I Am Not Your Negro is out in Houston and you should see it, *especially* if you’re less familiar with the legacy of James Baldwin. It’s only showing at the River Oaks Theatre. Next up: John Wick 2. And the easiest way to get these is my newsletter.

Sources: IMDB and The Good Men Project

1. UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Monday, February 13, 2017 – Monday, February 22, 2017

The University of Houston is having programming throughout the month including African Rhythms, a documentary about the first World Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar, to a lecture about the Wilmington Ten and black politics in the 1970s on Thursday. TSU is also having a screening of the phenomenal film Moonlight on Thursday. Learn more here.

2. TAILORED WEDNESDAYS FEAT SOULONE

Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Tailored Wednesdays quickly became one of my favorite nights with amazing music played by Video DJ Sly Foxx and local artists and DJs featured from throughout Houston. This week DJ SoulOne will be spinning as well at Houston’s oldest bar. There’s free food with your drink purchase and no cover. Learn more here. 

3. RO JAMES “XIX TOUR”

Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Singer Ro James is coming to the Studio at Warehouse Live which is one of my favorite concert spaces in the city and much better than the Ballroom. You’ve heard his song Permission. Tickets are $24 in advance and the show begins at 8 p.m. with Candice Boyd opening. Learn more here. 

4. ONE HOUSTON ISSUES ASSEMBLY

Thursday, February 16, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

ONE Houston is an organization of volunteers working to create greater educational equity in Houston. As a result of their advocacy, last year Houston ISD passed a PK-2 suspension ban and reduced an alternative school contract by $3 million. If you’re interested in getting involved this issues assembly is where the next areas of focus will be identified. It’s free and dinner is provided. Learn more here. 

5. 7TH ANNUAL HOUSTON BLACK LEADERSHIP FORUM

Thursday, February 16, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Do you remember the black couple who spent a year patronizing only black businesses? The wife, Maggie Anderson, is the featured speaker at this annual forum organized by the Greater Houston Black Chamber and Houston chapter of the National Black MBA Association that gathers Houston’s black professional community. Learn more here. 

6. JUICY J – THE RUBBA BAND BUSINESS TOUR WITH PROJECT PAT

Friday, February 17, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

You know who Juicy J and Project Pat are. If you’re a fan of Memphis music as you should be, you know $31 is a steal to see both of these acts together. Belly is also coming on as an opener for the show that starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here. 

7. THE ALLEY THEATRE X THE HUE PRESENT: TOP BILLIN’

Saturday, February 18, 2017, 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Hip hop group The Hue (this song is a favorite) is putting on this show that connects our local theater scene with the hip hop scene. It’s free with RSVP and you can also get discounted tickets to see Syncing Ink, a story about a man learning to love hip hop. Learn more here. 

8. 2ND ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY PARADE

Saturday, February 18, 2017, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

This parade, organized by local publication the Houston Sun will have a wide variety of participants from throughout Houston’s Black communities and floats sharing knowledge about Black history and culture. Learn more here. 

9. ANNUAL 10X10 HARDY & NANCE ART SHOW

Saturday, February 18, 2017, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

This huge art show focuses on encouraging art collection by bringing dozens of artists to show 10×10-sized works priced at $100 or less. Last year over 1000 people attended this free event. Learn more here. 

10. HSPVA BLACK HISTORY PRODUCTION: SOUL OF THE 70’S

Thursday, February 16, 2017 – Sunday, February 19, 2017

Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts is having its annual black history production which is about soul music from the 1970’s. HSPVA’s shows are pretty popular so you should get tickets early which range from $15-25. Learn more here. 

BONUS

• Tuesday – Valentine’s Day Bottomless Tacos at El Big Bad
• Tuesday – The dopeART show [Valentine’s Day Edition]
• Wednesday – Kinder Institute Forum: Governor Martin O’Malley (fmr Gov. of MD and fmr Mayor of Baltimore)
• Thursday – West African Film Festival
• Friday – Town Hall Forum on Protecting Marginalized Communities
• Saturday – Art Talk Presents Stop Traffic Party (party to fight human trafficking)
• Sunday – B. Nektar Meadery Rollout

Are you getting these directly in your inbox yet? Subscribe to my newsletter! And see the full calendar at MerlexPicks.com.