The year 2025 offers a variety of opportunities to honor Black History Month with the theme, “African Americans and Labor,” which delves into the diverse forms of work—ranging from free and forced to skilled, unskilled, vocational and voluntary—that have shaped collective experiences and cultures. From the agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that sustained colonies to debates over vocational training, entrepreneurship and organized labor, Black contributions have transformed societies across the U.S., Africa and the Diaspora. This narrative encompasses both the compensated toil in factories, corporate offices and government agencies and the immeasurable contributions – often uncompensated – to social justice movements, the construction of vital institutions and tireless community service. The legacy of Black workers is profoundly etched into the very fabric of American life, evidenced by their significant achievements, including the conception and realization of iconic Southern architecture.

This Black History Month, let us celebrate the profound and lasting impact of Black labor movements. Their pivotal role in forging fairer workplace standards and championing civil rights deserves significant recognition, a legacy powerfully embodied by figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Dream Doubles Pickleball fundraiser

Grab your paddle and pickleball, and join us on the court to honor Dr. King through the joy of the game.

Dr. King once, said “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve,” and Madison College took his words literally by hosting the Inaugural Dream Doubles Pickleball fundraiser honoring Dr. King. While some serve in a game of pickleball, others will focus on the charitable element, supporting a cause through participation and donations to community organizations that make Madison a better place. While fostering diverse participation and reflecting Dr. King's vision of unity, this event aims to raise $10,000 for local organizations focusing on diverse communities and issues that government agencies may not prioritize.

The fundraiser will benefit the following organizations:

Details: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Pickle Pros Court

Get spectator passes and donate: https://givebutter.com/DreamDoubles

LOUD Art Show

Join us as we explore captivating art that tells powerful stories and sparks meaningful reflection. You'll discover Madison offers a vibrant array of experiences to celebrate and honor Black History Month.

Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD) will host its annual Black History Month Exhibit, celebrating local Black artists and their works. Held at the LOUD Gallery in Omega School, the exhibit will feature returning artists Matthew Braunginn, Jerry Butler, Sophia Voelker and Jerry Jordan. Their diverse styles include community-inspired projects, mixed media and contemporary realism. 

Details: Free reception held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 7 at Omega School, 835 W. Badger Rd. The exhibit will be on display throughout the month.

SOULFUL JOY

Madison College’s SOUL Affinity Group and Division of College Culture and Climate invite the community to the SOULful Joy exhibit honoring Dzigbodi Akyea, a beloved former academic advisor and community leader who died in 2021. The exhibit features the work of Deseré Mayo, “Soulful Joy,” as the focal point of the exhibition. Celebrating joy, resilience and cultural heritage, the exhibit features 14 talented artists including Brooklyn Doby’s vibrant portraits, Alice Traore’s introspective watercolors, Jaundy Brunswick’s innovative digital collages and Sharon Bjyrd’s powerful mixed media works.

Details: A free reception will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 at Madison College's Gallery. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 28.

 

I Am a Man: The Re-humanization of Black Men

Madison artist Sharon Bjyrd’s powerful exhibition, “I AM a Man: The Re-humanization of Black Men,” will show throughout February at the Goodman South Madison Library.  Inspired by her visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Memphis, the exhibit confronts the ongoing dehumanization of Black men through the diverse artistic voices of Bjyrd, Jerry Jordan, DaRen Morris, Alice Traore, The Artist and Shandra Bjyrd. The artwork explores the impact of systemic racism in various aspects of life, aiming to reclaim the humanity denied to Black men historically and in the present day. 

Details: Join a free community conversation with the artists and curator from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 at Goodman South Madison. The exhibition will be open throughout February.

Black Box Sessions

One thing Martin Luther King Jr. and hip-hop have in common is resilience, as both embody the power to overcome adversity, and they also share a commitment to amplifying voices for justice and equality. Celebrate Black History Month through the powerful lens of hip-hop with Smif-N-Wessun as part of the inaugural Black Box Sessions. This event highlights the resilience and creativity of Black artistry, showcasing the timeless contributions of Brooklyn legends Tek and Steele. With decades of influence, their music blends rugged street narratives, soulful beats and reggae-infused rhythms, offering a dynamic experience rooted in hip-hop culture. Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring the legacy and evolution of hip-hop while celebrating Black history and culture. 

Details: 8 to 10 p.m. on Feb. 13 at Wisconsin Union Theater

Cost: $10-$46

Black History Month 2025 celebrates the rich and transformative contributions of African Americans under the theme, “African Americans and Labor.” The events in Madison honor the resilience, ingenuity and cultural legacy of Black labor, showcasing its impact on civil rights, community building and social justice. From art exhibits and literary discussions to the inaugural pickleball fundraiser, these initiatives offer meaningful opportunities to engage with history, support local organizations and celebrate the enduring relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings. As we reflect on the struggles and triumphs of Black labor, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to continue the work of fostering equity, unity and progress in our communities.