Grand Prairie, January 31, 2026
Grand Prairie, Texas, has begun its month-long celebration of Black History Month with the launch of The Black Experience 2026 series. Kicking off with a Unity in Motion 5K and a gospel concert, these free events aim to promote community engagement, celebrate Black heritage, and foster unity among residents. The series features various activities throughout the month, highlighting health, education, and cultural celebrations. This initiative emphasizes the strength of community-driven events in enhancing cultural awareness and participation.
Grand Prairie Launches Black History Experience with Free 5K and Gospel Concert
Celebrating Heritage and Community Through Engaging Events
Grand Prairie, Texas – Grand Prairie has kicked off its month-long Black History Month series, The Black Experience 2026, with two exciting free events this weekend. This initiative highlights the importance of community-driven events in enhancing cultural awareness and unity. As local organizers demonstrate resilience and creativity, they pave the way for enriching experiences that foster engagement without excessive bureaucracy.
The Unity in Motion 5K took place on Saturday, January 31, at Epic Central, while the gospel concert is set for Sunday, February 1, at St. John Church. Both occasions are designed to honor Black heritage and invite community participation, showcasing how local leadership can strengthen connections and promote individual initiative.
Unity in Motion 5K
The Unity in Motion 5K was organized at the prominent Epic Central venue in Grand Prairie. Participants had the choice to run or walk, with distances available for both 5K and 1 mile. The event was not just a race; it featured live music, local vendors, and several speakers who celebrated the rich tapestry of Black heritage. Each runner received a performance shirt as well as a custom medal upon completion, marking their participation in this vibrant community gathering. With packet pick-up available both prior to and on the day of the event, anticipation built steadily amongst participants. The chip-timed race allowed attendees to track their performance, blending fun with fitness.
Gospel Concert at St. John Church
On Sunday, February 1, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the gospel concert at St. John Church will serve as another cornerstone of The Black Experience 2026. This event not only epitomizes the celebration of Black culture through music but also fosters community gathering. Attendees will have the chance to enjoy uplifting gospel performances in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere, providing an enriching platform for connection and shared celebration.
Additional Events in The Black Experience 2026 Series
The Black Experience 2026 series, organized by the City of Grand Prairie in collaboration with the Grand Prairie Black History Commission, will continue throughout February 2026. A diverse lineup of further events is planned, including:
- Health Is Your Wealth Expo: Focused on health screenings, wellness sessions, and personal development.
- A Tasteful Affair: A cooking demonstration highlighting nutritious, culturally relevant meals.
- Student of Love with Laterras R. Whitfield: Hosted by the creator of the “Dear Future Wifey” podcast.
- Ebony-Opoly Game Day: A family-friendly board game event promoting history and economic empowerment.
- In the Eye of the Storm: A political forum addressing civic engagement and the Black experience, featuring notable local figures.
- Education to Economics: A combined showcase for HBCUs and Black businesses, fostering education and entrepreneurship.
The series will conclude with the Rhythm and Roots cultural celebration and the Grand Prairie Black Film Festival, created in collaboration with the Denton Black Film Festival. These events aim to further honor and highlight the contributions of Black culture within the Grand Prairie community.
Background
This marks the second year of the Black History Month series in Grand Prairie and it stands as the largest city-wide Black History Month celebration in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Building on the success of its inaugural 2025 events, which drew more than 500 attendees, this series is structured to enhance cultural awareness and community engagement while providing educational opportunities regarding Black history and heritage.
Conclusion
The Black Experience 2026 series exemplifies how community initiatives can celebrate heritage, stimulate participation, and foster pride. As both a celebration and an educational opportunity, these events invite everyone in Dallas to engage and uplift one another. Mark your calendars, support local events, and partake in the continued growth and development of the community. Your involvement makes a difference!
- What events are part of the Black Experience 2026 series in Grand Prairie?
- The series includes the Unity in Motion 5K, a gospel concert, the Health Is Your Wealth Expo, A Tasteful Affair, Student of Love with Laterras R. Whitfield, Ebony-Opoly Game Day, In the Eye of the Storm political forum, Education to Economics fair, Rhythm and Roots cultural celebration, and the Grand Prairie Black Film Festival.
- When and where is the Unity in Motion 5K taking place?
- The Unity in Motion 5K took place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Epic Central in Grand Prairie, Texas. The event began at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m.
- Is the gospel concert open to the public?
- Yes, the gospel concert is free and open to the public. It is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at St. John Church on West Jefferson Street in Grand Prairie, Texas.
- How can I participate in the upcoming events?
- For events like the Unity in Motion 5K, registration details are available on the official event website. For other events, information can be found on the City of Grand Prairie’s official website or by contacting the Grand Prairie Black History Commission.
- What is the significance of the Black Experience 2026 series?
- The Black Experience 2026 series is the second annual Black History Month celebration in Grand Prairie and the largest citywide Black History Month celebration in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It aims to honor and celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black culture in the community.
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unity in Motion 5K | January 31, 2026 | Epic Central, Grand Prairie, TX | A 5K run/walk event promoting fitness and community spirit, featuring live music, local vendors, and inspiring speakers celebrating Black heritage. |
| Gospel Concert | February 1, 2026 | St. John Church, Grand Prairie, TX | A free gospel concert celebrating Black culture through music and community gathering. |
| Health Is Your Wealth Expo | February 2026 (Date TBA) | Grand Prairie, TX | Focused on health screenings, wellness sessions, and personal development. |
| A Tasteful Affair | February 2026 (Date TBA) | Grand Prairie, TX | A healthy cooking demonstration featuring a live cooking experience centered on nutritious, culturally relevant meals. |
| Student of Love with Laterras R. Whitfield | February 2026 (Date TBA) | Grand Prairie, TX | Hosted by the creator of the “Dear Future Wifey” podcast. |
| Ebony-Opoly Game Day | February 2026 (Date TBA) | Grand Prairie, TX | A family-friendly board game event highlighting history and economic empowerment. |
| In the Eye of the Storm | February 2026 (Date TBA) | Grand Prairie, TX | A political forum exploring civic engagement and the Black experience, hosted by David Chapelle and featuring Commissioner Alicha Simmons and other guests. |
| Education to Economics | February 2026 (Date TBA) | Grand Prairie, TX | A combined Greek showcase, HBCU college fair, and Black business fair connecting education and entrepreneurship. |
| Rhythm and Roots Cultural Celebration | February 2026 (Date TBA) | Grand Prairie, TX | A cultural celebration concluding the Black Experience 2026 series. |
| Grand Prairie Black Film Festival | February 2026 (Date TBA) | Grand Prairie, TX | Produced in collaboration with the Denton Black Film Festival, concluding the Black Experience 2026 series. |
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