February is Black History Month, an annual observance in the United States which began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
Black History Month TV special
The Black History Month special, "The Impact Continues," will debut at 6 p.m. Feb. 1 on Clark County Television. The 47-min show moderated by Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly features Claytee White, director of the UNLV Oral History Research Center, and Roosevelt Toston, a 60-year Las Vegas resident, author, and retired broadcaster and sales/marketing representative of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The show, taped at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, will air throughout February. Additional air times: Monday, Feb. 3 at 9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 5 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 1:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 7 at 1:30 a.m. and 11 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 9 at 4:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The show also may be viewed on-demand on the County’s YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/ClarkCountyNV. A direct link to the show: https://youtu.be/z716l5FQG0s.
'Obsidian & Neon' Exhibit at McCarran
All month long you can check out "Obsidian & Neon" at McCarran Airport! The exhibit showcases portraits and narratives featuring some of the Las Vegas community's most notable African-American leaders, the airport says. Check it out in Terminal 1 on level 2 before security.
Fifth Annual Generation-2-Generation Old-School Ball Game (all ages)
Feb. 1, noon.
Free and open to the public.
Kianga Isoke Palacio Park at Doolittle Complex, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Cheer on the youth of the East Palo Alto Pitching League as they take on a group of adults in a fun-filled softball game. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served while supplies last. For more information, call 702-229-1642 or 702-229-1254.
Good-Time Catfish Fry
Feb. 6, 11 a.m.
Cost: $10 lunch. Advance registration required, space is limited.
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., 702-229-6125.
Gather together, socialize and enjoy food that nourishes the soul. Call 702-229-6125 for registration and information.
RELATED: BLACK HISTORY MONTH: A lesson in Las Vegas black history
Black History Luncheon (ages 50+)
Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $7. Advance registration required.
Derfelt Senior Center, 3343 W. Washington Ave., 702-229-6601.
Celebrate the lives of famous historical African-American people and enjoy a great meal. Call 702-229-6601 for registration and information.
Sankofa Conversations Series: Continuing the Journey of Language (ages 13+)
Feb. 8, 2 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Three different workshops consisting of book discussions and dialogue will use the past to understand issues affecting the African-American community for today and tomorrow. Sankofa literally translates to “look to the past to inform the future.” The symbol itself depicts a bird, which appears to be moving forward while looking back, supporting the idea of incorporating the aspects of the past into the future. The workshop will be literary-based, led by a group of community facilitators, exploring the soul of black folks as a result of the miseducation of the Negro using literature by both W. E. Burghardt Du Bois and Carter G. Woodson. For more information, please call 702-229-ARTS, or visit www.ArtsLasVegas.org.
Black History Month Dive-In Movie Night! (all ages)
Feb. 8, 8 to 10 p.m.
Cost: $4 per person.
Municipal Swimming Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, 702-229-6309.
Take a dip in the indoor pool, lounge on a raft or relax on a deck chair while watching a movie on the big screen. The featured film will be “Pride.” This movie highlights the story of Jim Ellis, a group of teens and their struggles in and out of the swimming pool at the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation department. Light refreshments will be provided for a small cost.
41st Annual Mid-Day Inspirational Showcase & Luncheon (all ages)
Feb. 11, 11 a.m. showcase; luncheon to follow.
Showcase is free; $10 luncheon. Call 702-229-6125 to purchase luncheon tickets.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd. for showcase.
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., for luncheon.
This showcase features singing, dancing, poetry and guest speakers, followed by a soul food lunch. Advance purchase required for luncheon; tickets will be on sale through Feb. 5, or until sold out.
Black History Mixed-Media & Essay Contest Deadline (open to elementary, middle and high school students)
Feb. 13, 5 p.m. deadline for all entries.
East Las Vegas Community Center 250 N. Eastern Ave., 702-229-1515.
Grab your pen, your computer, paint brush or any other media and submit your entry into the 2020 Black History Month essay/media contest. Be creative, write an essay, create a storyboard, diorama, painting or PowerPoint to share your view. Pick a person from black history who has inspired you the most and highlight him/her. Story boards can be 30” by 40” (standard foam board size). Submit your Black History Month contest entry on or before Thursday, Feb.13, by 5 p.m. Please note: if you choose to create a PowerPoint, submit on a flash drive. First-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded. For more details and entry forms, contact the East Las Vegas Community Center at 702-229-1515.
