Celebrate Black History Month in LYH! Here are the events happening in LYH:
We will continue to update and add more events to this list as information becomes available
Barbershop Talks – February 4th
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. @ Williams Barbershop 2108 12th Street, Lynchburg
Barbers are leaders and they are the ones that our young men listen and talk to. We will be having Barbershop Talks at different barbershops and will be bringing various leaders
from the community to have a conversation with these young men while they get their haircut. We also desire to bring this to the Beauty Salons. Our target is 13-24 year old’s.
We will pay for your haircut. We Love You and want to save our youth from the streets and the bad things that happen in the streets.
The University of Lynchburg’s Museum of Art and Randolph College’s Museum of Art “Legacy: Celebrating African American Creativity in Central Virginia Through Art” – Open Today – February 28th
A joint art exhibition featuring work by or about African Americans will be on display at both the Maier and the Daura, while also raising funds as part of the Legacy Museum’s anniversary year goal. The exhibition is split between the two schools and runs through Feb. 28, when the Daura Museum will host a closing reception.
An Evening with Big Read Author Yaa Gyasi – February 5th
7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. @ Sweet Briar College Mary Helen Cochran Library Nelson Seminar, room 105 134 Chapel Road, Sweet Briar, VA
Amherst Glebe Arts Response (AGAR) and the Sweet Briar College Writers Series present an evening with Yaa Gyasi, author of the Big Read novel Homegoing. This free event is open to the public.
Legacy Museum of African American History – February 5th
2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. @ 403 Monroe
AARP Virginia tour of the Museum Guests are invited to spend the afternoon with us as we receive a guided tourToday, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions and programs documenting all aspects of local African American history and culture, from the first arrival of Africans in Central Virginia to present day. AARP Virginia will provide complimentary passes for all registered guests. Registration is required and spots are limited, so reserve your spot today!
Contact Info:1-866-542-8164 VAAARP@aarp.org
Academy Center of the Arts First Fridays: “Ann White Academy Gallery” – February 7th
5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. @ Academy Center of the Arts
Celebrating the life and legacy of Violet Mitchell, a dynamic African-American art collector whose passion for the arts continues to inspire! This retrospective offers an opportunity to view and acquire pieces that embody her deep appreciation for artistic expression and artists from the African Diaspora.
Academy Center of the Arts Music Hall: “For the Love of Black” – February 7th
8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. @ The Music Hall @ 722 Commerce Street
Cost: $10
academycenter.org – tickets
Celebrate love, culture, and unity with an unforgettable night of music, vibes, and community, hosted by DJ Swirlout. This tribute to Black excellence is more than a party—it’s a celebration of resilience and joy.
Black History at Old City Cemetery – February 8th
1:00 P.M. @ 401 Taylor Street
Cost: $10 per person
Join Historian Judi Harvey in the Chapel to discover the Black history found in Old City Cemetery. Of all those buried there, 2/3 were African Americans, ranging from the enslaved, to hard working laborers, to community activists, University founders, and political leaders. Get tickets at https://oldcitycemetery.ticketspice.com/black-history-at-occ
Academy Center of the Arts Historic Academy: The Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters – February 9th
4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. @ Historic Academy Theatre
Cost: $20 – $67
Step back in time with hits like “Under the Boardwalk,” “The Great Pretender,” and “Yakety Yak.” It’s not just a concert—it’s a party that salutes the icons of Rock & Roll and Doo Wop
Academy Center for the Arts Music Hall: Isaac J. Williams Trio – February 14th
8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. @ The Music Hall @ 722 Commerce Street
Cost: $20 – $23
Experience the soulful melodies of Isaac J. Williams, a Lynchburg native, who brings his passion for music and community back to the Academy Center stage.
Old City Cemetery “Honoring Black History: A Walking Tour of Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery” – February 20
2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. @ 401 Taylor Street
AARP tour led by a staff historian will include discussion of African burial in addition to making participants aware of notable African Americans buried in the cemetery. Unique gravesites, horticulture and artistry will also be seen along the way. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. AARP will provide free entrance, water and snacks to all who register in advance. Spots are limited and registration is required, so secure your spot today!
Academy Center of the Arts Music Hall: R&B Showcase – February 21st
8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. @ The Music Hall @ 722 Commerce Street
Cost: $7 – $10
Take a musical journey through a century of R&B classics with a tribute to legends like Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, and SWV. Sing along and celebrate the rhythms that shaped American music!
Black Alumnae and Alumni Weekend 2025 – February 21 – February 23
@ Randolph College
Join us on campus for a weekend of community, networking, fellowship, and fun. All alumnae and alumni are welcome. If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Office of Alumnae and Alumni Relations at alumoffice@randolphcollege.edu or 434.947.8102.
LAYSi Lynchburg Unity Walk & Celebration: “African Americans and Labor,” – February 22
11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Begins and ends at the roundabout at 5th and Federal Streets.
The walk will kick off at 11 a.m.
Activities will continue until 1pm.
The Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative (LAYSi) is thrilled to invite the community to the Annual Unity Walk & Celebration. This year’s celebration will focus on honoring the legacy of Black workers who have shaped our nation The walk features a special stop at Old City Cemetery for a historical reenactment and storytelling session where participants will learn more about Lottie Payne Stratton, also known as Miss Boonie, as portrayed by Lynchburg local and talented actress, Temika Younger.
Here’s what you can expect:
A lively block party: Enjoy live music by DJ MADLAD, refreshments provided by The Yard on 5th Restaurant, and engaging educational activities for all ages.
Family fun for everyone: Games, activities, exciting giveaways, and raffles with over $2000 in prizes!
Local performers: Watch local dance groups showcase their skills.
Inspiring guest speakers: Gain insights into local history and culture.
A chance to connect: Meet and greet with local leaders, neighbors, and fellow community members.
LAYSi Lynchburg Unity Walk and Celebration; Photo from 2024
CVCC Student Center “Celebrating Black History: The Legacy of Black Churches and Gospel Music in Lynchburg” – February 27, 2025
12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. @ Central Virginia Community College
CVCC will be hosting a presentation highlighting the significance of the Black Churches and sharing how they have been an integral part of the rich Black History of Lynchburg,
specifically through the musical expression of the Gospel Choir. This event will feature presentations from Dr. Muriel Mickles on the Hidden Meanings of Negro Spirituals, Rev. Jones discussing the history of Black Churches in Lynchburg, and Mable Franklin will be performing songs alongside her choir. Light refreshments will also be provided.
2025 Minority Business Expo: “Building Communities Through Partnerships” – February 28, 2025
2:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. @ University of Lynchburg Hall Campus Memorial Ballroom 501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg
The University of Lynchburg’s African American Affinity Group (AAAG) would like to invite you to participate in our 2025 Minority Business Expo, “Building Communities
Through Partnerships.” The Expo’s purpose is to highlight minority owned businesses! As a vendor, you will have the opportunity to connect with participants by showcasing your products, services, and new developments in your business. We also welcome anyone who would like to serve as a sponsor.
Contact us @ aaag@lynchburg.edu if you have any questions or concerns.
Academy Center of the Arts: The Family Reunion – March 8, April 12, May 24
7:00 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. @ Historic Academy Theatre
Cost: $35
Prepare for an evening filled with astonishing singing, captivating drama, and an inspirational message that will leave you reflecting on the importance of family.
Ticketing Office at (434) 846-8499
Black County: An Erased History Made Visible and Audible with Alice Randall – March 18th
6:00 P.M. @ Randolph College 2500 Rivermont Avenue
