Black History Month is observed each February to recognize and celebrate the achievements, contributions and history of Black Americans. The observance grew out of Negro History Week, established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, and was expanded to a monthlong national commemoration in 1976.

Communities across the country mark the month with educational programs, exhibits, performances and community gatherings focused on culture, history and civic impact.

Cities across the Golden Triangle will host a wide range of Black History Month events this year, including art exhibits, concerts, lectures, book talks and student programs.

“Columbus and Lowndes County are deeply rooted in a rich and diverse history, and Black History Month is an important time to honor the contributions, resilience and cultural legacy of our Black community,” said Carrie Martin, executive director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “Black History Month not only honors the past but inspires future generations to engage, learn and build a strong, more inclusive community.”

Here’s a look at what’s planned around the region:

Starkville

Starkville will host educational exhibits and live cultural programming throughout the month.

The Starkville Public Library, 326 University Drive, will present “Roots, Resilience & Legacy: An America 250 Education Tour” at 4 p.m. Feb. 12. Cultural educator and artist Kayla Marie Gilmore will offer a moving tribute through dance, spoken word and story, highlighting African American contributions to the nation as it approaches its 250th anniversary. The event is free, though seating is limited. For more information, contact the library at [email protected].

Mississippi State University’s Colvard Student Union Art Gallery will host the traveling exhibit “A More Perfect Union: Mississippi Founders” through Feb. 20. The Mississippi Humanities Council exhibit highlights 12 Mississippians who fought to extend full citizenship rights to all people. Admission is free.

West Point

West Point will feature student artwork and local history displays.

Starting Monday the West Point Consolidated School District will display student art for Black History Month.

Northside Christian Church will present exhibits inside the Black Prairie Blues Museum, open Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. throughout February.

Columbus

Columbus will host a cluster of events, including exhibits, concerts, author talks, ceremonies and community celebrations.

The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library will display “Frederick Douglass: Advocate for Equality” from Wednesday through Feb. 27.
The Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St., will host the opening reception for its second annual Black Excellence Art Exhibition at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The exhibition, running through February and March, features works by artists including Stephen Phillips, Kira Cummings, Freda Clark and Ahmad Austin, with culinary contributions from East Mississippi Community College and McKeller Technology Center students.

Mississippi University for Women’s Department of Music will present a Black History Month Celebration Concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in Poindexter Hall on the MUW campus. Admission is free.

Friendly City Books and the Columbus Arts Council will co-host a book talk with author Ralph Eubanks at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the arts council, followed by a blues concert as part of the Morgan Freeman Mississippi Blues Tour at 7, featuring Edna Nicole and Rev. Slim.

“Ralph Eubanks is one of the leading voices in the cultural conversation about Mississippi’s impact on the country writ large,” said Emily Liner, owner of Friendly City Books. “We are thrilled to welcome him back to Columbus to celebrate his new book, and it’s going to be a great night of books and blues.”

The Columbus Recreation Department will host an after-school Black History program at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Sim Scott Community Center.

Visit Columbus will hold a historic markers dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 recognizing Henry Baker Jr. and the original site of Union Academy. The event begins at the BankFirst parking lot, 900 Main St.

That evening, Visit Columbus Mississippi will present the Legacy & Leadership Gala: Celebrating Black Excellence at the Trotter Convention Center. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m., featuring guest speaker Dr. Jamal Bryant, host comedian Rita Brent and red carpet emcee Rick “Don’t Go” Mason. Ticket information is available through Visit Columbus.

Additional community events include the Henry Armstrong Boxing Classic at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Trotter Convention Center and the Sim Scott Senior Citizens Winter Sneaker Ball at 6 p.m. the same day at the Sim Scott Community Center. Admission to the sneaker ball is $10.

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science will host “100 Years of Black History: Remembering Our Past, Embracing the Future” at 5 p.m. Feb. 22 in Cromwell Hall on the MUW campus. Damonta Morgan, MSMS Class of 2013, will be the guest speaker.

MUW Student Affairs and the Student Success Center will present a panel discussion, “How Identity Impacts Academics,” at 2 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Gail P. Gunter Room at Fant Library, featuring faculty and students discussing how Black identity has shaped their academic experiences.

The Columbus Arts Council will close out the month’s major programs with “Forever Legends: Melodies That Shaped Us,” a tribute concert celebrating African American music legends, at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26.

The Soul Food Tribute Black History Program will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Townsend Community Center.
Residents are encouraged to check with hosting organizations for any updates or additional events scheduled throughout the month.