BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS ACROSS KANSAS 2019

[MORE EVENTS TO COME/ updated 2-7-19]

Don’t see your event? Send the info to press@tcvpub.com

Ongoing Exhibit:  Past, Present & Future African-American Community in Reno County at the Reno County Museum, 100 S. Walnut, Hutchinson.  This exhibit will trace the African American organizations, special events, local citizens and showcase photographs, artifacts and stories.  Co-sponsored by the Reno County Museum, NAACP and the Hutchinson Community College Social Sciences Department. 

Ongoing: Richard Allen Cultural Center in Leavenworth, 412 Kiowa St. Opened in 1992 – across the street from the historic Bethel A.M.E. Church, a stop on the Underground Railroad – the center offers a glimpse into the history of African-Americans locally and nationwide. The center is dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving and disseminating the history of African-Americans. View memorabilia from General Colin Powell, Buffalo Soldiers, uniforms, freedom papers from former slaves, photographs, items from the old Bethel A.M.E. Church. Also, see the Buffalo Soldier Monument at 290 Stimson Ave.

Ongoing: Gordon Parks Museum and Center for Culture and Diversity, 2108 S Horton St., Fort Scott, KS. Highlights the life and work of Kansas-born photographer Gordon Parks. Exhibits, personal artifacts, and iconic photographs tell the story of his life from his humble beginning in Fort Scott to his death in New York City in 2006. He became the first African-American photojournalist to work for LIFE magazine and the first African-American to direct a major Hollywood production (The Learning Tree, 1968). Besides being a photographer and filmmaker, he was also a writer, poet, and composer. 

Ongoing: Old Quindaro Museum, 3432 N. 29th St., KCK. The museum preserves the rich history of the north KCK community where runaway slaves once found sanctuary. It was saved in the 1980s from becoming a landfill, and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. See old-fashioned shackles and other items on display. Call for appointment at 913-244-8497.

Ongoing: Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, 1515 SE Monroe St., Topeka. Gain an understanding and appreciation of the role this 1954 Supreme Court decision played in the Civil Rights Movement. This interactive, experiential museum is located in the old Monroe Elementary School. This historic site is operated by the National Park Service and is open daily from 9 AM-5 PM and admission is FREE.

Ongoing: The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water, Wichita. The museum promotes diversity and understanding of the African American experience with emphasis on African Americans in Wichita and Kansas, and offers a variety of events through the year.

Ongoing: Nicodemus National Historic Site. The community of Nicodemus, KS, represents the involvement of African Americans in the westward expansion and settlement of the Great Plains. It is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River. Now operated as a historic site by the National Park Service, it is open six days a week with FREE admission.  

Ongoing: Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Museum, 3700 Blue Pkwy., KCMO. This living museum stands in tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early African-American pioneers and embodies the artistic, cultural and social history of the African-American experience.

Ongoing: Black Archives of Mid America, 1722 E. 17th Terr., KCMO. The mission of the archives is to collect, preserve and make available to the public materials documenting the social, economic, political and cultural histories of persons of African American descent in the central United States, with particular emphasis in the KCMO region. Tours and research assistance are offered. Visit www.blackarchives.org.

Ongoing: Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 1616 E 18th St., KCMO, is dedicated to preserving the heritage of African-American baseball players and is a highlight of the 18th and Vine District.

Ongoing: The American Jazz Museum, 1616 E 18th St., KCMO, is the other anchor of the 18th and Vine District and offers historical exhibits about the music’s heritage and performance space in the Gem Theater and the intimate Blue Room club to showcase the music’s current state.

Ongoing: John Brown Museum State Historic Site, 1000 Main St., Osawotamie, KS. Witness pioneer life where the Rev. Samuel and Florella Adair struggled to survive on the frontier while maintaining their Abolitionist principles. The Kansas career of Florella’s legendary half-brother, John Brown, and his Abolitionist efforts are featured in an exhibit gallery. This typical rough, frontier log cabin stands in a stone pergola as a tribute to the pioneer family who bought it for $200 in 1854. 

