7, visit the site of Clotilda shipwreck and listen to the Africatown Freedom Tours team narrate the story of the ship's survivors and their voyage to America. If you aren't able to attend February's tour, don't worry! Historic Blakeley State Park hosts these tours on the every month.

 

OWAMBE Black History Month Festival 

Africatown's cultural heritage, creativity and history will take center stage on February 6-7, 2026. Hosted by All Things Africatown, the 2nd Annual OWAMBE Black History Month Festival is a two-day festival that will include an authors forum, a live ancestral encounter, live music and more.

 

Celebrating a Century of Black History

On Saturday, February 28, celebrate culture and creativity at Mobile Museum of Art during the City of Mobile's annual Black History Month celebration. Enjoy spoken-word poetry from Huggy Bear da Poet, performances by the Africatown Drummers, free museum admission, and more. 

 

Open Mic Poetry Slam and Art Showing

End Black History Month on a poetic note at Open Mic Poetry Slam and Art Showing at Africatown Heritage House. Hosted by Huggy Bear da Poet, this unique cultural celebration will highlight the diverse voices of our city. 

 

Experiences

Mobile Museum of Art Exhibits

View two exhibits inspired by the Black experience in Mobile and beyond at the Mobile Museum of Art. JUAN LOGAN: Without Stopping, available for viewing until February 14, is heavily inspired by the legend and faces of the Africatown community. Vuzumazulu: The Black Solarium brings African heritage and Abantu culture to Mobile through nearly a dozen vibrant and pigmented paintings. This exhibit is available for viewing until March 1.

 

Hall of Fame Walk

Bask in the larger-than-life legacies and statues of 5 of Mobile's homegrown sports greats at Hall of Fame Walk in downtown Mobile. National Baseball Hall of Fame members Henry “Hank” Aaron, Satchel Paige, Billy Williams, Ozzie Smith and Willie McCovey, as well as Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Houston Oiler Robert Brazile Jr., are all honored through this installation.

 

Africatown Heritage House & The Clotilda

Located in North Mobile, the Africatown Heritage House honors the resilience and legacy of Africatown, founded by survivors of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally bring enslaved Africans to the United States in 1860. Through immersive exhibits, visitors learn about the harrowing journey, cultural endurance and community built by those survivors.


Historical Avenue Cultural Center

A true testament to Mobile’s Black history, the Historical Avenue Cultural Center occupies the former Davis Avenue branch of the Mobile Public Library, once a vital educational resource during segregation. After serving as the National African American Archives, the building was revitalized and reopened in 2023. Today, it features the exhibit "Remembering the Avenue," which highlights the enduring cultural significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue before and during the urban renewal period.

 

Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail

Discover Mobile’s Black history through the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail, a walking or van experience that connects visitors to significant sites such as the Creole Fire Station, Michael Donald Avenue and Satchel Paige’s childhood home. Available groups of various sizes and private tours, the trail offers meaningful insight into the stories, achievements and resilience that have shaped Mobile.

 

Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association

Founded in 1938, the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) is a vital force in preserving and celebrating Mobile’s Mardi Gras traditions. One of the largest predominantly Black Mardi Gras organizations in the city, MAMGA is known for its vibrant parades, elegant balls, and strong commitment to community service. Blending celebration with cultural pride, the association continues to play a lasting role in Mobile’s festive and cultural identity. The MAMGA Mammoth Parade will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Throughout February and beyond, Mobile celebrates Black history and culture all year long! Stay tuned for upcoming developments, events and exhibits.