Denver area celebrates Black History Month with music, theater and more

CBS News Colorado is pleased to announce the continuation of its Elevating Black Voices series, which will feature multiple new reports each week highlighting the extraordinary individuals who enrich Colorado's community. In celebration of Black History Month this February, event organizers across the Denver metro area are hosting a variety of activities focused on music, art, history, and honoring the legacies of influential Black community members.

Throughout the month, several notable events are taking place. For example, the Denver Public Library will host living-history portrayals of Harriet Tubman and Louis Armstrong on February 2, offering audiences a chance to engage with these historical figures through dramatization and a Q&A session. Additionally, a discussion on Black LGBTQ+ history will occur at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library on February 11, highlighting current efforts to support the community.

Music events will also feature prominently, including a live performance by Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors at Dazzle Denver on February 12, which has been dedicated to preserving the jazz and blues legacy of Denver's Five Points neighborhood for over 30 years. The NAACP Boulder County Freedom Fund Celebration on February 16 at CU Boulder will showcase the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble in another vibrant display of culture.

Art exhibitions throughout the region offer an immersive experience into Black artistic expression and history. The NoBo Art District's "The Space Between Us" exhibition runs through February 22, featuring the works of Cherokee Carr and Jasmine Baetz, who explore themes of identity and community. Additionally, the History Colorado Center and the Denver Art Museum present significant exhibitions that delve into historically Black cultural narratives and perspectives, giving visitors a unique glimpse into Colorado's rich Black history.

As part of a broader initiative, the City of Denver has created a self-guided tour focusing on public art by Black artists, alongside collections at various libraries documenting the stories of Black-owned businesses. These events and exhibits reflect a comprehensive effort to celebrate and elevate Black voices during this significant month, fostering appreciation and understanding throughout the community.