List of events honoring Black History Month in Las Vegas for 2019.
The photographic exhibit, "Obsidian & Neon: Building Black Life and Identity in Las Vegas” by photojournalist Jeff Scheid, is now open at the Clark County Government Center Rotunda Gallery. A year in the making, the exhibit features photographic portraits and narratives featuring some of the community's most notable African-American leaders in the areas of culture, politics, business and community outreach. It is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding holidays. The gallery is located at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway in downtown Las Vegas. There will be a free public reception on Thursday, Jan. 31 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Dru-Young’s interpretation of his heroes’ work comes alive in this one-man show, "Sam & Sammy," at 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at West Las Vegas Library. This is a must-see for fans of classic crooners Sam Cooke and Sammy Davis Jr.
The City of Las Vegas is hosting a mixed media contest for Black History Month for local students. Submit your proposal on or before 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. First, second and third place winners from each division will present their submission at a future event. Call 702-229-1515 for a required entry form or download here: www.tinyurl.com/y7knjfzr. The Heart of Black History Contests Luncheon will take place Feb. 23.
RELATED: BLACK HISTORY MONTH: A lesson in Las Vegas black history
The African-American History Month Read-a-Thon will take place 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Rainbow Library. All ages welcome. Free.
Summerlin Library will host “Lives on the Line: Civil Rights Legacy” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Summerlin Library. Free.
West Dance Theatre presents “Heart & Soul” at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 8 and 9 at West Las Vegas Library Theatre. Free.
Head to Doolittle Senior Center for a new photo exhibit titled “Sharing the History of Black Firefighters in Southern Nevada.” Meet local firefighters from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9.
Clark County Library will show “The Hate U Give,” which tells the story of an African-American teen who witnessed a tragic incident, at 2 p.m. Feb. 9.
Broadway in the H.O.O.D. will usher in Black History Monty with a hand clapping’ and foot stompin’ good time on Feb. 9 and 2 and 7 p.m. at The Smith Center. Join Baby Mahalia, Mrs. Charity “Tina” Leeper and the Las Vegas Combined Choir for Myron’s Cabaret Jazz first-ever Gospel concert, featuring music from one of the most influential gospel artists in the world.
Doolittle Senior Center will host a celebration of African-American history and heritage featuring song and dance at 11 a.m. Feb. 12. Brunch will be served. Must RSVP for brunch Call 702-229-6125.
Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly will host “A Night of Culture, Entertainment & Special Awards” on Feb. 13 in the Reynolds Grand Lobby at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Free.
The Rick Arroyo Jazz Trio performs at noon Dec. 15 in the Jury Assembly Room at Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in downtown Las Vegas.
“No Place to Be Somebody” is a dark comedy about a a black bartender in New York City who attempts to outwit a white mobster syndicate. Presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 and 16 at West Las Vegas Library and at 2 p.m. Feb. 17 at the library.
The Black History Month Festival is taking place Feb. 16 at Springs Preserve. Enjoy live music and dance performances, soul food from local restaurants, cultural art and gift items, a historic Black Las Vegas photo exhibit, activities for the kids including arts and crafts, carnival games and face-painting, and more! $6 general admission, $4 for children ages 3-17.
The Nevada Preservation Foundation is hosting extended tours of the Historic Westside School on West Washington Avenue on Feb. 26. The tour starts at 10 a.m. Space is limited and registration is required.
Walking tours of Berkley Square, the first neighborhood in Nevada that was designed by acclaimed architect Paul R Williams specifically for African Americans, will take place at 2 p.m. Feb. 2 and 23. Free. Brochures for self-guided tour also available at NPF office.
“The Night of the Negro Spiritual” will be presented at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at West Las Vegas Library. Featured headliner Mr. E. C. Adams, local gospel choirs, spoken-word artists, and leading community performers, along with a monologue performance, give voice to the struggles of black people.
Baha’is Las Vegas will show the documentary “An American Story: Race Amity and the Other Tradition” at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Baha’i Center on West Oakey Boulevard. Martha Elliot, from the National Center for Race Amity, will give an introduction to the film. The documentary will be followed by Q&A and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.
Opera Las Vegas honors and celebrates the African-American operatic legacy and the triumphs enjoyed by beloved singers, conductors, and composers at 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at West Las Vegas Library. Free.
DISCOVERY Children’s Museum welcomes guests to learn all about Black History Month. Visitors can enjoy special crafting sessions as well as educational activities surrounding the Harlem Renaissance, the history of African American migration, and more.
Feb. 2 – Feb. 8
Toddler Town – Museum guests will design a musical scene in celebration of the poetry featured in “Jazz” by author Walter Dean Myers.
Young At Art – Join DISCOVERY and learn about the paintings of artist William H. Johnson and create your very own portraits.
Patents Building – Guests will revive the “I Have a Dream” speech through an engaging and collaborative activity.
Feb. 9 – Feb. 15
Toddler Town – Museum guests will listen to the beautiful story “Mirandy and Brother Wind” and design a painting inspired by nature.
Young At Art – DISCOVERY welcomes guests to explore the lively works of Harlem Renaissance artist Archibald Motley and create your own musical works of art.
Patents Pending – Guests are invited to observe the history and migration of African-American peoples across the United States.
