Black History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the people, stories, and culture that have shaped Kansas City into the city it is today. From historic institutions and creative spaces to local businesses and community-led events, Black history is deeply woven into Kansas City’s identity year-round. This guide highlights meaningful ways to engage, learn, and support throughout the month, whether you’re attending a special event, visiting a cultural landmark, or spending time at a locally owned business.
Speciale evenementen
Free Entry to the NLBM – All Month
Each February, in honor of Black History Month, the Kansas City Royals Foundation sponsors free admission to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, inviting visitors to learn about a league that was founded and headquartered in Kansas City, making the city the central hub for Black professional baseball during segregation.
Located in the 18th & Vine Jazz District, the museum features a self-guided timeline of exhibits, artifacts, photographs, film presentation, and the Field of Legends display, highlighting the players, teams, and stories that defined the Negro Leagues and their lasting impact on both the sport and American history.
Reclaiming the Canvas | A tribute to 100 Years of Black History Month at Zhou B. Arts Center – 2/7
Hosted by the Zhou B. Arts Center, this immersive program explores the past, present, and future of Black History through artistic expression. The event is both a celebration and remembrance, using visual art, live music, spoken word, and dance to examine how Black stories have been preserved, reclaimed, and reinterpreted over the last century. This immersive experience invites attendees to reflect, connect, and feel the energy of Black creativity as it continues to evolve. By centering creativity as a form of education, the experience offers meaningful context on the cultural, social, and artistic contributions that continue to shape Black culture and history today.
Modern Night at the Gem 2026 – 2/14
Held at the historic Gem Theater, Modern Night is an annual choreographer’s showcase that celebrates contemporary and modern dance works from the region’s most talented choreographers. The program gives audiences the opportunity to learn more about choreography as a discipline, highlighting how new works are developed, structured, and performed on stage. The evening also includes performances by City in Motion’s Young Choreographer’s Showcase, a program in which young dancers ages 15–21 participate in a workshop that provides education on choreographic methods and mentorship.
Reel Black Film Festival – 2/20-2/21
Presented by Kansas City PBS, the Reel Black Film Festival showcases a selection of films created by Black filmmakers, offering audiences the chance to engage with stories that highlight lived experiences, history, and contemporary perspectives through film. Held annually during Black History Month in the 18th & Vine District, the festival pairs screenings with opportunities for discussion and connection, helping viewers better understand the role of Black storytelling in film and media.
POP IS BLACK: A Concert with KC’s Top Black Pop Artists – 2/28
Hosted by the Zhou B Art Center KC, POP IS BLACK is a live concert event highlighting the range of pop and pop-adjacent music created by black artists in Kansas City. Featuring performances across hip-hop, rap, pop, R&B and genre-bending styles, the program offers insight into how contemporary Black musicians shape today’s sound and culture. Attendees can learn more about the diversity of Black pop music in the region and the creative influences driving these artists, making it an engaging way to explore modern musical expression during Black History Month.
Openbare Bibliotheek van Kansas City
All nine branches of the Kansas City Public Library will host a slew of events during February, including movie and documentary screenings at the Central Library’s Film Vault, an author talk with National Book Award winner Imani Perry, special exhibits, children’s activities and more.
Support
Coffee & beverages
Good Karma Coffee
Good Karma Coffee is a café in Midtown Kansas City known for thoughtfully crafted coffee, creative seasonal drinks and a welcoming and community-driven atmosphere. The space also features products from other Black-owned brands, making it a great stop to support local creatives while enjoying a quality cup of coffee.
Kinship Café
Kinship Café is a coffee shop and roastery rooted in bringing quality coffee and community together. Visitors can enjoy thoughtfully crafted coffee made with beans sourced from Black-equity farmers around the world, while also supporting local BIPOC businesses through the café’s rotating selection of products and events.
Vine Street Brewing Co.
Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery, located in the historic 18th & Vine District. Opened in 2023, Vine Street Brewing Co. occupies a beautifully restored limestone building and offers a welcoming taproom with creative craft beers on tap. The space often hosts live music and community events that celebrate culture and inclusivity.
Brain Freeze Mobiele Daiquiri
Brain Freeze Mobile Daiquiri is a mobile drink service bringing refreshing frozen drinks to events, festivals, and gatherings around Kansas City. In addition to classic daiquiris, the menu includes non-alcoholic options, making it a fun stop for all ages. With creative flavors and a vibrant setup, it’s an easy way to support a local business while enjoying a cool treat around town.
Dineren
Unie op de heuvel
Located in the heart of Union Hill, Union on the Hill serves a creative take on all-American cuisine. From standout brunch items to seafood, steaks, and hand-crafted cocktails, Union on the Hill is a stylish yet welcoming setting perfect for gatherings with friends or family.
