The event begins with a reception at 6 p.m. in the atrium of City Hall at 401 N. Morton St. with the kick-off program following at 7 p.m., according to a press release. This event is free and open to the public.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “What Excellence Looks Like” and will examine African American excellence locally and nationally, according to ?the release.
The kick-off program will feature book signings by local authors Janet Cheatham Bell and Audrey T. McCluskey and a keynote address by Arvis Dawson, executive assistant to the mayor of Elkhart, Ind.
The City will host events throughout the month of February, including the Black History Month Essay Contest Awards Reception and the 10th Annual Black History Month Gala.
The Black History Month Essay Contest Awards Reception will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at Fairview ?Elementary School.
Awards will be presented to the authors of the winning essays in the elementary, middle and high school categories.
The 10th Annual Black History Month Gala will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 245 N. College Ave. Preceding the Gala, a silent auction will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The event will include live music with dining and dancing, as well as a presentation of the 2015 Living Legend Recognition and the Commission on the Status of Black Males’ Black Male Leader of Tomorrow Award.
Tickets for this event are $45 and may be purchased at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater Box Office at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Hannah Alani
