Mary Cait McManamon
Celebrating Black History Month in Madison
January 30, 2025
February is Black History Month—a time to honor and celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Black communities. This month offers an opportunity to reflect, learn and engage with the stories and achievements that have shaped our community. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate and participate in Black History Month right here in Madison.
Learn about Black history in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Historical Society is a great resource to learn about Black history through articles, artifacts and other important items that help tell the story of African Americans in Wisconsin.
You can also learn about the Black leaders who shaped our community. In 2018, Michael Johnson wrote “A History of Black Madison” for Madison 365. Give it a read to learn about Black Madisonians dating back to the first Black resident of Madison in 1839.
Read stories by African American authors
Madison Public Library is a great resource for book lists by Black authors. Check out their African American Fiction book list or their African American History & Culture book list to find your next read. You can even sign up for the library’s African American Culture Newsletter. Each month they share new and/or significant books highlighting the African American experience along with community news, resources and events.
Attend performances
Music and dance are deeply woven into Black culture, serving as powerful expressions of history and identity. Celebrate this vibrant tradition by checking out these upcoming performances!
In Conversation with Marissa Bode Join UW-Madison's Black History Month Planning Committee for an evening with Wisconsin native and Wicked star Marissa Bode as she shares her journey, experiences, and advocacy for authentic disability representation in the arts. The event starts at 7pm on Wednesday, February 5.
Heritage in Motion: A Burlesque Journey in Black History Experience the power of Black stories brought to life by an all-Black cast through the mesmerizing art of burlesque storytelling, music and dance on Saturday, February 8 at 7pm. “Heritage in Motion: A Burlesque Journey Through Black History” is an electrifying evening that honors the resilience, beauty and triumphs of Black heritage.
Moonshine 2025 The University of Wisconsin-Madison Dance Department and Professor Chris Walker are presenting “Moonshine” on Friday, February 28 at 3:30pm. This free event is a coming together of campus, community, alumni and students in performance to celebrate Black History Month with live music, contemporary theater and dance.
Although not directly related to Black History Month, here are a few more performances featuring Black artists.
Children’s Theater of Madison presents “Cinderella” Friday, February 13-Sunday, February 23. The cast’s diversity adds even more magic to the production, with a Black Cinderella inspiring young audiences.
Madison Symphony Orchestra Overture Concert Organ Series presents Limmie Pulliam, tenor with Greg Zelek, organ on Thursday, February 25 at 7:30pm. Pulliam and Zelek will join forces in a program featuring some of the most well-known operatic arias, gospel works arranged for organ and tenor, and solo organ arrangements of opera overtures and instrumentals.
Celebrate Black artists
Several galleries around town are displaying art to celebrate Black History Month, including Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD) at their annual Black History Month Exhibit reception on Friday, February 7 from 6-8pm. The free event features returning artists Matthew Braunginn, Jerry Butler, Sophia Voelker and Jerry Jordan. Their diverse styles include community-inspired projects, mixed media and contemporary realism.
Madison College’s SOUL Affinity Group and the Division of College Culture and Climate are also participating with their SOULful Joy exhibit. The exhibit showcases art that resonates with the power of joy that is deep-rooted, resilient and soulful. The exhibit runs Sunday, February 2 through Friday, February28 with an opening ceremony on Thursday, February 6.
Deseré Mayo “Soulful Joy” is the featured artwork of the exhibit
Support Black-owned businesses
Uplifting Black-owned businesses is a meaningful way to invest in the community. The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce’s Black Business Directory is an excellent tool to discover businesses across various industries, from arts and entertainment to beauty and dining. Browse the directory here.
One Black-owned business we have partnered with at Overture is CocoVaa Chocolatier. They create international award-winning chocolate in micro batches using fresh, locally sourced premium ingredients. Check them out for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift!
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
- gBETA Urban League Showcase: Celebrate visionary entrepreneurs from the Black Business Hub’s accelerator program on Thursday, February 6 from 5-7pm. Join this inspiring event and hear innovative business pitches. More details here.
- Annual Awards Recognition Program: The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce’s seventh annual celebration will take place on Thursday, February 20 at Monona Terrace. Recognize the achievements of Black businesses and leaders in our community.
Get the whole family involved!
Check out Madison Children’s Museum on Thursday, February 13 from 5-8pm as they honor the contributions of Black people in our community with a celebration featuring Black artists, musicians and leaders. Free admission begins at 4pm and activities continue from 5-8pm.
You can also join us at Kids in the Rotunda for free, family-friendly shows featuring Drum Power on Saturday, February 8 and L.E.X on Saturday, February 15. Madison Public Library has also put together a children’s book list to celebrate Black History Month.
African American history is an essential part of Wisconsin’s story. By exploring these resources, attending performances, supporting Black-owned businesses and involving your family in meaningful events, you can deepen your understanding and appreciation for the contributions of African Americans in our state. Together, let’s honor this legacy and celebrate the vibrant culture that continues to shape our communities.