How to celebrate Black History Month in South Florida

Cities and museums throughout South Florida are planning to honor Black History Month in February with events — from gallery exhibits to guest speakers — that everyone can enjoy virtually and in-person.

The first month-long celebration of Black history took place in 1976 during the nation’s bicentennial when President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,” according to africanamericanhistorymonth.gov.

Here’s how the tri-county area will commemorate the month:

Fort Lauderdale

History Fort Lauderdale will be highlighting the creativity and contributions of Broward County’s African American community, hosting its “Black History,

Black Future” fine art exhibit from Feb. 2 to 28. The exhibit in the New River Inn building of History Fort Lauderdale, 231 SW Second Ave., will feature pieces for show and sale from students at Dillard Center for Arts’ Advanced Placement.

Viewing the exhibit is also accessible via History Fort Lauderdale’s YouTube Channel. History Fort Lauderdale — previously referred to as the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society — presents stories of the city’s diverse community through educational experiences and cultural exhibits. Admission is

$15 for adults, $2 for seniors and

$7 for students through age 22 with a valid student ID. Admission is free for military members and children age 6 and under. Visit historyfortlauderdale.org.

Featuring works by Black artists and designers, the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., will have a free exhibit through May. Including art, architecture, photography and poetry, the exhibit will examine concepts of community and life in Sistrunk, a historically Black neighborhood in Broward County. Registration is required. Visit bit.ly/2LX6txT or call 954-357-7457.

Miramar

In honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Black History Month and Reggae Month, the city of Miramar has a six-week free celebration open to everyone. Until March 14, people can visit the “In Time of Protest” art exhibition at the Miramar Cultural Center Ansin Gallery, 2400 Civic Center Place. Miramar Mayor Wayne Messman will host Freeform Art Saturday on Feb. 6 at the Miramar Cultural Center Arts Park, which will feature outdoor activities, live music and local food. On Feb. 13, the city will have a drive-in movie at the Ansin Sports Complex, 10801 Miramar Blvd., featuring the historic film, “Selma.” Gates open at 6 p.m. with the movie starting at 7 p.m. Miramar will also recognize the contributions of reggae music by streaming a virtual panel discussion on Feb. 11 through Facebook Live and miramarfl.gov. Beginning at 6 p.m., the virtual discussion will feature Sen. Shevrin Jones, attorney and activist Alex Audate and Pastor Terrance Wilson.

Miramar will also host its Reggae Icon Awards on Feb. 27 at the Miramar Amphitheater, 16801 Miramar Parkway, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The event will honor artists from the group “Third World.” Visit miramarfl.gov.

Pompano Beach

The Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, 41 NE First St., is commemorating Black and Women’s history months by featuring photographic work by Walter Griffin and paintings by M. Jamesly Saint Louis in “The Longer the Feather” art exhibit.

Until March 25, visit the exhibit for free through appointments by visiting pompanobeacharts.org/ programs/the-longer-the-feather-exhibition.

The arts center is also asking residents to take part by sending an image of themselves or loved ones dressed in their Sunday Best outfit. Tag @bacapompano and using the hash tag# the longer the feather. Photos can also be emailed to pbartsinfo@copbfl. com.

Visit pompanobeacharts.org/ baca.