Colonial Pipeline Celebrates Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month from Houston to New York

In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized the month of February as Black History Month, an annual observance recognizing the achievements, contributions and history of African Americans in the United States. For more than 40 years, the United States has paid tribute to African Americans and commemorated their sacrifices for human and civil rights. 

In honor of Black History Month, Colonial Pipeline is highlighting organizations and events in 13 markets across our system where employees can participate in this important observance.

Atlanta – Atlanta History Center: African-American History

Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta

Cost: $9 — $22 Normally, FREE in February 2019 thanks to a grant from Coca-Cola

The Atlanta History Center’s collection of photos, papers and recordings documenting the African American experience in Atlanta from the 19th century to present day is open to the public year-round. 

Baltimore – The Reginald F. Lewis Museum

Location: 830 E. Pratt Street

Cost: $6 — $8

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is the go-to spot for those who want to immerse themselves in the history, culture and art of African Americans in Maryland. This important cultural center commemorates the accomplishments and struggles of African Americans throughout 400 years of Maryland’s history (open year-round). 

Baton Rouge – River Road African American Museum

Location: 406 Charles Street, Donaldsonville

Cost: $10

Baton Rouge’s River Road African American Museum gives visitors a rare glimpse into the lives of the enslaved and free people of color who lived in what is known as ​“plantation country” (open year-round). 

Birmingham – Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI)

Location: 520 16th St N, Birmingham

Cost: $5 — $15

This museum gives visitors an in-depth look into African American history in the United States, and the battle for human and civil rights (open year-round). 

Charlotte – Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture

Location: 551 South Tryon Street, Charlotte

Cost: $6 — $9

Known as The Gantt Center, this destination serves as the quintessential spot in Charlotte to experience African American art, history and culture.

Greensboro – The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc.

Location: UNC Greensboro Elliott University Center, Claxton Room, 508 Stirling Street, Greensboro

Time: Thursday, February 28 (6 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET) 

Cost: Free

Hosted by the University Libraries, join the founder and president of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) as he dives into the history, struggles and triumphs of African American art and artists. 

Houston – Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

Location: 3816 Caroline St., Houston

Cost: $5 — $10

This museum is dedicated to the brave African American men who served in America’s wars. The exhibit features several rooms of artifacts, uniforms and equipment used by the soldiers themselves (open year-round). 

Nashville — Documentary Screening, Mr. Temple and the Tigerbelles

Location: Tennessee State Museum, 1000 Rosa L Parks Boulevard, Nashville

Time: Saturday, February 16 (2 p.m. – 3 p.m. CST) 

Cost: Free

Enjoy a free screening of Mr. Temple and the Tigerbelles, the story of Ed Temple, legendary track and field Tennessee State University coach, and the incredible group of 40 African American female athletes who broke the color barrier of the Olympics during the Jim Crow era. 

New Orleans – Le Musée de f.p.c.

Location: 2336 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans 

Cost: $12 — $25

This museum delves into the hidden lives of the free people of color during the 19^th century (open year-round). 

New York – Black in Brooklyn

Location: 500 25th Street, Brooklyn

Time: Saturday, February 23 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET)

Cost: $20

Take a trolley tour through Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery and examine the life and accomplishments of famous notables like Susan Smith McKinney Steward, the first female black doctor in New York State, and Jeremiah Hamilton, New York City’s first black millionaire. 

Philadelphia – African American History Month at the National Constitution Center

Location: 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Cost: $11 — $15

The National Constitution Center is hosting a wide range of Black History Month events throughout the month of February. One of the more notable things to do is the African American history self-guided tour, which is open to the public throughout the month of February 

Richmond – Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia

Location: 122 West Leigh Street, Richmond

Cost: $6 — $10

The Black History Museum & Cultural Center gives visitors a look into African American life in Virginia from the time of early settlers to the present (open year-round). 

Washington, D.C. – National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)

Location: 1400 Constitution Ave, NW

Cost: Free

This Smithsonian museum is the only national exhibit devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. With more than 36,000 artifacts, 12 exhibitions and 183 videos housed on five floors, the NMAAHC is a must-see this February.