February marks Black History Month in the United States. This year, let Black History Month serve as a reminder to support Black-owned businesses and learn about Black history all year long. Scroll on to learn how to celebrate Black history in Albany during the month of February and beyond.
Join the New York State Library for an Online Presentation
On February 14, the New York State Library will share an online presentation on The Handbook of Black Librarianship - Past, Present, and Future. A recently published third edition of this 1977 handbook builds upon previous content with over 70 new essays on Vital Issues, Service to Our Communities, Banned Books and Censorship and more. The book's intended to "provide reference information on the relationship of Afro-Americans to various aspects of librarianship and libraries." It provides resources for developing African/Afro-American collections, program guidance for serving Black youth, essays from Black educators and more.
Join the City of Albany in a Celebration for Black History Month
Stop by the Arbor Hill Community Center on February 15 for a Black History Month celebration from the City of Albany Department of Recreation. This fun-filled event will feature local performers, poets, dancers. choirs and vendors.
Catch a Performance by the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY
There's still time to catch a performance of Once on This Island presented by Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY. This coming-of-age musical is based on the novel “My Love, My Love,” a Caribbean-set retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” The show runs through February 16.
Beyond the month of February, grab tickets for BTTUNY's next performance Eclipsed. The story follows five Liberian women and their tale of survival near the end of the Second Liberian Civil War. It runs May 29 to June 8.
All performances are held at Capital Repertory Theatre.
Attend New York State Museum's Black History Month Events
On February 18, visit the New York State Museum for a free, special screening of "The Niagra Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights," focused on the formation and impact of the first civil rights movement at the turn of the 20th century.
Then on February 19, join the museum for a free, family-friendly program: Rhythms of the Diaspora: Drumming and Dance with Jordan Tayor Hill. This event features a dynamic drumming performance showcasing traditional and contemporary rhythms from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond followed by an interactive workshop.
Visit the Empire State Plaza for a Black History Month Celebration
Visit Empire State Plaza at lunchtime on February 19 for their Black History Month Celebration! This free event features delicious food, exhibits, food and shopping vendors, and live music. Don't miss a performance by pianist, composer and arranger Sharp Radway, and tasty food available for purchase from Allie B's Cozy Kitchen.
Historic Cherry Hill Offers New Tour Experience Honoring Black History
On February 22, Historic Cherry Hill celebrates Black History Month by introducing visitors to the stories of Black individuals who once lived in the historic home. On-the-hour tours feature stories of historical figures such as Dinah Jackson, a formerly enslaved women, and her descendants who lived and worked on the property.
The centerpiece of Historic Cherry Hill's 2025-2026 programming will focus on The World of James Knapp, a descendent of Jackson.
Attend Schuyler Mansion's February Focus Tours
On Tuesdays and Saturdays this month, the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site will lead visitors on tours entitled Hear Them Now: Stories of the Enslaved at Schuyler Mansion. These tours will focus on the personal lives and experiences of individuals who were once enslaved by the Schuyler family.
Visit Ten Broeck Mansion for Programming This Month and Beyond
Ten Broeck Mansion is hosting a series of programming honoring Black history this month and beyond including:
- A Hudson Valley Reckoning: Online Book and Family History Discussion (March 19 & March 26)
- Also Here: The Enslaved and Servants at Ten Broeck Mansion (June 11)
- Juneteenth Weekend Celebrating Rossanna Vosburgh (June 14 & June 15)
- Living History: Foods of Africa/Archaeology Day (June 14)
- Immersion Tours: Freedom & Opportunity in Albany (June 19)
Albany Barn's 5th Annual Black Art Exhibition
Throughout March, visit the Albany Barn for Our Story: Unsealed Voices and Spirits. In partnership with Black Dimensions in Art, Inc., the exhibition features "artists’ expression and contemplation during this time of difficulty in the world."
Visit for the opening reception on March 7, or view the exhibit during gallery hours on March 20 and March 27. Can't make these dates? Book an appointment to view the exhibition by emailing christie@albanybarn.org.
