Experience Black History Month in Newport News Discover inspiring stories, cultural traditions, and pivotal moments in African American history
Newport News, VA, Feb. 4, 2025 – February is a time to honor African American achievements, heritage, and contributions – but in Newport News, the celebration extends beyond Black History Month. Through AACE (short for African American Cultural Experiences), you can explore the city’s Black heritage year-round with self-guided tours, landmarks, and cultural sites. Engage with history through our Truth Be Told podcast, participate in the AACE Bandwango Pass to earn some cool Newport News swag, and support Black-owned businesses. Whether attending special events or discovering the stories that shaped Newport News, there are countless ways to connect with and appreciate African American culture here. Keep reading to learn how!
Black History Month Tours at Historic Endview and Lee Hall Mansion Historic Endview and Lee Hall Mansion 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Saturday in February Every Saturday in February, visitors can join a guided Black History Month tour to learn about the experiences of enslaved and freed African Americans at Historic Endview and Lee Hall Mansion. The first tour starts at 10 a.m. and the final tour takes place at 3:30 p.m., with tours given every 30 minutes. Tours are included in admission price. Email nnhistoricsites@nnva.gov for details.
All Aboard for Stories and STEAM: African Americans and the Railroad Lee Hall Depot 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 Discover the deep connection between African Americans and the railroad through two engaging activities. A new self-guided tour will feature events and people of significance in Black railroad history. An interactive activity table will offer the opportunity to get hands-on while learning about Black inventors whose work made railroad history. All activities are included in admission price. Click here for details.
We Stand for Justice Main Street Library
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Join us for We Stand for Justice, an annual event to honor three local African Americans who have contributed to the cause of social justice – and whose activism has produced an enduring historical legacy – in the City of Newport News. Admission is free. Click here for details. 2
African Americans at War: A Black History Month Commemoration Virginia War Museum 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 The Virginia War Museum will host a Black History Month program on Saturday, Feb. 22. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at scheduled times, there will be a variety of programs allowing visitors to learn about African Americans who have fought and served throughout our nation’s history. There will be a collections showcase displaying items relative to African American military history. Visitors can also attend a gallery tour or a lecture with a historian or participate in an information hunt through our galleries to learn more about African Americans’ involvement and significant contributions to our military – past and present. All activities are included in admission price. Email nnhistoricsites@nnva.gov for details.
Trolley Tour of African American Cultural Experiences (AACE) in Newport News Tour begins and ends at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (free on-site parking) 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22
Join Newport News Tourism for a guided trolley tour exploring the city’s rich African American heritage. From historic landmarks to cultural sites, this tour highlights the people and places that have shaped Newport News. Admission is $20 per person and includes a souvenir keepsake. Please note that children must be at least 5 years old to participate.
Tour Highlights:
- Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
- Newsome House
- Lee Hall Depot
- Public sculptures honoring African American history
Enjoy a comfortable ride with a knowledgeable guide sharing inspiring stories along the way. Click here to purchase your seat today. Space is limited.
Leah Glenn Dance Theatre Presents Nine: A Tribute to the Little Rock Nine Ferguson Center for the Arts 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22
Leah Glenn Dance Theatre is a modern dance company dedicated to cultivating a greater understanding of the world in which we live through thought-provoking works of art that entertain, inspire, and challenge its audiences. Nine is a commemorative multi-media performance piece featuring the choreography of Artistic Director Leah Glenn. The work seamlessly weaves dance, visual arts, poetry, and music into a narrative that celebrates the bravery and fortitude of the Little Rock Nine, the African American teenagers who desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, AR, in 1957.
First Class: A Film Screening and Conversation with Writer-Director Morgan McCoy Harris Torggler Fine Arts Center Lecture Hall at Christopher Newport University 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 This compelling short film traces the founding of Hampton University and the remarkable journey of James A. Fields, a trailblazing figure in Newport News history. Join writer-director Morgan McCoy Harris for an insightful discussion following the screening. Free.
Bricks Without Straw: Women of History Who Built an Empire Despite the Odds Gaines Theater inside the Freeman Center, Christopher Newport University 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27
This powerful one-woman show, performed by Morgan McCoy Harris, brings to life the stories of remarkable African American female entrepreneurs who built thriving businesses against the odds. Through riveting portrayals of historical figures, attendees will hear tales of resilience, ingenuity, and determination. Each character shares her unique path from humble beginnings to remarkable success, offering timeless advice on building an empire and candidly recounting the challenges and triumphs that shaped her journey. Free event, but registration is required. Click here to register.
Evolution of a Black Girl: From the Slave House to the White House Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
A powerful one-woman show in which writer, director, and performer Morgan McCoy Harris portrays 12 different characters. Her unforgettable performance takes the audience on a journey from Africa during the 1600s to present-day America. This journey incorporates rich history, stories of love, and moments of joy and sorrow. This ticketed event is a fundraiser for The Newsome House Foundation. Includes live music by Fortresses. Click here to purchase tickets online.
Truth Be Told: Voices of Newport News – The voices of Newport News residents take center stage in Truth Be Told: Newport News, a podcast sharing untold stories from historically Black neighborhoods. Produced by Jackie Glass and Hannah Sobol, each of the six 10-minute episodes captures deeply personal narratives highlighting challenges, triumphs, and cultural legacies that shape Newport News. Click here to listen.
African American Cultural Experiences (AACE) in Newport News – African American Cultural Experiences (AACE) is a campaign celebrating the city’s rich African American heritage. Abbreviated as AACE (and pronounced “Ace”), its mission is to create an inclusive and welcoming hub for travelers, positioning Newport News as a destination that embraces and celebrates diversity. The initiative highlights Black art, culture, history, and local Black-owned businesses, aiming to attract visitors, engage locals, and support businesses that reflect the Black experience in Newport News. Visitors can explore an online story map that showcases historical landmarks, museums, and Black-owned businesses, offering a journey through the city’s significant African American contributions. Click here to visit the AACE microsite.
For additional information about these events and other experiences, call the Newport News Visitor Center at 757-886-7777, stop in at 13560 Jefferson Ave., or go to visitnewportnews.com. Click here to see additional Black History Month programming at our public libraries.