Houston events Black Houstonians should have on their radar

Houston’s fall calendar is filling up! Next week, you can expect a diverse mix of music, literature, art, theater, and community-based celebrations that could resonate particularly with Black Houstonians.

Are you interested in a two-night stop by R&B and hip-hop’s biggest stars? Or do you enjoy a gathering of book lovers discussing Black women’s stories? Either way, there is something for everyone!

Here are five events to put on your calendar for the week of Sept. 21:

Book launch: Sept. 21

Dr. Arelia Johnson will release her book, Hijacking Equity & The Fight for Justice, with “an evening for joy, justice, and leadership” at MATCH, Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston.

The free event begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes a fireside conversation moderated by Sasha Legette of Black Girl Caucus.

Johnson will also sign books and network with community members.

The event organizers have described the evening as a “celebration of radical joy,” with conversations focused on equity.

‘Don’t Look Down Tour’ in Houston: Sept. 21-22

Fans of emotionally charged R&B and hip-hop will get two chances to see Rod Wave when the Florida singer and rapper brings his “Don’t Look Down Tour” to Houston’s Toyota Center.

Rod Wave, who has built an audience with music centered on heartbreak and trauma, performs Monday, Sept. 21, at 8:30 p.m. and returns Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Fridayy, known for his blend of R&B and hip-hop influences, is the special guest.

Black women and politics: Sept. 25

Journalist and political analyst Tiffany D. Cross is coming to Houston on Sept. 25 for a conversation surrounding her new book, Love, Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career, and Relationship!

The discussion will be moderated by author and managing editor of the Houston Defender, ReShonda Tate.

Presented by Houston’s Black- and women-owned Kindred Stories bookstore, the event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Holy Family HTX Episcopal Church, 3719 Navigation Blvd.

Cross’s book examines the personal and political realities Black women navigate, tackling subjects including race, work, relationships, economics, health, and family. 

Black femme joy: Sept. 26

The #CareFreeBlackGirl CookOut is returning to Houston Saturday, Sept. 26, promising six hours of music, food, games, shopping, and Black joy.

The event will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. at Axelrad Beer Garden, and will center Black women and femmes.

The lineup includes Black femme DJs and performers, a vendor market, wellness and creative activities, giveaways, and classic games including Spades and UNO.

The event organizers say it will celebrate “community, culture, creativity, and carefree vibes.”

Black women’s history: Sept. 27

Black women’s history will get a theatrical remix on Sunday, Sept. 27, with The Many Lives of Her: The Black Woman’s Journey Throughout Time at MATCH.

Written and produced by Jai Les and Coyan Blythe, the original production follows one woman through generations of Black history, from an African queen and enslavement to the civil rights movement, the crack epidemic, and contemporary Black womanhood.

Two performances are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Matchbox 2.

Forever Con: Sept. 21

On September 21, the historic DeLUXE Theater in the Fifth Ward, a cornerstone of Black Houston’s cultural landscape since the 1940s, will host Forever Con.

The event features a double film screening, vendors, panels, and giveaways, all centered on comics, cosplay, and games.

Exhibitions: Sept. 11-Dec. 10

If you haven’t yet seen HMAAC’s newest shows, next week is a great time to go. 

“Lorenzo Pace: Never Forget Life and Art is to Play” and Allie Martin’s “Jasper, 1940: A Sound Installation” opened Sept, 11, bringing two distinct artistic perspectives that explore Black history and material culture.

The Pace exhibition marks the artist’s first institutional solo presentation.

Both exhibitions remain on view through Dec. 10.