City starts Black History Month celebration with kick-off fair

The city of Bloomington will celebrate the beginning of Black History Month with a kick-off fair.

The fair will take place at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Atrium and Council Chambers of Showers City Hall, 401 N. Morton St.

The fair is the opening ceremony for all the activities throughout Bloomington during Black History Month. The city coined “Bloomington Style: A Celebration!” as this year’s theme.

Activities such as historical storytelling and crafts will be offered for younger children while middle and high school students will have the opportunity to attend an informative meeting about higher education. The meeting will include information on applying for scholarships, how to write a good scholarship essay, financing and black greek life.

“Students need to be aware and informed about how to prepare for schooling after the high school level ... Getting information is always critical,” said Diane Hanks, who is conducting the session about higher education.

Charles Skyes, the director of the African American Arts Institute, will talk about the 50th anniversary of Motown Records and what it has meant for music.

Community members will be able to enjoy the Monroe County History Museum and a presentation on the art of stepping.

“Events are geared toward all family members, so every age can have a little fun, have a little food and learn about history,” Safe and Civil City Director Beverly Calender-Anderson said.

Calender-Anderson said the fair is a way for community members to learn more about black history and celebrate the people in the community.

“A celebration of African-American history is a celebration of America,” Calender-Anderson said. “The kick-off fair is one of the ways we celebrate that and share our culture with other ethnicities and backgrounds.”

Black History Month committee member Doris Sims said she thinks the fair is important because everyone has an opportunity to learn about different parts of African-American history.

“You are never too old to learn something new,” Sims said.