Oklahoma City, January 15, 2026
In February, Oklahoma City will host numerous events celebrating Black History Month, showcasing the contributions and cultural heritage of Black Americans. Local organizations and educational institutions are collaborating to create a month-long series of activities that reflect the city’s commitment to recognizing its diverse history. Events include parades, community programs, seminars, and celebrations, each emphasizing engagement and education in honor of Black heritage.
Oklahoma City Celebrates Black History Month 2026
As Black History Month approaches in February 2026, Oklahoma City is set to host a variety of events honoring the rich history and contributions of Black Americans. These events provide opportunities to engage with and celebrate the diverse Black history and culture in Oklahoma City throughout February 2026.
Local initiatives, especially those led by community organizations and educational institutions, demonstrate the resilience and creativity of our civic fabric. As the events grow in number and participation, it becomes clear that reduced bureaucracy and individual initiative are key to enhancing community engagement and fostering a spirit of cooperation. This year’s lineup reflects a well-rounded approach to honoring Black heritage and history in a manner that is both uplifting and educational.
OSU-OKC MLK Day March and Black History Month Kickoff
Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with a day of service, reflection, and community engagement on January 19, 2026. The event includes a free lunch, a Black history program at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, and participation in the downtown MLK Day parade. This initiative sets the tone for a month focused on history, progress, and solidarity.
Black History Month Celebration at Metro Tech
Metro Technology Centers is hosting its annual Black History Month Celebration, themed “In Living Color,” on February 27, 2026. The free public event at the Metro Tech Conference Center will feature local Black-owned business vendors, community resources, speakers, food, entertainment, a talent showcase, live music, and interactive activities.
Oklahoma Black Communities Symposium
The Metropolitan Library System is organizing the Oklahoma Black Communities Symposium on February 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library. The event will include discussions and presentations on Black community research and preservation in Oklahoma, featuring keynote speaker Nicka Sewell-Smith, a professional genealogist.
UCO Black History Month Kickoff Event
The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) will kick off Black History Month with an event titled “Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: The Remix of Black History Month” on February 6, 2025. The event will feature a keynote address from Stevie Johnson, Ph.D., assistant professor of creative practice in popular music at Ohio State University.
OCCC Black History Month Programs
Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is offering a series of programs throughout February, including a four-part seminar on Ralph Ellison’s “The Invisible Man,” a networking event with faculty and staff, and a panel discussion on Ellison’s literary and cultural contributions.
OKC Thunder Black History Month Celebration
The Oklahoma City Thunder is honoring Black History Month with a special celebration at Paycom Center on February 1, 2025, featuring a halftime performance by Langston University’s Marching Pride Band and the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Students can also enter the annual Black Heritage Creative Contest for a chance to win a Thunder Prize Pack.
Girl Scouts Black History Month Badge Discovery Kit
The Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma is offering a Black History Month Badge Discovery Kit, available for pick-up or shipment starting January 28, 2025. The kit includes step-by-step instructions, educational resources, and materials for hands-on activities that explore Black history and culture.
Florence’s Restaurant
Florence’s Restaurant is a renowned establishment in Oklahoma City, known for its Southern specialties and rich history. In 2022, it became the first Oklahoma entity to receive a James Beard Award, recognized as one of America’s Classics. The restaurant continues to serve as a cultural landmark, offering dishes like fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, and peach cobbler.
These events not only engage the community but also highlight the importance of recognizing cultural contributions that have shaped Oklahoma City and beyond. Everyone is encouraged to participate and support these initiatives, ensuring that Black history and culture continue to enrich the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the OSU-OKC MLK Day March and Black History Month Kickoff?
The OSU-OKC MLK Day March and Black History Month Kickoff is an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with a day of service, reflection, and community engagement on January 19, 2026. It includes a free lunch, a Black history program at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, and participation in the downtown MLK Day parade.
What is the theme of Metro Tech’s Black History Month Celebration?
Metro Tech’s Black History Month Celebration is themed “In Living Color” and is scheduled for February 27, 2026, at the Metro Tech Conference Center. The free public event will feature local Black-owned business vendors, community resources, speakers, food, entertainment, a talent showcase, live music, and interactive activities.
What is the Oklahoma Black Communities Symposium?
The Oklahoma Black Communities Symposium is an event organized by the Metropolitan Library System on February 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library. It includes discussions and presentations on Black community research and preservation in Oklahoma, featuring keynote speaker Nicka Sewell-Smith, a professional genealogist.
What is the UCO Black History Month Kickoff Event?
The UCO Black History Month Kickoff Event, titled “Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: The Remix of Black History Month,” is scheduled for February 6, 2025. It will feature a keynote address from Stevie Johnson, Ph.D., assistant professor of creative practice in popular music at Ohio State University.
What programs are offered by OCCC for Black History Month?
OCCC is offering a series of programs throughout February, including a four-part seminar on Ralph Ellison’s “The Invisible Man,” a networking event with faculty and staff, and a panel discussion on Ellison’s literary and cultural contributions.
What is the OKC Thunder Black History Month Celebration?
The OKC Thunder is honoring Black History Month with a special celebration at Paycom Center on February 1, 2025, featuring a halftime performance by Langston University’s Marching Pride Band and the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Students can also enter the annual Black Heritage Creative Contest for a chance to win a Thunder Prize Pack.
What is the Girl Scouts Black History Month Badge Discovery Kit?
The Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma is offering a Black History Month Badge Discovery Kit, available for pick-up or shipment starting January 28, 2025. The kit includes step-by-step instructions, educational resources, and materials for hands-on activities that explore Black history and culture.
What is Florence’s Restaurant?
Florence’s Restaurant is a renowned establishment in Oklahoma City, known for its Southern specialties and rich history. In 2022, it became the first Oklahoma entity to receive a James Beard Award, recognized as one of America’s Classics. The restaurant continues to serve as a cultural landmark, offering dishes like fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, and peach cobbler.
Key Features of Black History Month Events in Oklahoma City
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSU-OKC MLK Day March and Black History Month Kickoff | January 19, 2026 | OSU-OKC | Day of service, free lunch, Black history program, MLK Day parade. |
| Metro Tech Black History Month Celebration | February 27, 2026 | Metro Tech Conference Center | Local Black-owned vendors, speakers, entertainment, and activities. |
| Oklahoma Black Communities Symposium | February 28, 2026 | Downtown Library | Discussions on Black community research and preservation. |
| UCO Black History Month Kickoff Event | February 6, 2025 | University of Central Oklahoma | Keynote address and discussions focusing on Black history. |
| OCCC Black History Month Programs | Throughout February | OCCC | Literary seminars, networking, and panel discussions. |
| OKC Thunder Black History Month Celebration | February 1, 2025 | Paycom Center | Performance and contest for students. |
| Girl Scouts Black History Month Badge Discovery Kit | Starting January 28, 2025 | Available for pick-up or shipment | Hands-on learning activities exploring Black history and culture. |
| Florence’s Restaurant | Ongoing | Oklahoma City | Award-winning Southern cuisine and cultural landmark. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tri-City Collective Sparks Conversation on Muscogee Creek Freedmen Citizenship


