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St. Petersburg Celebrates Black History Month with Flag Ceremony

St. Petersburg's City Hall adorned with the flag honoring Black History Month, as community members gather to celebrate.

News Summary

St. Petersburg, Florida, launched Black History Month 2025 with a flag-raising ceremony led by Mayor Ken Welch. The event honored Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of Black History Month. The community gathered to celebrate the contributions of African Americans. Various events are scheduled throughout the month at the Woodson African American Museum, including trivia nights, art exhibits, and festivals, fostering a deeper appreciation of Black culture and history.

St. Petersburg Kicks Off Black History Month with Meaningful Flag Ceremony

St. Petersburg, Florida, is alive with celebration as February ushers in Black History Month 2025. To kick off this special month, local officials, led by Mayor Ken Welch, gathered outside City Hall on a bright Friday afternoon to raise a flag honoring the remarkable Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The event featured not only the flag raising but also a heartfelt focus on the legacy of Dr. Woodson, who is celebrated as the founder of Black History Month back in 1926.

Celebrating Dr. Woodson’s Legacy

The flag, symbolizing the significance of Black history, will proudly wave from the City Hall flagpole throughout February. This is a beautiful reminder that Black history matters and is an essential part of American history. It’s heartwarming to see a community come together to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of African Americans over the years.

Mayor Welch’s message resonated with everyone present as he strongly emphasized that the rich tapestry of Black history is woven into the story of America itself. The city’s own African American history museum, named after Dr. Woodson, stands testament to this belief, making it a focal point for the month’s activities.

Exciting Events at the Woodson Museum

Speaking of activities, the Woodson African American Museum located at 2240 9th Avenue S will be buzzing with events this month. Attendees can look forward to a whole lineup of engaging experiences that celebrate Black culture and history. One highlight is the public unveiling of a stunning sculpture titled “Harriet Tubman: The Beacon of Hope” in the museum’s Legacy Garden. This remarkable piece is on loan from Wofford Sculpture Studio in North Carolina, offering a glimpse into the historical significance of Harriet Tubman’s contributions.

Mark your calendars for Black History Trivia Night on Wednesday at 6 p.m. This fun-filled event welcomes everyone with free admission and the chance to win prizes while testing your knowledge about Black history. It’s a perfect way to engage with the community while learning something new.

Festival Fun and Artistic Expressions

On February 15th, don’t miss the vibrant Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Woodson. This festival promises not only delicious food but also an opportunity to celebrate the culinary traditions rooted in African American culture.

Art enthusiasts can enjoy a treat as the museum co-sponsors the exhibit “iMAGINE NATION”, showcasing works from talented young St. Pete artist Jabari “iBOMS” Reed from February 20 to May 10 at Creative Pinellas. This is a fantastic platform for budding artists to shine and showcase their creativity to the community.

Performances and Documentary Screenings

Another captivating performance is set for February 11 with a one-night-only reprise of Bob Devin Jones’ choreopoem “Until the River Never Grieves” at the Dali Museum. This is followed by the spoken word program “Black History They Don’t Want You to Know”, presented by Lance Felton on February 12 and 13 at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa—two events that promise to provoke thought and inspire storytelling.

On February 19, Dr. Basha P. Jordan, Jr. will delve into the historical depth of his book “The Legacy of Elder Jordan Sr.: From Slavery to Philanthropy” at Tombolo Books. This book encapsulates the journey from struggle to success, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in learning more about this important subject matter.

Additionally, history buffs won’t want to miss the preview of the documentary “Razed,” focused on the history of the Gas Plant neighborhood, which takes place on February 11 at Tombolo Books and premieres on February 22 at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.

Finally, finish the month on a high note with the “Moments in Black Film” event on February 27 at St. Petersburg City Theatre. This exciting gathering will feature both screenings and live entertainment, ensuring a grand finale to an enriching and vibrant month of celebration.

In St. Petersburg, February is a time to reflect, celebrate, and honor the contributions of Black Americans to our shared history. With a community so spirited and supportive, it’s sure to be a memorable Black History Month for all!