On Jan. 30, the Pierce County Council proclaimed February 2024 as Black History Month in Pierce County.

This year, the Council is celebrating “African Americans and the Arts,” which recognizes the impact Black Americans have had on visual arts, movements, music and literature, and that art is instrumental to preserving our culture and traditions and empowering communities.

In that spirit, the Council presented this year’s proclamation to Mari Griffin, creator of the Black Night Market. The innovative market space showcases Black, Indigenous and People of Color-owned businesses and visual and performing artists.

Celebrate and commemorate

Looking for a way to honor the achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual and political development? Here are a few ways to celebrate Black History Month in Pierce County:

• • Feb. 1-29: Black Artists Exhibition, Tacoma Community College Gallery, Feb. 1-29. The exhibition features 22 artists and highlights Black creators in our community. Learn more

• • Feb. 3: Black History Celebration, People’s Community Center. This annual free and family-friendly event features entertainment, guest speakers, art activities, community resources and more. Learn more

• • Feb. 4: Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts film screening and Q&A, Eagle’s Pride Golf Course, DuPont. This award-winning documentary explores the role played by the Buffalo Soldiers throughout American history, with particular emphasis on the settling of the American west. A Q&A with filmmaker Dru Holley will follow the screening. Learn more

• • Feb. 17: Inaugural Black Business Brunch: An Empowering, Networking Event, Tacoma Armory. Connect and network with local business artists, artists and community members. Brunch includes a buffet, interactive networking games, empowerment speakers, live performances and more. Learn more

• • Feb. 18: A Celebration of Black History & Labor, Foss Waterway. Honor and celebrate the accomplishments of Black laborers in Tacoma; a working town built that much stronger by the ingenuity and grit of our Black community members. All friends of labor welcome. Learn more

• • Feb. 24: Third Annual Black History Month Market, Mount Tahoma High School. Support local businesses, performing artists and food trucks at this free and family-friendly event. Learn more

• • Various month-long events through Tacoma Public Library. Several events are scheduled throughout the month, including book discussions, artist spotlights and family activities. Learn more