This February, the City of Chandler is proud to present a variety of events to celebrate the contributions and history of the Black community.
The contributions of its Black community have enriched the city and celebrates the achievements, important role and history of this community through a variety of events and exhibits all year long. Let’s continue to work together to ensure Chandler is a place of equal rights and opportunity for all. For more information, be sure to visit Connection & Impact.
Preschool Time: Celebrate Black History Month!
Feb. 3 | 9:15 and 10:15 a.m.
Sunset Library
Drop-In. This session of Preschool Time, we explore African American heritage through stories, songs and interactive activities! This 45 minute, parent-child engagement program incorporates the five early literacy practices: Sing, Read, Talk, Write, and Play to build school readiness skills. It also includes a craft activity. For ages 3-5 years.
AILEY II
Feb. 6 | 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Center for the Arts
Ailey II—the next generation of dance—is universally renowned for offering early-career dancers vital experience in becoming professional dancers.
Black History Celebration 2026 Rhythm of Our Roots
Chandler Center for the Arts
Black History Month Community Movie Night: Selma
Feb. 26 | 4:45 p.m.
Majestic Theater
Join us for an evening of connection, conversation and community as we come together to honor Black History Month.
Events with the Shining Light Foundation
Tribute to Local Heroes: Black History Mural Project
Feb. 7 | 12 - 3 p.m.
Downtown Chandler Library
Tribute to the Women of the Civil Rights Movement
Feb. 28 | 11 a.m.
Tumbleweed Recreation Center
Conversations with Chandler's Historic Black Families
During February, as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to take you back in time to learn about Chandler's historic Black families.
The Arbuckle Family
Rev. Willie Arbuckle gives insight into his family's story: the Arbuckle family, one of Chandler's historic Black families.
Having moved to the Chandler area from Oklahoma in 1937, Arbuckle talks about life in Chandler in his early years, including being transferred to schools for Black children and then integrating into Chandler High School in 1949.
The Arbuckle Family
The Payne Family
Charles Payne shares the story of his family: the Payne Family, one of Chandler's historic Black families, who moved to Chandler decades ago.
Payne shares why his family moved to Arizona, what it was like to grow up here, and why Chandler is such a special place to him.
The Payne Family
The Woods Family
LaVon Woods, co-founder of South Chandler Self-Help Foundation, shares the story of her family, the Woods Family, one of Chandler's historic Black families.
Woods talks about the significance of Mount Olive Baptist Church to her family and the Black community; her grandfather’s Bar-B-Q Pit on Saragosa Street; and her career with Maricopa County as a community advocate.
The Woods Family