Black History Month in South Florida

February is the second month of the year, and more importantly the month dedicated to the celebration of African American history across the United States and Canada. Originally Black History was honored over the duration of a week, but in 1976 the expansion was made to Black History Month and was recognized by the U.S. Government.  President Gerald Ford encouraged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

This Black History Month, South Florida has an enriched range of cultural celebrations scheduled for the month of February. Here are only a few of events occurring in South Florida this month:

• Coral Springs Museum of Art is hosting a fun family event appreciating African American Art including story telling by Madafo with musical performances. For more information call 954-340-5000. February 14, 2014 at 3:30 PM at 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs.

• The Miami Black Heritage Cultural Experience Tours. Trolleys will visit historical sites in South Florida such as Coconut Grove and Lemon City among other locations. The City of Miami’s Black History Tours depart between the hours of 8:30 AM and 3:30PM from the Historic Ward Cultural Tourist Center Gallery located at 249 NW 9 Street, Miami, FL. February 15^th & 22^nd, 2014. For more information please visit http://www.theblackarchives.org, or call 305-636-2390.

• Historic Virginia Key Presents The Black History Month Drive-in Films: “Red Tails” February 12, 2014 at 8:00 PM. Additional movies this month are: “The Butler”, “Remember the Titians” and “42”. For additional information and show times, please visit http://bluestarlitemiami.vbotickets.com/events.

• African Art Exhibit “Civil Rights for All - The 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. U.S Attorney Wifredo Ferrer and art curated by Babacar  M’Bow. February 20, 2014 5:30 -8:30 PM at 200 South Biscayne Blvd. Suite 4900. To reserve your seat, please RSVP to caribbeanbarassociation@gmail.com.

• Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month: Eras of Black Style. A tribute to African American style with lively discussion with featured journalist and style experts hosted by Neki Mohan. February 22, 2014 at 2:00 PM. To reserve your seat, please RSVP to macys-celebrates-black-history-month-tickets

• Main Library Plaza will be hosting a Moonlight Tales: Storytelling Under the Stars. National story tellers and musical performances presented under the stars. Free admission. February 24, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:30 PM at 100 S. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale. For more information call 954-357-7443.

I hope you take a moment this month and appreciate the amazing changes our country has undergone and the culture we have within our own backyard. Please feel free to share your experiences with us this month as well.

Well Wishes,

^Cari