Celebrating Black History

Published on February 01, 2025

For generations, Black excellence has been the cornerstone of Grand Prairie's growth and cultural identity. Since the 1800s, our Black community has persevered, pioneered, and prospered - transforming challenges into triumphs and barriers into breakthroughs.

From the first families who established thriving neighborhoods despite segregation, to the civil rights pioneers who championed equality in our schools and public spaces, to today's community leaders and change-makers - Black excellence continues to define Grand Prairie's progress. Our city resonates with the rhythm of Black culture, from the soul-stirring gospel at historic churches to the entrepreneurial spirit of Black-owned businesses that have become community landmarks.

Our mission is to create a space where the full breadth of Black achievement, innovation, and culture is celebrated, documented, and honored for generations to come.

Here you will find information about cultural programs, community resources, local Black-owned businesses, historic landmarks, and educational initiatives. Join us in recognizing and amplifying the voices, triumphs, and ongoing contributions of Grand Prairie's Black community as we build an even stronger future together.

For more information please visit, gptx.org/blackhistory.

Black Film Festival

Event Name: Black Film Festival

When: Every Saturday, 4 PM - 6 PM

Where: The Summit - Theater

Cost: Free Admission

What to Expect:
Movies by and starring black filmmakers/actors

Additional Details:
Visit us every Saturday to discover and support Black voices in film. For more details, contact The Summit Theater.

Featured Movies:
Saturday, Feb. 1 - The Great Debaters
Saturday, Feb. 8 - Drumline
Saturday, Feb. 15 - Love Jones
Saturday, Feb. 22 - Uptown Saturday Night

Food for the Soul Sundays

Description:
Food for the Soul Sundays is your chance to have your soul enriched by the sounds of gospel choirs and powerful messages at one of Grand Prairie's historic Black churches.

Sunset Baptist Church

Where: 721 Manning St., Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Lead Pastor: Reverend Dr. M.C. McGruder
Service Time: 10:00 AM

St. John Church

Where: 1701 West Jefferson, Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Lead Pastor: Pastor Denny D. Davis
Service Times: 7:00 AM & 9:00 AM

Morning Star Baptist Church

Where: 2251 El Paso St., Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Lead Pastor: Reverend C.L. Taylor
Service Time: 11:00 AM

Motown "My Girls"

Event Name: Motown "My Girls"

When: Friday, February 7, 8 PM

Where: Uptown Theater

Cost: Ticketed Admission

What to Expect:
The History, Harmony, & Heartbeats of a Soulful Generation. A spectacular tribute to the women who shaped Motown.

Get Tickets Here

A Celebration of Black Love: An Evening with Laterras R. Whitfield

Event Name: A Celebration of Black Love: An Evening with Laterras R. Whitfield

When: Friday, February 14, 7 PM - 10 PM

Where: The Summit Ballroom

Cost: Ticketed Admission

What to Expect:

Calling all SINGLES and COUPLES! The City of Grand Prairie, TX presents "A Celebration of Black Love" with Laterras R. Whitfield, host of Dear Future Wifey —the #1 Love and Relationship Podcast in the Black community. Join us at The Summit for an unforgettable evening filled with music, delicious food, laughter, and heartfelt connections. This in-person event is one you don’t want to miss—mark your calendars and spread the word as we come together to honor and uplift Black love!

About Laterras R. Whitfield:

Laterras R. Whitfield is the host of the award-winning relationship podcast, Dear Future Wifey. Launched as an outlet to heal Laterras from his own relationship struggles, Dear Future Wifey has now become the healthiest platform for love and relationships on the internet, welcoming conversations with some of the culture’s most notable and trending voices. Subscribe to Dear Future Wifey on YouTube, or listen on Urban One Podcast Network and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Get tickets here

Health is our Wealth: Healthy Cooking Demo w/ Paul Ritter

Event Name: Health is our Wealth: Healthy Cooking Demo w/ Paul Ritter

When: Saturday, February 15, 11 AM – 2 PM

Where: The Warehouse at The Epic

Cost: Free Admission

What to Expect:
Celebrate health and wellness with your family by learning healthy cooking methods from Paul Ritter. Heart health screenings will also be available.

Ebony-Opoly Game Day Experience

Event Name: Ebony-Opoly Game Day Experience

When: Sunday, February 16, 3 PM – 6 PM

Where: Ruthe Jackson Center

Cost: Free but registration highly encouraged!

What to Expect:
Dive into the fun and strategy of Ebony-Opoly at this engaging game day experience! Also meet Alicia Hemphill and Dr. Dewayne Washington, the creators of Ebony-Opoly.

Get Tickets Here

Education to Economics

Date: Saturday, February 22

HBCU College Fair

Time: 2 PM -6 PM
Where: The Epic - Basketball Court
Cost: Free Admission
In Partnership With: Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations

What to Expect:
Discover opportunities for higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Black Business Expo

Time: 2 PM – 6 PM
Where: The Epic - Basketball Court
Cost: Free Admission
In Partnership With: Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce

What to Expect:
Celebrate and support local Black-owned businesses. This expo highlights diverse vendors and entrepreneurs in the community.

Greek Showcase

Time: 2 PM – 5 PM
Where: The Epic Theater
Cost: Free Admission
In Partnership With: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

What to Expect:
Experience high-energy step performances from local Grand Prairie student teams.

Totally Knocking Out Teen Dating Violence

Time: 1 PM – 3 PM
Where: The Epic Explorer Room
Cost: Free Admission
In Partnership With: Dr. Dandreon Gray and Helping Us Help Her.

Rhythm & Roots: Grand Prairie's Black Experience

Event Name: Rhythm & Roots: Grand Prairie's Black Experience

When: Sunday, February 23, 4 PM - 6 PM

Where: Grand Prairie Events & Convention Center

Cost: Free Admission

What to Expect:
Join us for a dynamic program featuring a performance by All City Interdenominational Choir that weaves together the threads of past, present, and future through music, spoken word, live performances, and community recognition. Keynote speaker is Senator Royce West.

Hoops for History Basketball Game

Event Name: Hoops for History Basketball Game

When: Thursday, February 27, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: Dalworth Recreation Center

Cost: Free Admission

What to Expect:
Celebrate Black History Month with the Dalworth Recreation Center in a friendly game of basketball featuring the Dalworth Community versus the Grand Prairie Police Department. Every year, members of the Dalworth community are selected to receive the Community Service Award. Vendors are welcome.

For more details, please contact Dalworth Recreation Center at 972-237-4760.

The Music of Duke Ellington

Event Name: The Music of Duke Ellington

When: Friday, February 28, 7 PM

Where: Uptown Theater

Cost: Free but RSVP required

What to Expect:
Experience the timeless music of Duke Ellington with a live 90-minute concert.

Get Tickets Here