CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Chesterfield County is celebrating Black History Month with a series of events dedicated to recognizing Black businesses and culture, including a fair for Central Virginia entrepreneurs on Saturday.
The Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beulah Recreation Center in North Chesterfield aims to celebrate Black-owned businesses in partnership with the Richmond Night Market.
"We have a small business workshop and then the Black History Month Vendor Marketing Fair,” Tonya Leabough, Chesterfield County's Black History Month coordinator, said.
The open-air market is held every second Saturday from April to December at the 17th Street Market.
“It’s a place where families can come out to celebrate the diversity of the arts here in our region,” Melody Short from Richmond Night Market said.
There is live music, a DJ and activities for children so they can get involved with art. We feature live music.
Short emphasized the importance of supporting Black artists and small business owners.
“This is an opportunity for you to be intentional about spending Black with Black artists, Black small business owners and to engage in art with Black artists,” Short explained. "We always feature up to 40 vendors. They're able to sell their pieces and connect with community."
Leabough said the county also has a variety of programs — from music to plays — at recreation and senior centers, libraries and museums.
That includes a performance of “A Loving Community,” a play with music commissioned by Virginia Opera, on Feb. 25 at Chesterfield Baptist Church. The performance includes excerpts from the new opera “Loving v. Virginia,” set to premiere in Richmond in May.
WATCH: What to expect at the Henrico Humane’s Pet Expo at Richmond Raceway Complex
More Events Happening Across Central Virginia:
24th annual Pet Expo to benefit the Henrico Humane Society
Saturday, February 22, 10am - 4pmRichmond Raceway, 600 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA
Pet Expo is a unique indoor event where attendees can bring their pets to enjoy a day of fun and excitement with the entire family! Vendors and exhibitors will be on hand offering a variety of goods and services, including fun activities for your pet!
$8 to $10—$8 online for adults ($10 at the door) $5 kids ages 6-12
CBS 6 Greg McQuade returns as emcee
Details https://www.henricohumane.org/events/petexpo
Chesterfield County Black History Month Events
"Celebration of Black Business Vendor Fair" in partnership with the Richmond Night Market (A List)
Saturday, Feb. 22, 10am – 2pm at Beulah Recreation Center, 6724 Hopkins Rd, North Chesterfield,
“A Loving Community” a play with music commissioned by Virginia Opera – February 25, 2 – 3pm
Chesterfield Baptist Church, 16520 Hull Street Road
“Introduction to African American Genealogy” - Thursday, February 27, 10am - 11:30am
Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Drive, Midlothian,
For other events visit https://www.chesterfield.gov/bhm
City of Petersburg will host a Black History Concert
Friday, February 21, at Petersburg Public Library
Free to attend, doors open at 6:30 pm and the concert at 7:00 pm.
Performances will include Spoken Word, Comedy, and music from Bela Dona.
Saturday, February 22, 1 – 4pm, Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington Street
in partnership with Resist Booksellers, will host the annual Black Authors Book Signing Expo
This event is free to attend and will feature 45 authors
Library of Virginia celebrates Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, the Library of Virginia will present two free events in support of Virginia Opera’s world-premiere production of “Loving v. Virginia.”
“The Constitution and ‘Loving v. Virginia,”
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6pm, at the Library of Virginia
A legal panel discussion exploring the origins, challenges and significance of the 1967 Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court ruling that struck down state laws banning marriage between individuals of different races. Registration is required at https://lva-virginia.libcal.com/event/13375580
Virginia Opera Performance, a performance of "A Loving Community"
March 5, 2pm - 3pm, an educational touring program commissioned by Virginia Opera featuring music and history relevant to the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Excerpts from the world-premiere opera “Loving v. Virginia,” co-commissioned by the Richmond Symphony, will be performed by Virginia Opera’s four Emerging Artists with piano accompaniment. Virginia Opera’s premiere May 9 - 11 at Dominion Energy Center’s Carpenter Theatre.
A free event but registration is required, limited free parking is available underneath the Library, 800 East Broad Street. For more information, contact Anne McCrery at anne.mccrery@lva.virginia.gov or 804-692-3568. Details https://vaopera.org/loving-v-virginia/
Henrico County Black History Month
"Legendary Dance Night" registration required
Sat, Feb 22, 6:30-8:30pm. Eastern Henrico Rec Center. #16509 – Registration required in advance.
Ages 50+. Dance the night away honoring music legends such as Beyoncé, Frankie Beverly, Whitney Houston, and more.
Details cun04@henrico.gov
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Weekly Black History Tours: “A Better Life for Their Children” Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America, guided tours every Saturday during Black History Month
February 22, noon - 12:30 p.m.; https://secure.virginiahistory.org/2949/3334
Speaking engagement: “Julius Rosenwald - Investing in People”
428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220
Details https://virginiahistory.org/
3rd Annual R&B Paint party
Saturday, February 22, 10am - 12pm
9200 Stony Point Parkway, Richmond, VA
A night of music, art, and good vibes.
