By Nanette Wiser
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH, created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today. There are so many ways to pay homage including supporting black-owned businesses, donating to charities that support anti-racism equity and equality, purchasing and reading books by black authors and about great leaders and everyday heroes who made a difference.
Plan a February visit to museums and galleries that showcase black artists, writers and African American heritage and culture.
Visit Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts in Central Florida. Zora Neale Hurston, the most prolific Black woman writer of the Harlem Renaissance, described the rural community of Eatonville as “a city of five lakes, three croquet courts, three hundred brown skins, three hundred good swimmers, plenty of guavas, two schools, and no jailhouse.” Established in 1887, the city – where Hurston grew up – claims fame as the nation’s first incorporated black township. The museum named in Hurston’s honor features the work of prominent African American artists, hosts walking tours of Eatonville’s historic sites, and celebrates her legacy each year with an annual arts and humanities festival focusing on African American literature, art, and culture. www.hurstonmuseum.org 344 E Kennedy Blvd. 1st Floor, Eatonville, FL 32751
The Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum can be found at The Carnegie Library is located at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Construction on the library started in 1907 and the facility officially opened to the public in 1908. It was the first Carnegie Library built on a black land-grant college campus. The library was also the institution’s first brick veneer building. In 1976, Carnegie Library became the founding home of the Black Archives Research Center and Museum. In 1978, Carnegie Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With books signed by W.E.B. DuBois and artifacts used by Harriet Tubman, the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum offers mind-boggling collections. Meek-Eaton is one of only 10 Black archives in the country, serving as a repository of more than 500,000 archival records and more than 5,000 museum artifacts dedicated to African American history and culture in America and the diaspora from the continent of Africa. 445 Gamble Street, Tallahassee, FL 32307
Closer to home is the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in downtown St. Pete presenting the historic voice of St. Petersburg’s African American community from the perspective of local, regional, and national history, culture, and community. “Touch in the Spirit of Love” is currently on display, the work of Dr. Gary L. Lemons, a professor of African American literature and Biblical studies at the University of South Florida, Tampa campus. The museum has partnered with Pinellas Community Foundation to help raise $27 million for a new museum. www.woodsonmuseum.org
TEE OFF The 2023 Valspar Championship is the ultimate fan-fest March 14-19 at the legendary Copperhead Course at Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf and Spa Resort. The world’s top-ranked golfers (including Sam Burns who will defend his title) will compete on The PGA TOUR® with four championship rounds of golf. Country music superstar Darius Rucker performs 3/18 at 6:30pm at Valspar LIVE presented by Chick-fil-A; concert access is included with a Saturday ticket or weekly pass. There are many premium ticket options. Get social at ROOFTOP! on the 18th green featuring a DJ and celebrity appearances; Hooters Owl’s Nest (complimentary beer and Hooters wings overlooking the 12th green; or The Snake Pit Hopper (all-inclusive food and a full-service bar) in venues on the 16th and 17th greens. On 3/17 St. Patrick’s Day, wear your best green outfit and sip green beer and swing by the Valspar® BLOCK PARTY and Tampa General Hospital Courtyard. Visit the family-friendly entertainment zone. The popular Publix® Chillounge features an expansive lounge area near the 8th tee.