Black History Month

As a community dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month each year by fostering and sharing the history, achievements and contributions of African Americans in Fredericksburg and beyond.

We invite you to celebrate with us in our local Black history here in Fredericksburg. Share in our notable Black American stories. Support our local Black-owned businesses. Find events and ways to get involved. 

About Black History Month

Black History Month, an annual month-long celebration, taking place each February is a time to recognize the central role of Blacks in U.S. history as well as achievements of African Americans and their contributions to America’s culture.  

Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week” founded by Harvard- trained African American historian Carter G. Woodson. Formally recognized as a national celebration in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, every U.S. president since has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.  

Black History is American History. 

It is an integral part of our collective past and present. Fredericksburg has an important Black history, which may be explored through our many historic sites and stories captured through tours and educational experiences provided below. 

Local Events and Walking Tours

Fredericksburg Visitor Center

Black History Month 2023 

James Farmer Multicultural Center

Engage and Learn

Support Black-Owned Businesses in the City 

Learn about the triumphs and struggles of African Americans in the Fredericksburg area.

Visit Historic Wayside Panels

Learn from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library - African American History

Experience African American History in Fredericksburg 

FXBG Diverse City showcases local business with a diverse and multicultural background. 

2023 Black History Month Theme

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) provides a theme to focus the attention of the public. The 2023 theme is “Black Resistance.”  Please click here to visit Black History Month Themes on ASALH.org

Information and Resources

African American History Month - The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. Online events and more are available on this website. Read More »

Virginia Black History Month Association (VaBHMA)

Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) - Black History Themes

History.com - Black History Month facts, origins, themes and more.