Orange by Devoured
Orange by Devoured is a Black-owned pizzeria in Kansas City’s Martini Corner that evolved from a beloved local pop-up into a permanent pizza destination. Chef and owner Jhy Coulter serves creative “neo-Neapolitan” pizzas and Spanish-inspired small plates featuring bold flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else in town.
Stedelijk restaurant
Urban Restaurant on Troost is a Black-owned neighborhood favorite known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and comfort-driven menu. Guests enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes that blend familiar favorites with fresh, flavorful twists — from hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunch and dinner options.
Black Garlic
Black Garlic, formerly known as Mesob, is a Black-owned Kansas City restaurant offering a unique fusion of Ethiopian and Caribbean cuisines. Guests can enjoy authentic dishes like injera paired with a variety of traditional stews and vegetable plates, all made with bold spices and care.
Bosslady Famous Shrimp
Boss Lady Shrimp, LLC is known for bold, flavorful shrimp dishes and seafood creations that elevate classic Southern comfort flavors. Whether at pop-ups or local events, Boss Lady Shrimp serves up standout shrimp plates, po’boys, and more with house-made seasonings and sauces.
Winkelen
Hemels Geur Collectief
Heaven Scent Collective is a candle store and fragrance studio in the Crossroads Arts District where visitors can shop luxury home fragrance and body care products made in small batches with essential oils, soy wax, and wooden wicks. In addition to picking up ready-made candles and sprays, guests can enjoy interactive experiences like crafting personalized candles at the Candle Bar.
Bliss Books & Wine
Bliss Books & Wine is a cozy bookstore and wine bar located near Martini Corner in Kansas City, where visitors can browse a curated selection of books while sipping a glass of wine. The space also hosts author events, book clubs, and community gatherings, making it a great spot to relax, discover new reads, and enjoy a laid-back evening with friends.
Someday Sunday
Someday Sunday is a Kansas City–based skincare brand offering nourishing products like body butters, lip balms, and other moisturizing essentials designed for everyday use. Made with care and focused on hydration and skin health, the line is a great stop for anyone looking for thoughtfully crafted self-care products.
Groups to join
Run it BlacKC Run Club
Run It BlaKC is a community-focused run club that welcomes runners, joggers, and walkers of all paces with an emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Founded by local runner Najai “Jai” Southall, the group offers regularly scheduled group runs and an encouraging, inclusive atmosphere. The club also builds community off the pavement with post-run social time and a welcoming vibe that helps people meet new friends.
Black Pickleball Club of KC
The Black Pickleball Club of KC is a fun, community‑centered group bringing players of all experience levels together on the court. Founded by Kansas City firefighter Brandon Jackson, the Black Pickleball Club of KC began as a lighthearted TikTok moment that quickly went viral and grew into a vibrant community. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, the club offers an inviting space to learn, play, and connect.
The Mainstreet Movie Club
Founded by Kansas City rapper The Royal Chief, The Mainstreet Movie Club began as a TikTok idea and quickly grew into a vibrant community space for movie lovers. Meeting monthly at local theaters, the club brings people together not just to watch films, but to connect, share perspectives, and spark meaningful conversations that continue long after the credits roll. It’s all about building community through cinema — one screening, one discussion, and one new connection at a time.
Places to Visit
Negro Leagues Honkbalmuseum
For the fifth year, the Kansas City Royals Foundation will provide free admission to the
Amerikaans Jazzmuseum
With its roots in Black culture, jazz is infused in America’s DNA, playing a large part in many social movements, developments and events for over 100 years. Explore it all – including how famous Black musicians like Charlie Parker and Ella Fitzgerald led the way and how jazz has impacted Kansas City – at the American Jazz Museum in KC’s historic 18th and Vine District.
Zwarte archieven van Midden-Amerika
Also located in the 18th and Vine District, the Black Archives of Mid-America holds one of the largest collections of Midwestern Black memorabilia. Visitors can browse exhibits filled with artifacts, oral histories and business records featuring local leaders, organizations and neighborhoods at this free museum. The Black Archives will also host its annual Black History Luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Stichting Onderlinge Muzikanten
Brush up on local jazz history during museum hours or enjoy a jam session on the weekend at the Mutual Musicians Foundation. It was once home to the Black Musicians Union Local 627 and was the center of the development of the “Kansas City style” of jazz. Musicians regularly gathered at the Local 627 after their gigs to exchange ideas and play together. Today, those late-night jam sessions continue every weekend from 1:30-5 a.m. With over 100 years of history, the Mutual Musicians Foundation holds the distinction as the longest-running jazz venue in the world.
Kansas City Vrienden van Alvin Ailey
Famed dancer, choreographer and activist Alvin Ailey created the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to support Black artists and share the African American experience through dance. His company’s second home is located here in Kansas City, where leaders work to make dance accessible to all people. This Black History Month, KC Friends of Alvin Ailey will present “Setting the Stage: A Journey Through African American Dance” on Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Gem Theater.
