This February, the City of Chandler, Chandler Men of Action and South Chandler Self-Help are proud to present an extensive variety of events to celebrate the contributions and history of the Black community.
The City has been enriched by the contributions of its Black community 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 Chandler Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
BHM Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Barahona
Jan. 29 | 10 a.m. & Jan. 30 | 5:30 p.m.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College | Room SC140
Historian Elizabeth Barahona will deliver a presentation on the work and legacy of Fred Hampton as well as strategies for cross-cultural communication and coalition building. This talk will provide context for our public screening of Judas & The Black Messiah on Thursday, February 1.
BHM Screening: Judas and the Black Messiah
Feb. 1 | 5 p.m.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College | Room SC140
FBI informant William O’Neal infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton. A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell. Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he falls in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson. Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover commands?
BHM: Mental Health Panel
Feb. 7 | 10 a.m.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College | Performing Arts Center
"Wait, No One Told Me That: A Discussion on How Mental Health Impacts our Lives and Education". CGCC is proud to welcome Dr. Jeff McGee, Tamieka S. Hunter, Ed.D and Evelyn Burrell Psy.D. as our guest panelists. Participants will learn about the many ways depression can present itself. The goal is for students to be able to identify three ways to combat anxiety and depression. As well as be able to identify the "warning signs" of suicidal behavior and receive resources on how to navigate it.
Kings and Queens Unbreakable
Feb. 9 | 5:30 p.m.
Chandler Center for the Arts
Join us at the Annual 2024 Black History Celebration presented by South Chandler Self-Help Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the City of Chandler. Embrace the theme “Kings and Queens Unbreakable”.
12 Annual African American Banquet
Feb. 23 | 6 p.m.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
The 12th Annual Men of Action African Awards Banquet celebrates excellence in Chandler! Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration as we gather for the prestigious 12th Annual Men of Action African Awards Banquet.
NORTH: The Musical
Feb. 23 | 7 p.m. & Feb. 24 |3 p.m.
Chandler Center for the Arts
NORTH returns to Chandler for the public to enjoy with a new cast, new costumes and new extended set design.
BHM Fashion Show
Feb. 28 | 11:30 a.m.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College | SC100
To finish celebrating Black History Month, CGCC’s Black Student Union and Fashion Club will be collaborating and hosting a fashion show that all students and employees can attend.
Black History Month Reading List
Browse this list for new and classic books by and about African Americans curated by Chandler Public Library Staff.
Celebrate Black History Month with the Chandler Public Library
Stories @ The Market: Celebrate Black History Month!
- Feb. 3 | 9:30 a.m.
- Chandler Farmer's Market
- Details
Teen Scene's Movie Thursday: Hairspray
- Feb. 16 | 2:30 p.m.
- Sunset Library
- Details Coming Soon
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