Black History Month Events

The city of Las Vegas invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events in January and February. The city has participated in Black History Month activities in many ways over the last 46 years. Please note that city of Las Vegas facilities will be closed Feb. 17 for Presidents' Day. All activities are subject to change with or without notice.

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"Finding My Heritage: Cherokee Freedmen, A Visual Account" Exhibition
An Installation by Donald Corpier Starr on display through Feb. 28, 2025.
Free and open to the public Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Gallery hours may vary; please call ahead. For more information, call 702.229.4800.
West Las Vegas Arts Center Community Gallery, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Learn the history of the Cherokee Freedmen, who were former black slaves of the Cherokee Nation. In 1866, there was a treaty with the Union and the Cherokee Nation when the Civil War ended. The treaty mandated Cherokee Freedmen be recognized as members of the Nation. Cherokee Freedmen descendants weren't recognized as true Nation members until 2017, after a long class-action court battle in the Cherokee Nation and United States court systems. This exhibit by a descendent of a Cherokee chattel slave illustrates this little-known story.

West Las Vegas Outreach Youth Basketball Tournament
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Jan. 22-24; 4 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. Friday
Free and open to the public as spectators.
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., 702.229.6374.
Join us for a single-elimination youth basketball tournament in honor of Peace Week 2025. This free tournament is open to participants who qualify through their respective schools or youth programs. For additional information, call 702.229.6374.

11^th Annual African American Trailblazer Service Awards
Thursday, Jan. 23, 9-11:30 a.m.
Free and open to the public with RSVP.
Las Vegas City Hall Council Chambers, 495 S. Main St., second floor.

Join us as we honor African American leaders in the Las Vegas community who have made significant contributions to the vibrant fabric of the city. Space is limited; call 702.229.3401 to RSVP. The event also will be broadcast live online at https://www.youtube.com/@cityoflasvegastv. To learn more about past African American Trailblazer Award recipients, click here.

Good Time Catfish Fry
Thursday, Feb. 6, 11 a.m.
Tickets: $10; open to the public.
Doolittle Active Adult Center, 1930 N. J St., 702.229.6125.
Join the community for a traditional catfish fry with all the trimmings. This will be a time to gather, laugh together, socialize and enjoy food that nourishes the soul. Please register no later than Feb. 4, as spaces are limited. For more information, please call 702.229.6125.

Contemporary West Dance Theatre's Black History Month Celebration
Friday, Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 8, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$30.
Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 Brush St., 702.229.6383.
Enjoy three dance works -- the world premiere of "Kaleidoscope," choreographer Milton Myers' "Joy," and Bernard H. Gaddis' "Steveland" -- in honor of Black History Month. Buy tickets and select seats at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35056/production/1217552. Same day ticket sales will be available at the box office and will be limited to cash only sales.

African American Heritage Month Exhibition: People of Color
Curated by Brent Holmes
Feb. 10-Aug. 7, 2025. Hours 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, closed Friday, weekends and holidays.
Artist Reception Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, 5-7 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor.
People of Coloris a survey of African diasporic artists throughout Nevada. Ranging in medium, content and intent, the exhibition is curated with the intention of demonstrating the reality that Black life is American life. The artists, drawn from multiple disciplines, include Ashanti McGee, Dana Saturwhite, E.A. Adams, Iyana Esthers, Joseph Watson, Montaysia Yuneek, Naes Pierott, Petite Monstrie and Vogue Robinson.

The Corner presents Love's Canvas
Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
Free and open to the public of all ages.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702.229.4800.
Willie "Saucey Downs" Williams III will host a forum for artists, spectators and open-mic participants. Come celebrate the love of arts and culture through poetry, music and the spoken word. The night will feature an array of literary, visual and musical artistry offering an opportunity for everyday people to gather, to hear, and to be heard.

46^th Annual Mid-Day Inspirational Showcase & Luncheon
Thursday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.
Showcase and soul food brunch are free, but a ticket is required.
Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St. for both showcase and luncheon.
This experience will extend the dream as the Mid-Day Inspirational Showcase celebrates 44 years of programming. This annual showcase features singing, dancing, poetry and guest speakers, followed by a soul food brunch. The brunch will take place immediately following the showcase. Tickets are available only at the Doolittle Active Adult Center, while supplies last. Call 702.229.6125 for more information.

Black Weekend 2025: Kemet in the Desert
Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m.
Free and open to the public of all ages.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
The 12th annual Black Weekend 2025: Kemet in the Desert Lecture Series in recognition of Black History Month is a cultural celebration of the African diaspora inclusive of dancing, music, spoken word and affirmations in afro-ritualistic traditions. KITD enlightens and awakens the community by presenting world-renowned master teachers of African and Egyptian history, culture and religion. Co-presented with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and Platinum Productions, Executive Director Oscar Robinson will host this series. The event is held in honor of KITD founder Franklyn G. Verley III.

• Friday - Documentary "Global Assignment," The Life and Times of Dr. Runoko Rashidi
• Saturday - Lecture by Dr. Anthony "Tony" Browder, "Why Kemet Matters."

For more information, call the West Las Vegas Arts Center at 702.229.4800.

9th Annual Generation 2 Generation Softball Game
Saturday, Feb. 22, noon.
Free and open to the public.
Kianga Isoke Palacio Park at Doolittle Complex, 1950 N. J St.
Come out and cheer on the youth of East Palo Alto Pitching as they take on the adults in a fun-filled softball game. Refreshments will be offered while supplies last. For more information, call 702.229.6125.

Master African Dance/Drumming Workshop
Saturday, Feb. 22, 12-1:30 p.m.
Cost: $20. Register in advance here.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702.229.4800.
Wilfried Souly will be the instructor. Souly is a choreographer, dancer, drummer and Taekwondo expert, originally from Burkina Faso in West Africa. He has trained in African traditional and contemporary dances since his youngest age in the acclaimed company "The Bourgeon du Burkina." He is an assistant professor in dance at the School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration at the University of Akron. He also has taught in other institutions, including the UCLA World Art & Culture/Dance Department (2009-2022), Santa Monica College, Los Angeles Valley College, and Chadwick School. He currently holds a master's degree in fine arts in choreographic inquiry from the UCLA World Arts & Cultures/Dance department. Call 702.229.4800 for more information.

Live Arts Collective presents Re-Birth Vol. 2: Promise Land
Thursday, Feb. 27, and Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Bring the family to enjoy this free performance by students and resident artists from the West Las Vegas Arts Center and community. This two-hour work is the product of a dynamic artistic collaboration, featuring original choreography, writings and song. The piece explores the current condition of humanity and is designed to engage, remind, inspire and uplift. The cast and creative team highlight students and resident artists from the West Las Vegas Arts Center and community. They are celebrating art as therapeutic practice, bringing life to theatre. Enjoy a special opening night reception Thursday, featuring live music entertainment and light refreshments. General admission seating. This program is presented in partnership with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. Register your attendance to receive updates here. For more information, call 702.229.4800.

Night of Expressions presents A Day of Talent Youth Talent Showcase
Saturday, March 1, 2-5 p.m.; doors open 1 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park, 720 Twin Lakes Drive
Bring the family to enjoy this free afternoon showcase featuring the best of 10 years of local youth and young adult performers, in celebration of Black History Month. The festival will include informative vendor tables sharing information on available youth programs, face painting, a DJ, food trucks and more. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to be more comfortable on the lawn seating. Participants will be displaying talents via singing, dancing, acting, music and spoken word. If you are between the ages 8-22 and have a talent you would like to share and or would like to schedule a try-out time, contact Willie Henderson at 702.229.2473 for more information.
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