Every February we celebrate Black History Month. It’s a time to pay tribute to those who fought hard for Black rights before us, and those still doing so today. It’s also a great time to educate our youth and ourselves through activities and events that highlight key Black men and women in history. To celebrate, remember and inspire, here are some Black History Month events near Olympia.
ASHHO Cultural Bazaar
February 3, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
ASHHO Cultural Community Center
5757 Littlerock Road #4, Tumwater
Celebrate Black History Month by supporting Black, Brown and marginal small business owners at the ASHHO Cultural Bazaar. There will be over 30 vendors with all kinds of treasures from handmade candles and jewelry to works of art. Come hungry, there will be cultural cuisines to indulge in as well!
Governor’s Mansion Black History Month Tours
February 7 and 14, various times
Governor’s Mansion
504 15th Avenue SE, Olympia
In partnership with members of the Thurston County Black community, the Governor’s Mansion Foundation (GMF) is recognizing the 2024 Black History Month theme “African Americans and the Arts.” During the one-hour tour, local Black artists, whose works are on display in the mansion’s gallery, will be showcased along with short performances of poetry and music. Make reservations online via the mansion tour request form. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Each tour is open to 25 guests and spots fill up fast.
Olympia Black History Month Celebration
February 15, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts at SPSCC
2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia
This free event put on by The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture, in partnership with the City of Olympia and Olympia School District celebrates Black history and heritage with presenters, music and food.
Inspiration and Celebration of Artists of Color
February
Hands On Children’s Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE Olympia
Every day in February, kids can head to the Art Studio at the Hands On Children’s Museum to celebrate and be inspired by Artists of Color for Black History Month in Olympia. One activity is Shaping History, where kids can participate in clay sculpting and drawing inspiration. Another activity, Shared Stories Bookmaking, teaches kids how books are made and then they can write their own!
Self-Guided Olympia Area Black Pioneers Walking Tour
Anytime
Olympia
A great activity for the whole family that you can do whenever it is convenient for you is the Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum’s Olympia Area Black Pioneers walking tour. It’s self-guided, so all you have to do is download the free walking tour map and follow along. The brochure includes 11 sites of interest with maps, Blacks in Thurston County early census data and information about important People of Color in Olympia’s history.
Have a Black History Month event to share? Send details to submit@ThurstonTalk.com.