Visit the Underground Railroad Education Center
During the month of February, schedule a tour of the Stephen & Harriet Myers Residence, operated by the Underground Railroad Education Center (UREC). This historic site reflects Underground Railroad history from the perspective of Stephen Myers, a man formally enslaved, and from the perspective of Black abolitionists. Stephen & Harriet Myers were the central Underground Railroad activists in the Capital Region during the 1850s and welcomed freedom seekers to their home. Before visiting, call (518) 621-7793 to schedule a tour on Monday through Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM or Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
View the NYS Capitol's 2025 Black History Month Exhibition
Visit the New York State Capitol Building at the Empire State Plaza and view their exhibition "Fight or Be Slaves" A. Philip Randolph and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters on display through the end of February. This exhibit honors the 2025 Black History Month theme "African Americans and Labor," celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first Black union in the US to be recognized by the American Federation of Labor.
Explore the New York State Museum's Collections
In recognition of Black History Month, the New York State Museum developed a resource page for students, educators and the general public. Dive into online educator guides, museum research, access to digital collections and more.
On view at the museum is Black Capital: Harlem in the 1920s celebrating the rich and diverse culture of Harlem, a flourishing center for Black culture, art and music.
Dive into Albany's Black History at Historic Sites & Monuments
View Ten Broeck Mansion's online exhibition (Extra)Ordinary: Images of Everyday Life in Albany. The videos offer a behind-the-scenes exploration of seemingly ordinary images within the collections. The first session titled, "Hannah's Family: African American Family Identity in Albany", is in honor of Black History Month. The series explores identity, emotions, values, and politics, all through images which reveal rich and complex stories. The Albany County Historical Society also recently received a grant from the National Archives. This grant will allow the organization to locate and study documents related to African Americans in Albany from 1644 to 1817 and help tell stories that are often untold.
Albany Rural Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark site, is filled with stories of Albany's African American history. In 2020, the long lost headstone of Reverend Nathaniel Paul was rediscovered by Friends of Albany Rural Cemetery Historian Paula Lemire and gravestone restorer Christopher White. Rev. Nathanial Paul was the first African American minister in Albany and was the founding pastor of what would become the First African Baptist Church. Stephen and Harriet Myers are cemetery residents, as well as their descendant William “Beau” Freeman, who fought alongside Sgt. Henry Johnson in the Harlem Hellfighters. Albany Rural is also the final resting place for Kenmore Hotel founder Adam Blake, whose formerly enslaved father was the head of the household at the Van Rensselaer Manor. Follow Albany Rural Cemetery on Facebook for more fascinating stories.
One of Albany's greatest war heroes, Sgt. Henry Johnson, has a monument in Albany's Henry Johnson Park and Washington Park. Henry Johnson was an African American U.S. Army soldier who fought heroically in the 369th Infantry Regiment, called the Harlem Hellfighters, in World War I. His heroic actions were recognized by the French with a Croix de guerre. Johnson was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama posthumously in 2015. Learn more about Sgt. Henry Johnson by downloading a free copy of a “Medal of Honor: Henry Johnson” graphic novel from the Association of the United States Army or by tuning into WMHT's documentary on the local hero.
Support Black-Owned Restaurants & Black-Owned Businesses
Support Black-owned restaurants and businesses in the Capital Region all year long! Umana Yana Restaurant specializes in comfort food from around the world. Allie B's Cozy Kitchen is Albany's go-to spot for soul food and southern-style cuisine. Get your sweet fix with handcrafted chocolate covered fruit from TieBerrySweets, booze-infused cakes from GreatExbaketations, or delicious bakery items from Nelly's Treats.
Fresh & Fly Clothing sells clothes and accessories for men, women and children. Root3d is a wellness center, designed to recharge the mind, body and spirit, with a focus on BIPOC communities. Skin Deep Naturals serves Albany County with easy-to-use, natural products and offers soap-making classes.
Lists of Local Black-Owned Businesses:
Black-Owned Restaurant & Bakeries in Albany (Discover Albany)
Black-Owned Businesses & Organizations in Albany (Discover Albany)
A Guide to Black-Owned Businesses and Black-Led Organizations (Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy)
Black-Owned Businesses in Downtown (Downtown Albany BID)
50+ Black-Owned Capital Region Businesses (Instagram: @yelpalbany)
Pick Up a Book from Stuyvesant Plaza's Little Free Library
Stuyvesant Plaza is celebrating Black History Month by featuring stories surrounding Black individuals and communities in their little free library. Grab a book from the library's new location near the measuring stick art installation on the south side of the plaza.
