The city of Las Vegas invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events in January and February. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Extending the Dream: Celebrating Our Past and Inspiring Our Future.” View the flier; all activities are subject to change.
Night of Expressions Youth Talent Showcase Registration Deadline
Register through Jan. 31 for the Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. showcase.
This experience unveils the talents of young community performers in recognition and celebration of Black History Month. Participants will showcase their talents via singing, dancing, acting, music and spoken word. If you are ages 8 to 22 and have a talent you would like to share, please contact Willie Henderson at 702-229-2473 by Jan. 31.
Good-Time Catfish Fry
Thursday, 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.
Sankofa Conversations Series: Continuing the Journey of Language (ages 13+)
Saturday, 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)
Saturday, 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)
Tuesday, 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)
Thursday, 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.
The Westside School Alumni Present “The 2nd Annual Sharing the History of Black Firefighters in Southern Nevada”
Saturday, 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.
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
Friday, 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 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+)
Tuesday, 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
Friday, 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.