Thru. Sun., Feb. 3 Play: Looking Over the President’s Shoulder, (except Mon., Jan. 28 – Wed., Jan. 30).  This play is about Alonzo Fields, a butler who served under four presidents.  Presented by the Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City, in conjunction with the Bruce Watkins Cultural Heritage Center.  Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. except Sunday shows with 3 p.m. curtain time.  Tickets are $40 and can be purchased on line at BRTKC.org.  Some discounts available.  Bruce Watkins Center, 3700 Blue Parkway, KCMO. 

Sat., Feb. 2  Panel Discussion: “Individual Lives Matter? The Question Mark is Intentional,” 3 p.m. at the Black Archives of Mid-America, 1722 E. 17th Terr., KCMO.

Sat. Feb 2 FREE Workshop: Black Migrations and the Link to Gentrification Part 1: Historic Conditions, Policies and Practices – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center, 3700 Woodland Ave., KCMO. With facilitator Doc Bass.

Sat. Feb 2 Johnson County NAACP Black History Month Celebration, 12 noon, at Shawnee Church of the Nazarene, 5539 Quivira Rd., Shawnee – main sanctuary on north side of building. With keynote speaker Dr. Tiffany Anderson, superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. Read-in with African American writers will also be featured.

Ongoing thru Feb.- Exhibit: “The Lives and Souls of Black Folk” curated by quilter Marla Jackson, at Black Archives of Mid America, KCMO. A renowned visual narrative artist and quilter, Jackson’s narrative quilts, inspired by the oral histories of her ancestors and the Kansas region, have been exhibited in over 35 national and international venues and one of her most famous works is part of the permanent collection at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. 

Thurs., Feb. 7, MLK Lecture Series at UMKC: Andrew Gillum, at 6 p.m. at Pierson Auditorium at UMKC. Gillum is the first Black nominee for governor in Florida’s history and was mayor of Tallahassee, FL, from 2014 through 2018. Previous series speakers include Sister Souljah and Henry Louis Gates Jr. Tickets are currently sold out, but there is a wait list. Visit info.umkc.edu/diversity/events-programs/martin-luther-king-jr-lecture-series. 

Thurs., Feb. 7, Author Walter Mosley will speak at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Kansas Memorial Union Ballroom in Lawrence. “Political Optimism in the Age of Trump” is FREE and open to the public. A reception and book signing will take place after the lecture. He’s the author of more than 50 books, from crime novels to political essays to science fiction, and is perhaps most well-known for his Easy Rawlins detective series. Mosley will also take part in an informal talk at 10 a.m. Fri., Feb. 8, in the Hall Center Conference Hall. 

Fri., Feb. 8 The Greater Kansas City Langston University Alumni Chapter will hold its Sixth Annual Black History Celebration at Trailside Center 99th & Holmes Road, KCMO at 7 P.M. Local author Ms. Frances Bradley Robinson will talk about her book “Reasons to Persist,” a bio of her grandfather, Judge Isaac Bradley Sr., a pioneer activist who helped develop KCK and a participant at the first meeting that was called by W.E.B. Dubois at Niagara, NY, that resulted in the Niagara movement and later the founding of the NAACP.

Sat., Feb. 9, Harlem Nights Casino Night with Wichita Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, 7 p.m.-midnight at Noah’s Event Venue, 1550 N. Lindberg Circle, Wichita. Info and tickets, see facebook.com/HBCC316/

Sat., Feb. 9, Black Women Empowered in Wichita: panel discussion Women in Education, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wichita State University – Rhatigan Student Center, Olive Room 261, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita.

Sat. Feb 9 Workshop: Black Migrations and the Link to Gentrification Part 2: Central City Disinvestment and Investment Patterns – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center, 3700 Woodland Ave., KCMO. With facilitator Nailah Mbiti.

