Commemorate Black History Month in Delaware
In Delaware, Black History Month inspires plentiful opportunities for celebration, and many moments of reflection. All around the state, there’s a creative energy in theatres and performance halls, and a feeling of celebration that seems to live on through the year.
This roundup of Black History Month events in Delaware for 2023 offers ideas on how you can honor this special time, and also share in its fun. Along the way, consider visiting some of Delaware’s proud Black-owned business, listed below.
Live Events
Voices of Power
Wilmington
Feb. 1, 9, 15, 23
6 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Throughout the month of February, you’ll be able to hear from celebrity guests at this free speaker series. Guests include Tony Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad, rap legend Slick Rick, former NBA star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and poet Nikki Giovanni.
Listening, Learning, and Celebrating Black History Month @ the YMCA
Various locations
Feb. 3, 4, 20, 24
Times vary
Tickets: Free
The YMCA marks the month with series of event: A “Let’s Talk About Race” Workshop (Feb. 3, Bear-Glasgow Y); a celebration of African Culture (Feb. 4, Walnut Street Y); a Celebration Expo (Feb. 20, Bear-Glasgow Y); and a Nik Snow Band performance with Jamaican food (Feb. 24, Bear-Glasgow Y)
“Struggles for Equality” series @ The Old State House
Dover
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
1 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Four presentations at the historic Old State House take on timely topics: the recently discovered African-American burial ground at John Dickinson Plantation (Feb. 4); biased laws and their enforcement (Feb. 11); The Unfulfilled Promise of the Civil War (Feb. 18); and The Evolution of Black Recorded Music (Feb. 25).
Black Opry: Home for Black artists and Black fans of music
Milton
Feb. 4
8-10 p.m.
Tickets: $32; obstructed view $32; members $28.80
The performers of Black Opry aim to remind fans that country and roots music have been made and loved by Black people since their conception.
Ten African-American Heroes of the Civil War
Dover
Feb. 15
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
African-American soldiers played a crucial role in the Civil War, but their stories are rarely told. Hear about these heroes now at Kent County Public Library!
Suite Blackness: Black Dance in Cinema
Newark
Feb. 16-18
7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 and 17; 2 p.m. on Feb. 18
Tickets: $15
This production blends live dance, spoken word and song on a journey through the racial and cultural tensions in movies from the 1920s to the present.
Rehoboth Beach African-American Film Festival
Rehoboth Beach
Feb. 17-19
Times vary
Tickets: $10 per film ($5 for students)
This lineup of fascinating films at the Cinema Art Theatre aims to deepen awareness of African-American culture and experiences, while also exploring community differences and commonalities through the art of film.
Black History Paint and Learn
Wilmington
Feb. 18
Noon
Tickets: $11-$21
The community group ArtzScape Black Box Theater presents a unique Black History experience combining theater, history and visual arts.
Spending Black Matters Market Place
Wilmington
Feb. 25
12-6 p.m.
Tickets: Free
More than 40 vendors and more than 500 attendees are expected at this sale at Wilmington Public Library benefitting Black business owners. There’s also an art exhibit, spoken word performance, live discussion panel and workshops.
African American History & Legacy Walking Tour of Lewes
Lewes
Feb. 25, 26 (also April 8-May 27; June 3-Sept. 30)
2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets: $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under
Stroll the picturesque streets of Lewes and learn the stories of the diverse residents who have left a longstanding legacy in this historic town by the sea.
Virtual Events
Segregated Sands: When beaches weren’t free
This new, virtual exhibit explores the stories of Black Americans who faced limited access to Delaware’s segregated beaches during the Jim Crow era. Participants will be able to step back in time to 12 beaches in all three Delaware counties, seeing for themselves how deeply the once-common restrictions reached into our lives.
Shop Delaware’s Black-Owned Businesses
Along your historical journey, be sure to visit some of Delaware’s black owned businesses. Browse this list of just a handful of the must-try restaurants, trendy stores and good-for-the-soul spots.
Desserts by Dana - Bakery
Wilmington
Delaware's "King of Cakes” is an artist of creatively inspired sweet treats, and winner of TV’s “Cake Boss: Next Great Baker.”
Drop Squad Kitchen
Wilmington Riverfront
This “unapologetically vegan” favorite specializes in made-from-scratch, plant-based recipes, each with its own multicultural influence or story.
Green Box Kitchen - Vegan Restaurant
Wilmington
A bright and flavor-filled spot offering smoothies, açaí bowls, cold pressed juices, and other plant-based fresh foods.
Milk & Honey Coffee - Coffee Shop & Art Gallery
Wilmington
A sweet spot to admire art and sip on freshly brewed coffee.
Morgan's of Delaware - Women's Boutique
Wilmington
Look fabulous with a style of uptown elegance and a downtown edge.
Pop In Artisan Pops
Middletown
These ice pops are handcrafted daily in small batches, with quality ingredients. Gluten Free and Vegan options. Family owned and operated.
Kee's Cookies & Cupcakes - Bakery
Clayton
This Central Delaware favorite specializes in “family recipes with a twist,” served with "a pinch of quality and a scoop of creativity by a passionate individual.”
Suds & Company - Handcrafted Soap & Gift Store
Dover
All natural, handcrafted body bars are the highlight of this shop nestled in the historic streets of downtown Dover.
Aunt Mary’s Kitchen - Soulfood & Crab House
Milford and Dover
The cooks at Aunt Mary’s Kitchen bring the soul to every one of their recipes. Try crab cake egg rolls, peach funnel cake fries, deep-fried corn on the cob, and more.
Southern Grille of Ellendale - Home Cooking
Ellendale
The very best of home cooking and comfort food. Homemade pies, chicken and dumplings, and sweet potato souffle are just a few of the menu items that locals rave over for this sweet spot.
Summer J Artisan Ice Pops
Lewes
Savor the taste of summer with an icy fruit pop from Summer J Pops. Available for delivery and special event batches.
