2015 Black History Month in Downtown Indianapolis

Indianapolis Artsgarden hosts the Art and Soul Celebration. AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2013, all rights reserved.

By Amanda Dorman
Downtown Indy, Inc.

February is Black History Month and Downtown Indy is offering a full lineup of events. Whether you want to partake by enjoying special live performances, educational activities or unique exhibits, Downtown Indy is the place to be.

A Celebration of African-American Art & Artists in Indiana

Art & Soul, Downtown Indy’s celebration of local African-American arts and artists, returns to the Indianapolis Artsgarden this winter with performances from musicians, dancers, poets and visual artists. Performances begin Jan. 31 with the Art & Soul Kickoff and conclude March 1 with a ceremony featuring City-County Council president Maggie Lewis. This year’s special guests include Mathew Davis, Zakk Knight, Kassim Norris, Ronne Stone and many more. All Art & Soul events are FREE.

Meet the Artists at Central Library
Through March 28, the Central Library hosts Meet the Artists XXVII, displaying the works of locally-prominent African-American artists in a wide array of mediums. Art lovers are encouraged to meet the artists and enjoy an evening of free cultural entertainment – including African drumming gospel music, a fashion show and workshops – during the Meet the Artists Gala Reception Feb. 14 from 5 – 10 p.m.

The Children’s Museum celebrates Madame Walker

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will host a Black History Month Performance Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. Vignettes will feature a performance of Madam C.J. Walker and others who played a significant part in American history. Stay for a post-performance discussion with the actors.

Sankofa Black Heritage Festival

The Indiana State Museum will kick off its annual Sankofa Black Heritage Festival Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The festival showcases art, history and culture from West African and Hoosier African-American perspectives. Performance-based arts closely align with Black History Month themes that explore the African-American experience, both past and present.

A Night with the ISO

Enjoy a FREE Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performance at Hilbert Circle Theatre Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. for the annual Celebration of Black History Concert. Join guest conductor Chelsea Tipton II along with the Voice of the Light Choir for an evening of classical and contemporary African-American music. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Throwback Thursday Cinema

The Madame Walker Theater continues the Throwback Thursday Cinema series of thought provoking documentaries and films with The Black List on Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. Renowned photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders sheds light on what it means to be black in America by talking to prominent African-American pop-culture icons, including Chris Rock, Colin Powell, Serena Williams, Sean Combs and others. Tickets are $5.

Music and dancing at the Madame Walker Theatre

Hear from the Freetown Village Singers during a unique Black History Month event at the Madame Walker Theatre Center on Feb. 28. A buffet dinner begins at 5 p.m. followed by a music performance of African folk, gospel, blues, jazz, pop and more. Celebrate with Freetown Village all month long for The Madam Walker Story on Feb. 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Madame Walker Heritage Center.

For more information, visit http://downtownindy.org/, or call 317-237-2222.