Black History Month Festival
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 15
Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
The annual family-friendly event will celebrate the inspiring accomplishments and contributions of African Americans to our community. There will be live bands and dance performances; Vegas Golden Knights floor hockey clinic; children's activities like face painting, arts & crafts and games; cooking demos with Vegas Roots Community Garden; a historic photo exhibit; multiple vendors; and more. $6 general admisison for non-memebrs. Discounts available.
The Westside School Alumni Present “The 2nd Annual Sharing the History of Black Firefighters in Southern Nevada”
Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., 702-229-6125.
A multi-jurisdictional celebration of the contributions black firefighters have made to the Las Vegas valley. Enjoy a 30-minute educational forum, unveiling of a historic photo exhibit and an unguided tour of the photo gallery. Refreshments will be served during the forum. Please contact Cassandra Lewis at 702-229-4088 for additional information.
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
Feb. 15 special event
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is celebrating Black History Month as they place an extra spotlight on their most prominent figures who have changed their industries through history. Additionally, they will be partnering with UNLV and Mastering Mindsets to educate their guests on the importance of Black History with an event on Feb. 15. This event will include the faculty from UNLV’s African American Studies program holding a panel to lend their knowledge to the accomplishments and contributions of the figures on the floor and more. Mastering Mindsets will also hold their annual “Emancipation Circle”, where they allow their guests display important artifacts from their history and further educate the community on Black History.
Black Weekend 2020: Kemet in the Desert Series
Feb. 20-22 at 7 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Library Theater, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-507-3989.
Held in honor and recognition of African-American Heritage and Black History Month, this three-day cultural event features guest lecturer programs accentuated with dancing, music, spoken word and affirmations to the vast history of a people in afro-ritualistic traditions. Presented in partnership with Like It Is Radio, Nia Productions, Platinum Productions, Power 88 FM and the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. For more information, please call 702-507-3989 or visit www.ArtsLasVegas.org.
Black History Mixed-Media & Essay Contest Reception
Feb. 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Free for contest entrants; $5 for all others; ages 0-6 are free.
East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 702-229-1515.
This is a reception and awards ceremony for contest entrants. Advance registration not required, but is encouraged; payment will be accepted at the door. For more details, contact the East Las Vegas Community Center at 702-229-1515.
Just Like Mama Did Potluck (ages 50+)
Feb. 25, 11 a.m.
Free for those who bring a dish; $6 for others to sample 8 dishes.
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., 702-229-6125.
Make your mama’s favorite dish, just like she did. Prepare a dish large enough to share with 30 people. Each participant can prepare one dish for the event. Sign up by Feb. 3 with an original recipe. (No purchased dishes, please.) A grand prize will be awarded for the crowd favorite. Call 702-229-6125 for registration and information.
African-American Heritage Exhibition (all ages)
Featuring the artwork of George Ameal Wilson
Feb. 27-May 21; hours Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Friday-Sunday and holidays.
Artist Reception: Thursday, Feb. 27; 4 to 6 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor.
This annual exhibit features the work of an African-American artist who lives and works in Nevada. This year the featured artist is George Ameal Wilson, who spent his formative years in Texas developing his love for cowboys by watching western movies with his grandmother. After moving to Los Angeles, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from California State College Los Angeles. Wilson studied under Si Fountain for five years and was a student of Joseph Gibby for two years. Inspired by artist Norman Rockwell, he wants his artwork to tell a story. People of all ethnic groups are part of the western experience. These ethnic groups contributed to our history and he wants to show this in his work. They were here; they did something; and he believes we need to open up to our history and see that various groups of people built this country. He saw no mention of these people growing up as a child and his goal is to convey his thoughts and messages through the people in his work. For information, visit www.ArtsLasVegas.org or call 702-229-ARTS (2787).
Night of Expressions Youth Talent Showcase
Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Join us as the city of Las Vegas hosts Night of Expressions, a youth talent showcase. This experience unveils the talents of young community performers in recognition and celebration of Black History Month in addition to a special performance by Bloodline Dance Theatre. Participants will showcase their talents via singing, dancing, acting, music and spoken word.
19th annual Taste & Sounds of Soul Festival
11 a.m. until midnight Feb. 28-29
Fremont Street Experience
The annual event features plenty of soul and comfort food and music. Free admission.
Heart & Soul Festival
1-6 p.m. Feb. 29
Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway
The annual Heart & Soul Festival, hosted by the City of Henderson, will feature live music, dance performances and a variety of merchandise vendors. Admission is free.
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