Sun., Feb. 10, Nicodemus: Children of the Promised Land – presentation 2-3:30 p.m. at Alford Branch of Wichita Public Library, 3447 S. Meridian, Wichita. Nicodemus, the small, unincorporated town in Graham County, is the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. This pictorial history explores the unique experience of mothers and their children in Nicodemus, some of whom were the first members of their families born free. This discussion will explore the dynamics of child-rearing during and after slavery, stories of children conceived in slavery but born free, and how baby names were changed or used to reflect attitudes about freeborn children. Presented by Angela Bates, the executive director and past president of the Nicodemus Historical Society.

Sat., Feb. 9 – Tues., Feb. 12 – Harlem Globetrotters Tour –Independence, MO: noon Feb. 9 and 2p.m. Feb. 10 / Sprint Center KC: 7 p.m. Feb. 9 / Intrust Bank Arena Wichita: 2 p.m. Feb. 10 / Dodge City: 7 p.m. Feb. 11 / Manhattan, KS: 7 p.m. Feb. 11 / Topeka: 7 p.m. Feb. 12. For tickets, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets.

Sun., Feb. 10, Katherine Johnson Scholar Sisters Black Butterfly STEM Banquet, 6-8 p.m. at McAdams Rec Center, 1329 E. 16th St., Wichita. See facebook.com/events/546335275865480.

Sun., Feb. 10, Bleeding Kansas Presentation: “War on the Border 1854-1865: Kansas & Missouri,” presented by Ralph Monaco, 2 – 4 p.m., suggested donation $3, KS Constitution Hall State Historic Site, 319 Elmore St., Lecompton, KS. 

Mon., Feb. 11, Director Denise Ward-Brown Artist Talk on her short film on the 1917 massacre in East St. Louis “, noon-1:15 p.m. KCK Community College – Lower Jewell Room 2325, 7250 State Ave, KCK.

Tues., Feb. 12, Institute of Black Invention and Technology exhibit at Newman University, Wichita 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in atrium of DeMattias Fine Arts Center at Newman, 3100 McCormick St, Wichita – Carroll G. Lamb, founder and executive director of The Institute of Black Invention & Technology Inc., and his wife have spent over two decades collecting and researching African American history with an emphasis on African-American inventors and innovators. They have showcased TIBIT exhibits in all five regions of the United States and in various venues from public, private and charters schools, colleges and universities, summer camps, living rooms, art museums and cultural expos.   

Tues., Feb. 12, Critical Issues: Black Minds Matter, panel discussion on challenges and opportunities for African Americans in education, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. KCK Community College – Lower Jewell Room 2325, 7250 State Ave, KCK.

Tues., Feb. 12, Community Storytime: “Counting on Katherine How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13” 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Maya Angelou Branch of Wichita Public Library, 3051 E 21st St., Wichita. FREE. Celebrate African-American History Month with stories about or written/illustrated by African Americans and read by local leaders and doers in our community. Teketa Paschal, a school counselor and professional soloist, will share a book on NASA engineer Katherine Johnson. Children will have a chance to sharpen their math skills by creating a magic math triangle. For ages 6-11. 

Tues., Feb. 12 Individual Tours of the Black Archives of Mid-America, cosponsored by the KCK Public Library., from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Although it’s located in KCMO, the Archives is for all of KC.  Come learn more about it.  Just mention KCK Library to get your individual tour. Tour the fixed exhibit “With My Eyes NO Longer blind” and the new quilt exhibit “The lives and Souls of Black Folk.”   The museum is located at 1722 E. 17th Terrace, KCMO, in the 18th and Vine District.

Fri, Feb. 15 The Jazz Storytellers, 6 p.m. at Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Blue Pkwy, KCMO. Presented by African Heritage Musical Heritage Series – Missouri State Parks.

Sat. Feb 16 FREE Workshop: Black Migrations and the Link to Gentrification Part 3: Gentrification and its Impact on Neighborhoods and Communities – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center, 3700 Woodland Ave., KCMO. With facilitator Marvia Jones.

