As the birthplace of the nation, there's no place else that does history quite like Philadelphia—especially African-American history. Philly is the home of historic African-American artists like Billie Holiday, Marian Anderson, John Coltrane and Henry Ossawa Tanner, while famous civil rights activists like Sam Evans and Cecil B. Moore also called our great city home. BTW - did you know that The Philadelphia Tribune, founded in 1884, still stands today as the country's oldest African-American newspaper?

Like I said - no one does history like Philly! For Black History Month, there are lots of exciting events happening all over town celebrating this rich American legacy. To help all of us navigate this fantastic whirlwind of activity, I've broken down a few of my Black History Month top picks below. So here's to a fantastic February full of celebration, history, legacy and of course plenty of Philly love!

Black History Month Top Picks:

The Scottsboro Boys

January 20 - February 19

Suzanne Roberts Theatre

480 S. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19146

The Philadelphia Theatre Company brings us the Tony® Award-nominated musical, The Scottsboro Boys.  An electrifying and emotional tour de force, this semi-controversial musical chronicles the story of a group of African-American young men falsely accused of attacking a white women in Alabama during the 1930's.

It's based upon the once-popular ministrel-show style and features an awe-inspiring cast of triple threat performers more than capable of entertaining and moving any audience. So, don't miss this powerful retelling of a piece of American history told through music and dance.

Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit

January 28 - April 15, 2012

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)

205 N. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19102

One of the most prolific and pioneering African-American artists of our time, Henry Ossawa Tanner got his start as an artist right here in Philadelphia at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. As an American expatriate artist, Tanner would go on to achieve the highest levels of international accolades, something almost unheard of for African-American artists during his time.

So join PAFA, as they bring Tanner's life and legacy home to Philadelphia, for a unique and truly universal look at the life, art and significance of this luminary figure of African-American and world history.

For more details on what's happening in Philly for Black History Month, you can also check out PhillyFunGuide.com.