St. Petersburg Celebrates Black History Month with Flag Raising, Film Screenings and More

St. Petersburg Celebrates Black History Month with Flag Raising, Film Screenings and More

Feb. 3, 2026 -The City of St. Petersburg invites the community to celebrate Black History Month at several upcoming community events. The month-long celebration kicks off with the annual Dr. Carter G. Woodson flag raising ceremony at City Hall on February 5 and continues with events to honor the rich history and culture of the Black community in St. Pete and beyond.

EVENTS

Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony
Thursday, Feb. 5, at 10:30 a.m.
City Hall, 175 5th St. N
The event will also be streamed live on the City's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StPeteFL).

Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, City officials, and community members will gather to raise the Dr. Carter G. Woodson flag outside St. Petersburg City Hall. The public is invited to attend this meaningful annual tradition, which began in 2016. Remarks will be delivered by Mayor Welch, City Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz, and Terri Lipsey Scott, executive director of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson was an American historian, author, and journalist, often referred to as the "Father of Black History." Woodson was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African diaspora and African American history. He founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915 and launched Negro History Week in 1926, which later evolved into Black History Month. Woodson is the namesake of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.

Film Screening: Razed - A Film about the Gas Plant Neighborhood
Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m.
Miller Auditorium at Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S

You are invited to this special screening of the documentary, "Razed," an in-depth look at what St. Petersburg lost in its pursuit of baseball. The story of the Gas Plant Neighborhood follows a narrative of community displacement that has been repeated throughout our country for the sake of "progress." At the core of this film are the first-hand stories and memories from a community cut short, presented in a historical context that's rarely accessible to the masses. As we look to the next few decades of development in St. Pete, "Razed" cautions us to consider the true cost, and encourages us to imagine a better way forward. Stay for a talkback with the cast and crew of the film immediately following the screening. Event is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open 30 minutes before the film begins. Sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg, Roundhouse Creative Studio, and the Eckerd College Unity Center. More info: https://gasplantfilm.com/how-to-watch/

A Black History Live Museum
Friday, Feb. 13, at 10:30 a.m.
Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center, 1000 28th St. S

Presented by the Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center Teen Program. Event is free and requires registration. Learn more by calling 727-893-7133 and register at https://www.stpete.org/BHMEvents.

Black History Month Movie Screening: The Butler
Thursday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m.
Sunshine Senior Center, 330 5th St. N

Join us for a movie showing of The Butler. After leaving the south as a young man and finding employment at an elite hotel in Washington, Cecil Gaines gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he is hired as a butler at the White House. Event is free and requires registration. Learn more by calling 727-893-7133 and register at https://www.stpete.org/BHMEvents.

Wanda Stuart and the Sunshine Storytellers Present: Here We Are
Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 10:45 a.m.
Sunshine Senior Center, 330 5th St. N

Wanda Stuart and the Suncoast Storytellers present "Here We Are." Come and hear inspiring stories and learn about Black history. Event is free and requires registration. Learn more by calling 727-893-7133 and register at https://www.stpete.org/BHMEvents.

Black History Celebration & Gala
Thursday, Feb. 26, at 1 p.m.
Sunshine Senior Center, 330 5th St. N

Celebrate in style at the Sunshine Senior Center gala honoring Black History Month. Event is free and requires registration. Learn more by calling 727-893-7133 and register at https://www.stpete.org/BHMEvents.

Annual Black History Month Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Lake Vista Park, 1401 62nd Ave. S

Presented by the TASCO Teen Program, this event is open to all ages and encourages families, friends, and neighbors to come together for an afternoon of learning, celebration, and community. This free, family-friendly event will highlight Black culture and community through live performances, music by a TASCO DJ, face painting, inflatables and interactive activities, and free food for the first 200 attendees. More information is available at https://www.stpeteparksrec.org/Events or by contacting the TASCO Division at 727-892-5060.