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Houston First Corporation is excited to share its Black History Month lineup for 2021. As the official destination management organization for the most diverse city in the nation, Houston First Corporation is committed to making sure our programming reflects the rich tapestry of cultures and people who call Houston home. 

The public is invited to join as HFC celebrates Black History Month with a collection of events, stories and art. Everyone can experience and enjoy all of this year’s cultural offerings free of charge, and for many activities participants don’t even have to leave the comfort of home. All HFC sponsored events have been designed with the public's safety in mind and have been approved by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

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Houston First Corporation Black History Programs and Events

Black History @ Avenida Houston - Saturdays in February, 1-5 pm on the Plaza at Avenida (between the GRB andamp; Discovery Green) - For the second year HFC is partnering with J.O. Malone, founder of BLCK Market to present an outdoor, socially distanced market featuring 20 to 25 local vendors, artists, designers, and business entrepreneurs of diverse cultures. A variety of items and prepared foods will be available for purchase along with live music and food trucks for a safe and fun afternoon each Saturday in February on the Plaza at Avenida.

For everyone’s health and safety, social distancing will be respected, face masks will be required, and temperature checks will be taken at the entrance to the market.

Black History @ Avenida is presented in partnership with the City of Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner, KTSU “The Choice,” KTSU “The Vibe,” and BLCK Market Houston.

Partnership Tower Art Exhibitions 

HFC cultural programs manager, Christine West curated this year’s exhibition which features art works by contemporary, local African-American artists.

Color Story -  On view February 6 - September 6, 2021 - This two-person show features emerging Houston-based artists:Lanecia A. Rouse and Jonathan Paul Jackson, who both explore personal narratives through abstract painting and multimedia collage on paper and canvas.

Exhibition Location: Partnership Tower Level 2 - Garage Escalator, Lobby, 701 Avenida de las Americas, 77010

Ivory Towers - On view February 6 - September 6, 2021

Ronald Llewellyn Jones constructs a site-specific sculptural installation that redefines the space visitors and employees experience as they enter and exit the building. Jones will work throughout the month of February in the Partnership Tower lobby space. Onlookers are welcome to observe him creating on site, and safely watch the progress of the installation from the exterior windows that line the entry to the building.

Note: Partnership Tower, currently is closed to the public for health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jones will be on site February 5 - 28, 2021, 8 am-6 pm. (The artist’s schedule may vary from day to day.)

Exhibition Location: Partnership Tower Level 1 Lobby - Building Entrance, 701 Avenida de las Americas, 77010

Cultural Conversations: From Our Heart to Yours - Starts Valentine’s Day, February 14

This web documentary series, made possible through a partnership between HFC, KHOU-TV and the Smithsonian Institution is a collection of unscripted, thought-provoking discussions that celebrate our heritage and diverse cultures that define Houston. Moderated by TV personality, Deborah Duncan, the series begins its second year of episodes with live taping in early February. Viewing is available anytime on Youtube (See above), new episodes start February 14.

(Fun Fact: The 2020 Cultural Conversations segment on Black Entrepreneurship recently won the Lone Star Regional Emmy for Interview/Discussion.)

Black History Features on VisitHouston.com - throughout February

Check out HFC’s Visit Houston website to learn more about local African American artists, small businesses in Houston’s Third Ward, and you won’t want to miss the delicious Black-owned Restaurant Roundup. There’s also a calendar of all events around the Greater Houston area to help you plan your month. The celebration starts here!