South Florida Sun Sentinel
Jan 29, 2022 12:31 PM
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The late U.S. Rep. John Lewis holds a candle during an event on Jan. 30, 2017, in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. See the documentary “Good Trouble” Feb. 17 at the Hallandale Branch Library that defines his fights for civil rights, voting rights and more. File photo. (Olivier Douliery/TNS/TNS)
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.
‘60 Years of Black Art,’ Fort Lauderdale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 1-28. 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.
Black history meets reggae, Miramar, 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 2. The City of Miramar will kick off the festivities for this month at City Hall Plaza, 2300 Civic Center Place. Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis will announce plans to celebrate Bob Marley’s birthday, as well as highlight the accomplishments of past heroes, culminating with the Reggae Icon Awards Feb. 24. Register to attend the launch at bit.ly/3rYAdLD. Free.
Book discussion, Plantation, 6-7 p.m. Feb. 2. Broward County Library invites you to celebrate Black History Month with a book discussion of Barack Obama’s “The Audacity of Hope,” led by Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd. 954-765-1560. bit.ly/3seYbTd. Free.
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.
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.
‘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. 954-545-7800. Free.
Pioneer’s Ball, Pompano Beach, 5:30-8:30 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.
16th annual African American Film Festival, West Palm Beach, 7 p.m. Feb. 1, 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.
More Than a Game: Champions in the midst of desegregation (virtual), 5:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Virtual panel discussion presented by the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. Exhibit will remain through Feb. 26 on display at the Historical Society, in the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, 300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. 561-832-4164. View here pbchistory.org/events/more-than-a-game.
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.
Alkebulan: Shining light on the African continent (virtual), 6-8 p.m. Feb. 3, 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.
Culturally diverse cuisine, music and community, North Miami Beach, 5-9 p.m. Feb. 5. Public invited to enjoy the music, sample some bites and celebrate Black History Month. Senator Gwen Margolis Amphitheater, 16501 NE 16th St. bit.ly/3AEpmua. Free.
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. 561-279-8883. See bhyaaf.net.
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.
