Bloomington plans to celebrate Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and the Bloomington community has planned a series of events celebrating and commemorating black history.

This year the theme is “Hoosier Heroes in History & Culture.”

The premise of the theme is to teach people about past black Hoosier heroes in the community, such as Madame C.J. Walker and Virgil Garret Trice Jr. as well as modern day individuals.

Bloomington’s Black History Month events are sponsored by Cardinal Stage Company, Order of the Eastern Star, Griffin Realty, Pete Giordano and Barbara McKinney.

Delta Sigma Theta’s Fifth AnnualPancake Breakfast
8 a.m., Feb. 8, Longhorn Steakhouse Restaurant

Bloomington’s Delta Sigma Theta sorority will have its fifth annual fundraising pancake breakfast to promote literacy and gather donations of used books for all ages to share with families.

Tickets are $5, and children younger than 5 eat free.

Release Party for “Saint Monkey,” Debut Novel by Jacinda Townsend
5 p.m., Feb. 28, Indiana Memorial Union, Federal Room

There will be a book release party for “Saint Monkey” by debut artist Jacinda
Townsend at the Indiana Memorial Union.

Cardinal Stage’s “The Whipping Man”
2 p.m., Feb. 9, Ivy Tech

Waldron Arts Center

The Cardinal Stage Theater at the Waldron Arts Center will bring the Civil War-set play “The Whipping Man” to the stage.

Tickets are $26.50.

Black History Month Gala
6:30 p.m., Feb. 22, Hilton Garden Inn

There will be a Black History Month Gala at the Hilton Garden Inn. This event will feature dinner, dancing, live music and a presentation of the 2014 City of Bloomington Living Legend and Outstanding Black Male Leader of Tomorrow Awards.

Tickets can be purchased at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater box office.

City of Bloomington Black History Month Kick-off and Reception
5:30 p.m., Feb. 3, Showers City Hall Chambers

This reception features a talk from Jimmie L. McMillian, a partner in Indianapolis’ Barnes & Thornburg Litigation Office.

“My plan is to talk to the young people about my experiences growing up and my time as an IU student getting into the law school,” McMillian said.

“I want people to know about the challenges I faced when I was younger and how I learned that mentorship and my system got me to where I am at now.”

2014 Black History Month Essay Contest
Submissions due Feb. 13

Students in fourth to 12th grade can enter the Black History Month essay contest. All applicants are required to select a significant African individual and write about his or her accomplishments in leadership and contribution to society.