South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Events to celebrate Black History Month
What does it mean to celebrate Black History Month? To many people, it is an opportunity to gather with friends, family and neighbors to honor and acknowledge the talents, gifts and legacies of Black men and women from myriad ethnic backgrounds who have contributed to the richness of the culture and heritage in their communities. Some of them were educators, scientists, inventors, activists or business owners, while others were poets, artists and writers. But the one thing they all shared was the ability to connect, communicate, teach and inspire others. They were people who stood out, spoke up and decided to make a difference. If you would like to learn more and participate in these Black History Month events, here is a curated list to help you find something that piques your interest.
South Florida PBS stations commemorate Black History Month. Times and dates vary. See the lineup at southfloridapbs.org/ black-history-month. WPBT Live streaming can be viewed at wpbt2.org/ live-tv; and WXEL Live streaming can be viewed at wxel.org/live-tv.
Broward County
‘60 Years of Black Art,’ Fort Lauderdale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Feb. 28. Exhibit features works by Dillard Center for The Arts AP students among others, and spotlights the creativity and contributions of Broward County’s African American community. History Fort Lauderdale, 231 SW Second Ave. 954-463-4431. historyfortlauderdale.org. $7-$15.
Dance: An Esther Rolle-inspired exhibition, Pompano Beach, on display through Feb. 9. Paintings and photos in this exhibition capture the essence of movement showcasing many styles of dance while displaying the beauty of the art form. Ali Cultural Arts Center, 353 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. 954-786-7877. pompanobeacharts.org/ali. Free.
African American Women Changemakers, Pompano Beach, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; on exhibit February-March. Features photographs and profiles of African-American women educators, activists and artists from the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. On display in the lobby and first floor of the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd. 954-545-7800. pompanobeacharts.org/cc. Free.
African American Research Library and Cultural Center documentary, available on YouTube at bit.ly/35jPiQa. Based on the written archives of the Civil Rights Division in the U.S. Dept. of Justice, this film covers the phases of voting rights for Blacks as well as the obstacles, brutality and institutional systems they faced in the struggle for equality at the ballot box for African Americans.
Lunch with Art, the lecture series (virtual), 12:15 p.m. Feb. 10. Join consultant Derek T. Davis and the Blanche Ely House Museum to learn about Pompano Beach history that unlocks a piece of the past and focuses on the people who made a difference in the community. pompanobeacharts.org/ ely. Free.
A Taste of Jazz, Pompano Beach, 7 p.m. Feb. 10. Begins with wine tasting, followed by Martin Hand and the Gold Coast Jazz Quartet as they explore how Jazz was Influenced by African American musicians. Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, 41 NE First St. pompanobeacharts.org/baca. $10-$20.
Rededication, exhibition: Collectors’ Duet, Fort Lauderdale, 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 11. This event marks the library’s 20th anniversary with a celebration. African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. 954-357-6282. Admission is free, registration required. RSVP at broward. libnet.info/event/5904449.
Lyrics Lab Cafe honors the Apollo Theater with comedy competition, Pompano Beach, 8-11 p.m. Feb. 16. Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, 41 NE First St. 954-786-7879. pompanobeacharts.org/baca. $10.
Documentary: John Lewis in ‘Good Trouble,’ Hallandale, 3-5 p.m. Feb. 17. Chronicles the life of the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis and his many fights for civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health care reform and immigration. In-person film in the multipurpose room, Hallandale Beach Branch Library, 300 S. Federal Highway. 954-357-6380. Seating is limited. Register online with your library card at broward. libnet.info/event/5889609. Free.
Together: An exhibition celebrating African American quilts, Pompano Beach, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Feb. 18-May 12. This national juried exhibition commemorates the talent, resourcefulness and ingenuity of early African-American quilters and explores early quilting techniques. Ali Cultural Arts Center, 353 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. 954-786-7877. pompanobeacharts.org/ali
A celebration of Black judges, Fort Lauderdale, 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 18. Presented by the 17th Judicial Circuit & Broward
County Bar Association. Broward County Central Courthouse, 201 SE Sixth St., in the Jack B. Tuter Ceremonial Courtroom 17150. Free and parking will be validated. Register to attend online at bit.ly/3G6p2po.
Deep Fried Funk, Pompano Beach, 7-9 p.m. Feb. 18. Features outdoor stage with craft beers and a sampling of culinary treats from local food vendors. Ali Cultural Arts Center, 353 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. 954-786-7877. pompanobeacharts.org/ali. $10.
Stories from the front porch, Pompano Beach, 11 a.m. Feb. 19. Enjoy stories about Black American heroes, complete a small craft, and tour the Ely home. Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Black hero, community leader, or story character. Blanche Ely House Museum, 1500 NW Sixth Ave. 954-786-7877. pompanobeacharts.org/ely. Free.
Reggae Icon Awards, Miramar, 6 p.m. Feb. 24. Cocktails at 6:30; awards 7:30-10:30 p.m. Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place. bit.ly/3rYAdLD. Free with online registration.
‘Caretaker,’ a documentary on Zoom, 7-8 p.m. Feb. 24. Virtual presentation by the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. While searching for his grandfather’s grave, the caretaker for the historic Lincoln Memorial cemetery finds love in the community around him and shines a light on significant people who were nearly lost to time. RSVP for the link at bit.ly/3rP7SHq. 954-5457800. Free.
Pioneer’s Ball, Pompano Beach, 5:308:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Honors Pompano Beach African American educators. Includes dinner, live band and dance performance. Ali Cultural Arts Center, 353 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. 954-786-7877. pompanobeacharts.org/ali. $15-$20. Limited tickets available.
Home: An exhibit created by the community’s view, Pompano Beach. Ongoing installation with community participation will be on display through April 26. Blanche Ely House Museum, 1500 NW Sixth Ave., Pompano Beach. Visits by appointment only; call 954-545-7800.
Palm Beach County
16th annual African American Film Festival, West Palm Beach, 7 p.m. Feb. 8 and 15. The final show features “The Great Debaters,” based on a true story with Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker, set in the 1930s. Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. kravis.org or 561-832-7469. Tickets $12 per show or series for $30.
Authors Speak: The impact of race on American society, Delray Beach, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Features Leslie Gray Streeter, author of Black Widow. Arts Garage, 94 NE Second Ave. artsgarage.org. Free with RSVP. 561-450-6357. bit.ly/3rXu9mI.
Black Youth Awareness Art Festival, Delray Beach, 6 p.m. Feb. 18. Presented by the Milagro Center and Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. This joint project aims to engage Palm Beach County youth and community organizations through art, music and Black history. Outdoor event at the Spady Museum, 170 NW Fifth Ave. 561-2798883. See bhyaaf.net.
Miami-Dade County
Alkebulan: Shining light on the African continent (virtual), 6-8 p.m. Feb. 10, 17 and 24. Four-part lecture series presented by Presented by Pamela D. Hall, Ph.D. and Tony Bennett, both of whom are researchers for South Florida People of Color. Presentations in-person at Barry University in Miami Shores and online. Register at bit.ly/3IFC0fi. Series is free. southfloridaPOC.org.
‘Too Black Too Fast’ exhibit celebrates African American jockeys, Overtown, noon-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday through Feb. 13. Features 40 paintings and 25 bronze sculptures. The Historic Ward Rooming House Gallery, 249 NW Ninth St. Admission is free. See hamptonartlovers.com.
The above are public events, virtual and in-person. CDC social distancing and other guidelines may apply. Please use the contact information to verify details. All programs and activities are subject to change without notice. To submit events for consideration, see sunsentinel.com/calendars for instructions.