Sat. Feb. 16, Kansas Cosmosphere “Scharlotte Minnis Tells Us About It” poster and display contest. 8:30 a.m., Discovery Room on 2nd floor of Cosmosphere, in Hutchinson. Elementary school students will present info about important contributions by African Americans in a variety of industries. FREE. For info, call Hence Parson at 620-665-3459. Sponsored by Hutchinson Chapter of NAACP and Hutchinson Community College Dept. of Social Sciences.  

Sat. Feb 16, Griots at the Gallery, 1 p.m. at Mark Arts, Wichita – 1307 N. Rock Rd. In African tradition, Griots are traveling poets, musicians and storytellers who maintain the community’s oral history. Interactive Storytelling 1-2 p.m., Mask Making 2-3:30 p.m., Community Art Project Lion Mask 2-3:30 p.m., Drum Circle 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Co-sponsored by Wichita Griots and Wichita Public Library. 

Sat. Feb. 16 Black History Month Luncheon – Create! Build! Make Money! African American Inventors With an Entrepreneurial Spirit, featuring keynote speaker Carroll G. Lamb, founder and executive director of The Institute of Black Invention & Technology Inc.   Lamb and his wife have spent over two decades collecting and researching African American history with an emphasis on African-American inventors and innovators.  The Lambs have showcased TIBIT exhibits in all five regions of the United States and in various venues from public, private and charters schools, colleges and universities, summer camps, living rooms, art museums and cultural expos.  The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Pierson Auditorium UMKC, 5000 Holmes, KCMO.  RSVP and sponsor @ blackarchives.org/events.  Individual tickets are $50. 

Sat. Feb. 16, Brown v. BOE Mural Documentary Screening & Discussion – 3-5 p.m. at The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N Water St, Wichita. FREE, hosted by the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, KPTS Channel 8 and TKAAM. Screening of new 30-minute KPTS documentary “Brown v. Board of Education Mural at the Capitol” with a panel discussion about the project moderated by Kenya Cox, executive director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. Panelists include: Charles Baptist, former NAACP State Conference President; Michael Young, mural artist; and Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Senate Minority Whip and District 29 Representative. Last May, the new Brown v. Board of Education Mural was unveiled on the third floor of the Kansas State Capitol. It illustrates the key role Kansas played in the integration of our nation’s schools. To celebrate this new mural, the Kansas African Affairs Commission worked with KPTS to create a documentary about how the mural came to be, including community advocacy, fundraising, and creation and installation of the mural. Light refreshments will be provided. No R.S.V.P. is required, but seating is limited. Free parking is available in the garage across the street from the museum.

Sat., Feb. 16, 27th Annual Black History Scholarship Banquet, 6 p.m. at the Jack Reardon Convention Center, 500 Minnesota Ave., KCK. Hosted by Unified Government Black History Committee. Keynote speaker: KC native Tyrone Flowers, founder of Higher M-Pact, a community-based organization dedicated to transforming today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders. He will address this year’s theme, “21st Century Expressions: Dreams, Struggles and Wisdom.” The program will also highlight the achievements of African Americans in our community by recognizing successful Black-owned businesses. There will be live entertainment and the presentation of scholarships to aspiring students pursuing post-secondary education.

Sat., Feb. 16, Annual Chautauqua Teaser at Nicodemus National Historic Site, 1 p.m. Commemorating Nicodemus’ misadventures with the railroads that bypassed the town during the Wild West era, this event presents historical re-enactors as the original Homesteaders, business owners, cowboys, and railroad surveyors and engineers. Refreshments provided by Walmart of Hays. For info, contact Angela Bates of the Nicodemus Historical Society at 785-839-8200.

Sun., Feb. 17, “Getting to Equal … United Not Divided” – 2nd Annual Black History Program hosted by the Urban League of Kansas Guild. 3 p.m. Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, 4401 E 17th St., Wichita. Guest speakers: Pastor David E. Chiles, senior pastor at Paradise MBC, and the Rev. C. Richard Kirkendoll, president of the Urban League of Kansas Guild.

