The month-long celebration opened with a proclamation from Mayor Scott Conger, and included the opening of visual art exhibits featuring children’s art from the Keep My Hood Good Community Campaign located in the Mayor’s Collection of Masterpieces Art Gallery; paintings by Rose Newhouse (Gil Scott-Heron mural artist); photography exhibits from local photographer Dan Battle.

In addition to the visual art exhibits, which will be on display every day in February at city hall, Black culture will be celebrated in the performing arts as well featuring music, theatre, and dance.

Black History Month Live Performance Schedule (all performances will begin at 3:30 p.m.):
• Friday, February 3: Wendy Trice Martin / Music from the Lane College Choir
• Friday, February 10: Poetry Readings from James Cherry / Music from E.J. Shelton
• Friday, February 17: Nadia Beard & the Children’s Theatre Company of Jackson “Kids with Cause”
• Friday, February 24: Mona Lisa Lanier Dance Studio / Music from Hub City Choir