Details https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-rb-paint-party-tickets-1087059085989
Black History Month Events downtown Ashland
Sunday, February 23 - "Untold Stories"
Six panelists share their stories of living in Hanover/Ashland during the 50s, 60s, and 70s starting at 4 PM in Patrick Henry High School. https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/untoldstories
Saturday, February 28 - "Black Heritage Celebration"
Divine Assist Youth Organization is sponsoring an evening of Black Heritage Celebration a family Affair, to include; Words of Wisdom to the youth by Dr. John Kinney, door prizes, Talent show, youth dance, JBC Drama Ministry skit, resource info & gifts by Ash. Police Dept., and more. Contact Regina Edwards at dreginae@aol.com; details https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/
Model Train Exhibition at Westchester Commons
Saturday, February 22nd 10 am - 3 pm
Westchester Commons at Rte 288 and Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield County
313 Perimeter Drive, Midlothian, VA
Details https://www.vatraincollectors.com/
The Concert Ballet of Virginia presents their Winter Gala 2025
Saturday, February 22, 2025 , 2:30pm & 7pm shows,
Randolph-Macon Center for the Performing Arts, Blackwell Auditorium & Cobb-Kesler Theatre
205 Henry Street, Ashland, VA
Tickets on Eventbrite, details http://concertballet.com/
Men’s Master Summit
Saturday, February 22, Summit 9am – 5pm & Networking 5 – 6pm
VUU Living and Learning Center, Complimentary lunch will be provided for the first 100 registered male guests
Co-Hosts Sheilah Belle & Micah Bam-Bamm White; guest speakers and panelists: VUU President Hakim J. Lucas, Ph. D., Dr. Anthony M. Chandler Sr., Brian Dyer, Lion’s Den, Remedia Pro, LLC., Autie Hines, LifeNet Health, Joe Massie Esq., John Siler, Rise, J.D. Davis, Crusade for Voter, Leon Medley,
Rev. Lance Watson Jr., Rev. Juan Shackelford, and many more.
Details https://www.thebellereport.com/ free registration required
New Date: Generation Dream Collective Healing Circle + Forum - events focused on celebrating culture and inspiring change in our communities
Drums No Guns Foundation, a community based nonprofit organization committed to healing gun violence trauma, social uplift, and restorative justice
Thursday, February 27, 6 - 8 PM
Virginia Union University Living & Learning Center
Generation Dream Edu Concert
Friday, February 28, 6 - 8 PM
MLK Middle School Auditorium, 1000 Mosby St, Richmond,
contact Patrick Mamou at patrick@themamougroup.com or 202-999-6970.
Details https://www.rambhagat.com/drums-no-guns or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drumsnogunsfoundation#
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Black History Month Events
"RVA Community Makers" through March 31; Free;
VMFA’s History - "Making Art Loan to Lusanga, Democratic Republic of Congo" [reservations.vmfa.museum] Feb. 27; $8 (VMFA members $5)
Details https://vmfa.museum/calendar/celebrate-black-history-month-2025/
Black History Month Events downtown Ashland
American Civil War Museum Appomattox
Rosenwald Schools The Importance of Education of Black Virginians - In partnership with Appomattox for Equality, Carver Price, and the Robert Russa Moton Museum. (https://acwm.org/event/rosenwald-schools/)
American Civil War Museum Appomattox, 159 Horseshoe Road, Appomattox
A virtual program featuring Kate Masur on February 27, her book When Freedom was in Sight.
20th annual Symposium Events, talk by A.J. Cade that looks at the experiences of the Louisiana Native Guard.
February 21 & 22, https://acwm.org/2025-symposium/
500 Tredegar Street, Richmond; Details https://acwm.org/ or call 804-649-1861
The Greater Virginia Bridal Show
Sunday, February 23, 1 – 5pm
Hilton Richmond Downtown, 501 East Broad Street Richmond,
Luxury bridal show by Virginia Bride Magazine
Details Eventbrite
Virginia Bridal & Wedding Expo
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 1 pm - 5 pm
Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA
Call: 888-433-3976 or https://acsshows.com/all-bridal-shows
https://www.bridalshowsva-rr.com/
Mattaponi Springs Wedding Expo
Experience the Mattaponi Springs Wedding Expo
By The Barns at Mattaponi Springs
Saturday, March 29th, 11am – 3pm
23134 Penola Road, 23134 Penola Road Ruther Glen, VA
Details Eventbrite https://mattaponisprings.com/the-venue/
Sunday Jazz Brunch
Sunday, March 02, 2025 , 11am - 2pm
Ashton Creek Vineyard, 14501 Route 1, Chester, VA
Price: $35.00 to $65.00—Youth ticket: $35 | Adult ticket: $65
Details https://www.ashtoncreekvineyard.com/
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