Local Events to Look Forward to for Black History Month

By China Boynton

February brings us lots of great gifts like Valentine’s Day and winter weather, February is also known as Black History Month in the United States. Here’s a glimpse of different local events to celebrate the richness of being Black.

The month kicked off with the Tiger Trail committee and their black-tie gala, a gun violence forum, the William F. Boynton 5k run/walk event to honor the former track coach and his former athletes and students, and a business expo. The Tiger Trail Street festival will take place on February 18 from 10 am to 8 pm at 520 MLK Blvd in Pompano.

For something a little low-key, the Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library will be honoring Black History Month with an ongoing video presentation, crafts, and black heritage art and that can be seen in person on February 3rd and the 23rd.

Other events put on by the Pompano Beach Cultural affairs committee will be hosting events like Jazz Reflections: The African American Women of Jazz, a free concert featuring Jazz vocalist and violinist Nicole Yarling on February 23 from 7:30 to 10 pm at the Pompano Beach Cultural Arts Center.

Also, the third annual Pioneers Ball, which helps celebrate pioneers in the community, is something to look forward to. This year’s theme is “Making a Difference” and is dedicated to the contributions of African American Pioneers. Honorees of the event include frontline personnel, entrepreneurs, instructional/non-instructional personnel, community leaders, and community-based organizations that have inspired and positively impacted the community. The event also will include a three-course dinner, live band, and an inspirational dance performance that will take place on February 25 at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center from 6 pm to 9 pm. Tickets are $15 -$20 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. For more information on the events or programs mentioned, go online at pompanobeacharts.org or tigertrailfestival.com.