Black History Month celebrated throughout Las Vegas and beyond...

February is Black History Month and throughout Las Vegas there are exhibitions, concerts and special events to commemorate the huge contributions of the African American diaspora to the history of the United States. Here is a listing of events and exhibitions that I have complied for you to visit.

At the Springs Preserve

Black History Month Festival

Commemorating the contributions of African-Americans to Southern Nevada's history and culture, the Springs Preserve and Las Vegas Black Image Magazine present the first Black History Month Festival at the Preserve on Sunday, Feb. 28.

The festival is an extension of the ninth annual Taste and Sounds of Soul, held at the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas from Feb. 19 to 21. Festivities at the Springs Preserve will showcase African-American literature, cuisine and art in a family-friendly, unique atmosphere.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view a special "Historic Black Vegas" photo exhibit and learn more about the past, present and future of Las Vegas. Entertainment will include a Children's Film Festival (featuring such favorites as "The Wiz" and "Akeelah and the Bee"), Greek Step Show, a Children's Hair and Fashion Show, live bands, dancers, and music by 6-year-old DJ "Baby Chino." The event also will feature plenty of food and beverages, as well as access to the Preserves museums and galleries.

Date & Time Sunday, Feb. 28

11:00 a.m. - 05:00 p.m.

Location Various locations

Admission $5 adults, $3 children 5 to 17, free for children 4 and under. Advance tickets can be purchased at Sight and Sound Center, 1000 N. Martin Luther King Blvd.

RSVP No reservations accepted.

http://www.springspreserve.org/

At the Atomic Testing Museum

African American Art Exhibit

Reception with artist Karl Wilkes
Friday February 19 at 6:00 pm.

RSVP by calling 702-794-5147
or dawn.barlow@ntshf.org
http://www.atomictestingmuseum.org/index.html

At the Las Vegas City Hall Bridge Gallery
Las Vegas Perspective: Reflections Of The African-American Artist

The public is invited to attend the “Las Vegas Perspective: Reflections of the African-American Artist” exhibit, which opened on, Feb. 12, at the Bridge Gallery in Las Vegas City Hall, located at 400 Stewart Ave. This exhibit is free and open to the public.

The exhibit features artwork from the following local artists: Abraham Abebe, Dayo Adelaja, Harold Bradford, Sylvester Collier, Lolita Develay, Vicki Richardson, Lance Smith, Mario Smith and Joseph Watson.

The exhibit runs through April 23, 2010, and is presented by the city of Las Vegas. The Bridge Gallery is located on the second floor of City Hall, near the information desk. Visitors may enter through the breezeway from the second floor of the parking garage, which is on the southwest corner of Fourth Street and Stewart Avenue. Parking is by paid meter only. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Call (702) 229-1012 for more information.

West Las Vegas Arts Center Exhibit Celebrates Black History Month

“A Celebration Of African Heritage” By Mario Lorne Smith Jr. Through May 1

In honor of Black History Month, the West Las Vegas Arts Center is exhibiting “A Celebration of African Heritage” by Mario Lorne Smith Jr. through May 1 in its Community Gallery, located at 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. This unusual exhibit encourages visitors to touch and feel the artworks. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The public is invited to meet the artist at a reception on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. in the gallery. A live entertainment performance will be provided at 3 p.m. during the reception. Admission to the exhibition and reception are free. For more information, call the center at 229-4800.

At the Las Vegas Clark County Library
3rd Annual West Preparatory Academy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical

Competition and Art Festival
Thursday, February 25 at 6 p.m.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 507-3989
Students challenge themselves by competing in performance oratory. Co-sponsored by
the Clark County School District.

Jeopardy Bowl 2010
Friday, February 26 at 6 p.m.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 507-3989
Fifth grade students from local elementary schools demonstrate their knowledge of
African American history. Co-sponsored by the Las Vegas Links, Inc. and the Clark
County School District.

For more information http://www.lvccld.org/

At the Left of Center Art Gallery
"Heritage Translated"
January 18 - March 19
2207 West Gowan
North Las Vegas, NV 89032
phone: 702.647.7378
For more information
http://www.leftofcenterart.org/

Nevada Public Radio
For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this link http://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm