The city of Las Vegas invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events in February.
Most of this year’s events will be virtual and those that are not will follow all safety guidelines, including social distancing and the wearing of face-coverings.
Here is a list of events below:
African-American Heritage Exhibition
Now through April 14
Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., closed Friday-Sunday and holidays.
Free and open to the public
Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor.
In this year’s annual African-American Heritage Exhibition, the city of Las Vegas has selected some of our city’s best artists, including Ashley Hairston-Doughty, Marcus Montgomery, Harold Bradford, Joseph Watson, Chase McCurdy, Gail Brito-Watson, Lance Smith and Ashanti McGee. Note that social distancing and facial masks are required at City Hall, and visitors have their temperatures checked and are medically screened before entry.
Las Vegas My Brother’s Keeper Alliance 5th Annual Conference:School & Community Empowerment Strategies for Engaging Young Men of Color
Feb. 16-17, 8 a.m. to noon each day.
The Las Vegas My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is hosting a two-day virtual conference with national experts, legislators, school administrators, law enforcement, educators, social services providers, clinicians, advocates and other community stakeholders. This is an action-focused convening to discuss community-level approaches for building a culture of good mental health for boys and young men of color; racial justice; and critical education policy issues. The Las Vegas My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is a cross-sectoral collaborative comprised of three task forces that work to engage the community, promote optimal educational outcomes and improve law enforcement systems and programs. Advance registration is required. Register for Feb. 16 here and for Feb. 17 participation here.
Strong Start Go Mobile Pre-K Academy Black History Month Activities
At the city’s Strong Start Go Mobile Pre-K academies, children will celebrate Black History month by reading books, discussing similarities and differences, listening to music and creating art while they seek to understand and celebrate African-American culture. Children will receive handouts to take home as well as activities to do with their families.
Virtual Black Weekend 2021: Kemet In The Desert – Lecture Series Reloaded
Feb. 18-20, beginning at 2 p.m. each day.
The eighth annual Black Weekend 2021: Kemet in the Desert Lecture Series will be a cultural celebration reflective of the African diaspora, including dancing, music, spoken word, and affirmations in afro-ritualistic traditions in recognition of African-American Heritage and Black History Month. This year’s event will present archived recorded lectures by world-renowned master teachers of African and Egyptian history, culture and religion. A keynote speaker and theatrical performance will be presented each night, featuring Dr. Runoko Rashidi Feb. 18; Professor Jabari Osaze Feb. 19; and Dr. Jawanza Kujufu Feb. 20. Oscar Robin will produce and direct this 2021 virtual programming. The event is co-sponsored by the city of Las Vegas with Platinum Productions and Power 88.1 FM KCEP, and honors event founder Frank G. Verly.
Extending the Dream Mixed Media Contest (school-age youth)
Entries due no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 18.
Free and open to youth in elementary through high-school grades.
East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.
Choose a person from black history who has inspired you the most and highlight that person in your entry. Elementary school students should submit an essay of a minimum of 100 words and a storyboard/photo presentation. Middle school students should submit an essay of a minimum of 150 words along with an artistic representation of the life of the person selected. This can be a storyboard 30” x 40”, diorama, artwork, painting, photography, etc. High school students should submit a presentation (on a flash drive, if possible) that can be a 4-5 minute video or PowerPoint presentation. For more information, call 702-229-1515.
“Antebellum”
Feb. 18, movie 5:30-7:30 p.m. Panel discussion 7:45-8:30 p.m.
The Smith Center parking lot.
The Las Vegas My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and Batteries Included will host a movie screening of the social justice movie “Antebellum.” After the showing of the film, there will be a panel discussion facilitated via Instagram Live that will address awareness and empowerment strategies for human trafficking, mental health and equity. The goal of the event is to share information that will be the catalyst for change through inspired action. Community members and experts in related fields have collectively joined efforts with the Las Vegas My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and Batteries Included to bring this programming to the community. (This movie is rated R: Restricted - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or guardian.) RSVPs are required; space is limited. For more information, contact smitchell@lasvegasnevada.gov or call 702-229-4075.