Sun. Feb. 17 Dr. Randal Jelks will discuss “Black Migration and Shifting Black Faiths,” Exploring the roles and changing dimensions of religion in Black communities during the Great Migration and beyond, during the Black History Month program presented by the American Jazz Museum and the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group partner.  The event will be held at the American Jazz Museum, 1616 E. 18th, KCMO, and begins with a reception at 2 p.m. with light refreshments.  The lecture begins at 6 p.m.  At the end, Dr. Jelks will sign copies of his book, “Faith & Struggle in the Lives of Four African Americas: Ethel Waters, Mary Lou Williams, Eldridge Cleaver and Muhammad Ali.” Jelks is Professor of American Studies and African American Studies at the University of Kansas and is also an ordained Presbyterian clergy. 

Tues., Feb. 19 – Wed., Feb. 20, Black Inventors Traveling Exhibit – from The Institute of Black Invention and Tech, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. KCK Community College – Lower Jewell Room 2325, 7250 State Ave, KCK.

Tues., Feb. 19, Community Storytime: “Hope of a Nation: Joe Louis,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Maya Angelou Branch of Wichita Public Library, 3051 E 21st St., Wichita. FREE. Celebrate African-American History Month with stories about or written/illustrated by African Americans and read by local leaders and doers in our community. Thomas Marty Hanks, retired county humane officer and actor, will read A Nation’s Hope: The story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis. Children will use their hands to make a craft to inspire others the way Joe did. For ages 6-11.

Wed., Feb. 20, National Chin Day Celebration – Join the KCK Community College International Student Organization celebrating ethnic Chin students, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. deli area of KCKCC, 7250 State Ave, KCK.

Thurs., Feb. 21, Film: “Never Been a Time” short documentary on the 1917 massacre in East St. Louis, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. KCK Community College – Art Gallery, 7250 State Ave, KCK.

Thurs., Feb. 21, “Good Negroes” art show reception, curated by Terrell Carter for Black History Month, 4-6:30 p.m. KCK Community College – Art Gallery, 7250 State Ave, KCK. On display until Feb. 28.

Thurs., Feb. 21, Brown vs. BOE reenactment and opening reception for renovated Colored Women’s Club House, 1162 S.W. Lincoln, Topeka.  Fait Temple Church has been working to renovate the old Colored Women’s Club House and will open it to the community with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m.  Students from International Academy will perform a reenactment of Brown vs Topeka BOE beginning at 6 p.m. 

Fri., Feb. 22 – Sat., Feb. 23, 8th Annual Art That Touches Your Heart – featuring traditional African artifacts by Mohamed Sharif. FREE. 6-9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 22 and Noon – 6 p.m. Sat, Feb 23 at Wichita State University, first floor of Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita. Call 913-522-4431 for info or to schedule school tours. Sponsors: African American History Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, WSU office of diversity and inclusion, KS Dept of Commerce Creative Arts Industries Commission, Wichita Public Schools, The Cadman-Wilson K Cadman Art Gallery. 

Fri., Feb. 22, A Joyful Noise Community Choir, 6 p.m. at Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Blue Pkwy, KCMO. With guests the Rev. Samuel Lattimore as MC, C3RIO, In the Midst, Marquita Baynham, The Pilgrim Outlets and The Kids of Rock. Presented by African Heritage Musical Heritage Series – Missouri State Parks.

Sat., Feb. 23, Spoken Word: Whispers in the Wind with local artists PLUS Barber Contest, FREE, 2-4 p.m. at Rose Wood Event Venue, 3216 SW 29th St., Topeka. 7th Annual Spoken Word Extravaganza with hair-cutting contest with local barbers, local minority vendors, and door prizes. Band following, dinner at 6 p.m. Sponsored by The Women’s Network with Black Entrepreneurs and Leadership Association. For info, call Barbara at 785-249-6241.

