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FXBG - City of Fredericksburg, VA

Celebrate Black History Month in Fredericksburg

Every February, communities across the United States celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Fredericksburg, Virginia, is no exception. This charming city, known for its rich history, plays a key role in telling the story of African Americans from the colonial period to modern-day accomplishments. Black History Month in Fredericksburg is a time for reflection, education, and celebration of the diverse legacy of Black individuals who helped shape the region and nation. Here are some ways you can celebrate this Black History Month in Fredericksburg:

Attend events at the Fredericksburg Area Museum

Aside from their year-round exhibits, Fredericksburg Area Museum has a great line-up of events this month that honor the Black History of Fredericksburg. These include:

Attend a Great Lives Lecture at UMW

great lives - biographical approaches to history and culture

The University of Mary Washington is featuring two critical figures in African American history for the February editions of their Great Lives Lecture Series. Attend one or both of these free lectures and learn more about the incredible contributions of John Robert Lewis and Phillis Wheatley.

Learn about African American Innovators at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Throughout the month of February, explore a rotating series of self-guided activities highlighting contributions of African American innovators who changed history with their contributions. For grades K-6. Innovators featured include:

  • Mae Jemison,engineer and astronaut
  • Jerry Lawson, video game engineer
  • Wallace Amos, founder of Famous Amos Cookies
  • Bass Reeves, cowboy and explorer
  • Alma Thomas, artist

Celebrate African American Literature and Music at the African American Read-In

This year’s lineup includes: readers from across our community, a special performance by David Lamont and Tomeka Jack-Myree. Tables featuring mental health resources for the Black Community will also be present. Popcorn provided by JusPop’n.

Attend Events Hosted by UMW’s James Farmer Multicultural Center

This year’s theme is, “Black Labor: The Economic Foundation for American Success” and commemorates the centurial anniversary of the first Black labor union, The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids. Events include:

  • Funding for the Arts

  • Colors of Africa

  • Screaming Queens Documentary

  • Black History Month: African Dinner

  • The History of Hip-Hop in the South

  • Bail Out Bake Sale

  • Black History Month Major Performance: Kia Bennett

  • Step Show

  • Black History Month:  Cajun/Mardi Gras/Caribbean Dinner

Explore the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail

Blended view of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) in the past and present

Modern image of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) BLENDED with historic photo – Stop 1 on the Fredericksburg, Virginia Civil Rights Trail (Part 1).

The Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail follows the stories and sites of the local Civil Rights movement and highlights the role of Black residents in Fredericksburg’s history. his tour includes sites where Black people created educational, housing, and business opportunities in the midst of Jim Crow era segregation, as well as buildings where people protested racial segregation in the 1950s and 1960s. As in the rest of the United States, Fredericksburg’s Civil Rights history continues into the present and this tour includes sites associated with Black political leaders in the mid to late 20th century and the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020.

See all of the events for Black History month, educational resources, and more here.

Updated 2/4/2025.