Happenings February 8 - 15, 2026

                                           

Sounds of Spotlight is finally launching their anticipated dinner series Nourish - a communal dining experience rooted in cultural exchange. Happening in a Brownstone in Brooklyn, the first iteration of the family style dinner series is Taste of Ethiopia/Eritrea featuring innovative Habesha- fusion dishes prepared by chef Yalem Tef. Nourish launches on Monday, February 9^th at 7pm - a perfect way to ease into a busy week. To RSVP click here.

Spring is just around the corner and orchids shows are starting to pop up everywhere. Mr. Flower Fantastic is back with “The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle” at the New York Botanical Gardens through April 26^th.  The anonymous artist has transformed the Haupt Conservatory with thousands of colorful orchids. Using the exotic flora he has reimagined stoops, subway stops and slice shops to give New Yorkers a reprieve from the harsh winter. For more information go to https://www.nybg.org.

                                                               

The Smithsonian Gardens and US Botanical Gardens are presenting the 30^th annual joint

orchid exhibition, "More than a Flower: The Connective Power of Orchids," on view at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibition runs through April 26, 2026, and can be viewed on the second floor of the museum. For more information go to https://nmaahc.si.edu

The popular orchid exhibition in Kew Gardens, London runs through March 8^th. Inspired by the biodiversity of China, attendees can wander around the garden with dragons, lanterns, and intricate plant sculptures that capture the beauty of wildlife in all its vibrant colors. For more information go to kew.org.

                

On Tuesday, February 10^th the Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiya will conclude their 2,300 mile walk from Fort Worth, TX to Washington, DC. At 9:30 am American University will host a free Peace Sharing program that is open to AU students and the community. The monks will be in attendance with university leadership and representative from Kay Spiritual Life Center for brief remarks and reflections on peace. For more information and to RSVP click here.  

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets closer money-making opportunities are also opening up. For those looking to capitalize on the once in a lifetime event, look no further than the Women in Soccer Career Fair Taking place on Tuesday, February 10^th at 12:30 pm EST.  The panel will discuss the careers that are bringing the FIFA World Cup 2026 to life and job opportunities in host cities. Then on February 11^th, at 2:30 pm WIS will host a panel on commercial opportunities at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The panel will discuss the activations, collabs and retail strategies that laned them careers in soccer. For more information on the WIS Career Fair and to register for event click here.

On February 11^th at 6pm The Standard Highline in NYC will host Beyond the Reference: The Business of Black Style, moderated by Black Fashion Fair founder Antoine Gregory. The panel will feature designer and interdisciplinary artist Daveed Baptiste, stylist and Sweet Like Jam founder Mecca James-Williams, and cultural writer and editor Robyn Mowatt, the panel will discuss pathways to ownership, sustainability, and long-term legacy. For more information and to RVSP for the event go to Blackfashionfair.org.

     

Join Anthony Art Gallery in Chicago in for the opening of “Life Imitates Art” an exhibition curated by artist and activist Hank Willis Thomas. The group show opens on February 12 from 5-8pm and  explores how images, symbols, and motifs that circulate through culture come to define our experience of the world. For more information go to @galleryanthony.

It’s been 25 years since Love & Basketball premiered in theaters and to celebrate the classic film actress Sanaa Lathan will join moderator Laura Coates, Director Gina Prince Bythwood, and Cari Champion for a discussion about the film and the role of women in sports. The event takes place on February 12^th from 123pm-4pm at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. RSVP by February 10 at  JayneKennedy.com.

       

On February, 13^th at 7pm Black Fashion Fair is hosting Black Fashion Talks with creative director and founder of Black Fashion Fair Antoine Gregory in conversation with Robyn Mowatt. Mowatt who is a culture writer and editor will discuss Gregory’s work on the "Andre Leon Talley: Style is Forever" catalog and exhibition currently on at SCAD. The event takes place at Ludlow House. To register go to Blackfashionfair.org.

On February 13^th Hardly Home is teaming up with Puma and Shoe Palace to kick-off NBA All-Star Weekend in L.A. There will be an open bar by Don Londres along with special guests and performances. Major Wavez Lab will be on hand for live sneaker customizations. To RSVP go to Hardly Every Home.

Miles Marshall Lewis the author of “Promise One Day You Will Sing About Me: The Power and Poetry of Kendrick Lamar” will be signing his latest book at an event hosted by The Hip-Hop Museum. Meet the author at The Culture Lab at Bronx Terminal Market on February 14^th from 12pm-2pm. Lewis is the cultural historian for the Hip Hop Museum and is known for his on point analysis and deep cultural knowledge. For more information go to @thhmuseum.

Inspired by the Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiya 2,300 mile walk to Washington DC, Sangra house in LA is hosting a Walk for Peace on Saturday, February 14 in Downtown LA. A delegation of 10-15 monastic siblings from Deer Park will join the event. It is a silent, mindful walk, without signs or chanting. Walkers will gather at 9 am at Pershing Square and at 10am the Mindful Walk to Vista Hermosa Park begins. To learn more & register for the walk click here.

             

First Baptist Church on Huron Street is celebrating 200 years as Toronto’s oldest Black Institution. The church was founded in 1826 by fugitive slaves who escaped to the city through the Underground Railroad. To commemorate the history of the church First Baptist is having a special service on February 15^th. For more information go fbctoronto.ca.