Sat., Feb. 23,  22nd Annual HBCU Banquet at the Hyatt Wichita, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity – Eta Beta Lambda Chapter, 6 PM – 10 PM at Hyatt Regency Wichita, 400 W. Waterman St. We celebrate and recognize the importance of HBCU’s around the nation. This year we are honored to feature Florida A&M University. This years Keynote Speaker is Dr. William E. Hudson Jr., Vice President of Student Affairs at FAMU. Join us for good music, spoken word, fellowship and powerful words as we honor HBCUs . Tickets are $50 per person. Tickets can be purchased from any brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/699762253739187/

Sat., Feb. 23, Film: “I Remember 12th Street” at Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City. 2-3 p.m. FREE but tickets required, see www.facebook.com/events/391444378271226. This documentary film covers KC’s celebrated 12th Street, the subject of song and jazz legends, as told through first-hand accounts by people who lived through one of the most fascinating periods in the city’s history. Q&A with filmmakers Rodney Thompson and Stinson McClendon will follow the screening. From the 1930’s to the 1960’s, 12th Street was the center of life in a flourishing African American community. It was a thriving commerce and entertainment hub, full of retail shops and service businesses, mom and pop grocers, and a movie theater. Its restaurants and nightclubs set the stage for the legendary sound of Kansas City Jazz, drawing musicians from around the world. This isn’t just a story about a street, however, it’s the story of a place that sustained and shaped Kansas City’s African American history.

Sat., Feb. 23, A Black History Celebration sponsored by the PrinceHall/Buffalo Soldiers at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 11 a.m., 203 E. 10th St., Junction City, KS 66441.  Refreshments will be provided.  For more information contact Johnnie (785)375-0820 or Candice (843) 409-5425.

Sat. Feb 23 FREE Workshop: Black Migrations and the Link to Gentrification Part 4: Black History Program with refreshments, prizes and presentations – 2:45-3:30 p.m. Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center, 3700 Woodland Ave., KCMO. With facilitator the Rev. Willie Thornton.

Sun., Feb. 24, The Black Men and Black Women of Distinction program, 3:30 p.m. at the Friends of Yates Center, 1418 Garfield Ave., KCK.

Mon, Feb. 25, Film: “Get Out” by Jordan Peele, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and 1-2:45 p.m. KCK Community College – Art Gallery, 7250 State Ave, KCK.

Mon., Feb. 25, “Jackie Robinson: American” – lecture by Dr. Arnold Rampersad at 7 p.m. at the Gem Theater, 1615 E 18th St., KCMO. This year marks the 100 birthday of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play major league baseball. Rampersad was selected to write Robinson’s biography by Robinson’s widow. 18th Annual Spencer Cave Black History Month Lecture. FREE but please RSVP to park.edu/spencercave.

Mon., Feb. 25, Setting the Stage –Dance Performance by KC Friends of Alvin Ailey for school children Grades 3-12, at 10 a.m. at The Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 SE 8th Ave., Topeka. Individual tickets $6, group discounts available. Visit kcfaa.org. Experience the moving story of African American Dance at this FREE public performance. Created and choreographed by KCFAA’s Chief Artistic Officer Tyrone Aiken, Setting the Stage is an interactive walk through African-American dance history.

Tues., Feb. 26, Bridging the Racial Divide, noon- 1 p.m. Wichita Public Library, 711 W 2nd, Wichita. What can we do to bridge the racial divide? Let’s start with our local communities. Kiana Knolland from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kansas will lead a discussion on best practices to bridge the division in this community using some national overtones. As a young person, she will share her own experiences growing up in Wichita and the work she does with the ACLU to facilitate better communications across racial lines. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters – Wichita Metro. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for those who wish to bring a lunch.

Wed., Feb. 27, Film Screening: “Long Time Coming: A 1955 Baseball Story,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Gem Theater, 1615 E 18th St., KCMO. This documentary focuses on the 1955 Little League baseball championship in Orlando, FL. One of the first integrated Little League games, this event marked a turning point moment for racial integration in the South, and made a powerful impression on the young players on both the white and the black teams. This film reunites the surviving players, now in their 70s, to revisit this critical moment in our nation’s history, exploring what has and hasn’t changed in the years since. FREE but please RSVP through eventbrite.com.

