Dallas ISD & MLK Center Tour for Black History Month

Dallas Celebrates Black History Month with Community Events and Historical Tours

As Black History Month continues, the Dallas area is offering a range of events and opportunities to explore and celebrate African American culture and history. From culinary showcases to immersive historical tours, residents and visitors alike have multiple avenues to engage with the rich heritage of the region.

This year, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center is hosting a “Taste of Soul” Soul Food Cook-Off on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The event, scheduled from 11 a.m. To 3 p.m. at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center (2901 Pennsylvania Ave., Dallas, TX 75215), promises free samples, live entertainment, and giveaways. Chefs will compete for a “People’s Choice” grand prize of $750, with additional cash prizes of $500 awarded to first-place winners in categories including Meat, Side Dishes, Vegan/Vegetarian, and Desserts. Registration for contestants is currently open, with awards also given to all participants.

Beyond the culinary celebration, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center also encourages visitors to explore the Dallas Civil Rights Museum. Founded in 2014, the museum provides a space to discover and reconnect with the power of the Civil Rights Movement in America, specifically during the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

For those seeking a broader understanding of African American history in Dallas, Hidden History DFW offers a three-hour tour that delves into the often-overlooked stories of early settlers and communities of color. The tour visits over twenty historic sites, tracing the African American journey in Dallas and exploring the development of vibrant communities. According to Hidden History DFW, the Dallas area is home to one million African American citizens, yet many are unaware of the region’s full historical context.

The Hidden History DFW tour begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. at J. B. JACKSON, Jr. Dart Transit Center, located at 1423 J.B. Jackson, Jr. Blvd, Dallas 75210. Ample secure parking is available at the transit center.

Hidden History DFW also extends its offerings beyond tours, providing African American films, educational presentations, and apparel. Their documentary film, “The Great Yates,” tells the story of the 1985 Jack Yates Lions, reportedly the greatest team in Texas High School history. Educational presentations cover topics such as Dallas’s first 100 years, Deep Ellum, and Juneteenth, and are available both virtually and in person.

Visit Dallas highlights the African American Museum and the South Dallas Cultural Center as key destinations for learning about the communities that have shaped the city. The organization also recommends experiencing a performance by the world-renowned Dallas Black Dance Theater in the Dallas Arts District.

Dallas ISD is also encouraging members of the community to “SHARE YOUR STORY” and reflect on cultural pride, achievements, events, and contributions during Black History Month.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center’s 2022 Black History Month celebration included a virtual event honoring unsung artist Arthello Beck, Jr., and a free drive-through giveaway for the community.