Thurs, Feb. 28, Discussion: Hip Hop, Culture and Social Justice: Analyzing “Get Out” by Jordan Peele in depth with national speaker Victor Lee Lewis, 9:30-10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (multiple sessions to be held to accommodate classes KCK Community College – Lower Jewell Room 2325, 7250 State Ave, KCK.

Thu., Feb. 28, Setting the Stage – FREE Dance Performance by KC Friends of Alvin Ailey, 7-8 p.m. at The Gem Theater, 1615 E 18th St, KCMO. Visit kcfaa.org. Experience the moving story of African American Dance at this FREE public performance. Created and choreographed by KCFAA’s Chief Artistic Officer Tyrone Aiken, Setting the Stage is an interactive walk through African-American dance history.

Fri., March 1, Traditional Music Society presents Soundz of Africa performing with Esoke Dancers at Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, at 6 p.m. at 3700 Blue Pkwy, KCMO. Presented by African Heritage Musical Heritage Series – Missouri State Parks.

Sat., March 2, 22nd Annual Youth Symposium: Mission Possible, 9 a.m. to noon at The Center, 1914 E 11th Street, Wichita. Hosted by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc and Gamma Chi Sigma Wichita Alumnae Chapeter. Lunch provided with RSVP by Feb. 24 to cearlsaw@gmail.com or 316-393-5220

Sun., March 3, Underground Railroad Presentation: “They Put Up More Than Hay: Joel and Emily Grover, Their Barn, and the Underground Railroad” presented by Judy Sweets and Kerry Altenbernd, 2 – 4 p.m., suggested donation $3, KS Constitution Hall State Historic Site, 319 Elmore St., Lecompton, KS.

PBS TELEVISION

The month of February brings a variety of great Black History Month programming from PBS and local affiliates KPTS – Wichita, and KCPT Kansas City.  American Masters offers two specials that reflect on the contributions of Black Americans in music and entertainment. And KPTS will air two locally-produced documentaries in addition to a variety of other films.

Independent Lens:“Black Memorabilia”(Mon., Feb. 4) introduces the people who reproduce, consume and reclaim Black memorabilia, racially charged objects often wrapped in the protective embrace of antiquity and historical preservation.

Live From Lincoln Center  “Pipeline” (Fri.,Feb. 8 ) features the Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Dominique Morisseau’s riveting and critically acclaimed new play that follows Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is desperate to give her son opportunities her students will never have.

 American Masters: “Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me” (Tues., Feb. 19) Explore the entertainer’s vast talent and journey for identity through the shifting tides of civil rights and racial progress during 20th century America. Features Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and clips from his TV, film and concert performances.

American Masters:  “Charley Pride: I’m Just Me” (Fri., Feb. 2) Explore the complicated history of the American South and its music through the life of country star Charley Pride.

That’s just a few of the National programs scheduled for the month.  KPTS has a great landing page with all of the Black History/Culture shows easy to find. Most shows will run on KCPT also.  Go to https://www.kpts.org/community/celebrate-black-history/,.  Many of the shows are available for streaming following their broadcast on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org, PBS Black Culture Connection and PBS apps for iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast.

KPTS Local Documentaries

Black History Stories of significance in Kansas have been made into documentaries and will air on KPTS during Black History Month. 

The Dockum Sit-in: A Legacy of Courage  (Fri., Feb. 22, noon) In the summer of 1958, two dozen young people from the Wichita Branch NAACP Youth Council staged what would become the first successful student-led sit-in of the Civil Rights movement.

Brown v. Board of Education – The Mural  (Fri., Feb. 22, 8:30 p.m. ). Discover how this amazing mural in the Kansas State Capitol Building came to be after several setbacks and challenges, and how people of all political stripes rallied together to make it a reality.