Events celebrating Black History Month on Long Island

Black History Month has its roots in 1926, when the organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (asalh.org) initiated the first “Negro History Week,” according to the Library of Congress. In 1975, President Gerald Ford issued a message on the observance of Black History Week, and in 1976, the association expanded the observance to the month of February. Since then, U.S. presidents and Congress have signed proclamations and passed laws, respectively, to continue the annual monthlong observance. This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” Please confirm events before setting out.

ONGOING 

STATE PARKS CULTURAL EXHIBIT

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will display posters and pictures to celebrate Black History Month through Feb. 29, free, parks.ny.gov. Exhibits on display: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Hempstead Lake State Park Environmental Education and Resiliency Center, 1000 Lake Dr., West Hempstead, 516-766-1029; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center-West End 2, 150 Bay Pkwy, Wantagh, 516-809-8222; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Jones Beach State Park, Administration Building, 2400 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh, 516-785-1600; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at Long Island Parks Regional Headquarters lobby, 625 Belmont Ave., West Babylon, 631-321-3510; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Nissequogue River State Park, Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building, Kings Park, 631-269-4927; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Planting Fields Arboretum Hay Barn Visitor Center, 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay, 516-922-9210. In addition to displays, there will be programs and workshops offered through Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center and the Long Island State Parks Environmental Education Department, visit jonesbeachenc.org/programs and newsday.com/nysparksbhm for information on dates, times, locations, and how to sign up.

BAY SHORE

BLACK CREATIVITY: FAMILY STORIES

Display of artwork by Black artists that explores and shares their worlds of culture, family and expression, on view during business hours through Feb. 27, Islip Arts Council Gallery, South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Hwy., free, isliparts.org, 631-888-3525.

PATCHOGUE

SCAVENGER HUNT

Obtain scavenger hunt sheets and a pencil at the librarian’s desk, locate 12 different posters with famous Black Americans that can be found in the children and parents’ department, and turn in your completed sheet to receive a prize, for all school-age children, held during library hours through Feb. 29, Patchogue-Medford Library, Main Library, 54-60 E. Main St., free, pmlib.org, 631-654-4700.

FEB. 18 

ELMONT
THE HARLEM CULTURAL FESTIVAL RECREATED

Jerome “City” Smith and the City Sounds Music Ensemble perform music from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, 2 p.m., Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., free. First-come, first-seated,
elmontlibrary.org, 516-354-5280.

GARDEN CITY

ARTIST TALK AND RECEPTION

Artist Ramona Candy discusses her exhibition, “Our History, Our Pride: The Legacies,” which pays homage to Black Americans and their enduring spirit, 3 to 5 p.m., Ruth S. Harley University Center, Adele and Herbert J. Klapper Art Gallery, Adelphi University, 1 South Ave., free, adelphi.edu, 516-877-4978. Exhibition runs through March 2.

MIDDLE ISLAND

LADIES OF MOTOWN

Celebrate with a collection of hits by female singing groups, solo artists and songwriters who helped to introduce the world to the Motown sound. Listen to classics from the 1960s and 1970s by The Supremes, The Marvelettes, Martha & The Vandellas and more, 2 p.m., Longwood Library, 800 Middle Country Rd., free. Register at longwoodlibrary.org, 631-924-6400.

WESTBURY

THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN IN WORLD WAR II

Celebrate and honor the Congressional Gold Medal recipients, the Tuskegee Airmen, presented by the Historical Society of the Westburys, 2:30 p.m., Westbury Memorial Library, 445 Jefferson St., free. Register at westburylibrary.org, 516-333-0176.

FEB. 19 

HUNTINGTON

MUSICOLOGY MOVIE

Screening of the biographical documentary “Bob Marley: Up Close and Personal” (2007, not rated, 1:05), the story of the king of reggae, 6:30 p.m., Huntington Library, 338 Main St., free, myhpl.org, 631-427-5165.

FEB. 20 

BETHPAGE

UNSUNG HEROES: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

A look at African American women who have made contributions to the struggle for equality and recognition in American history. Learn about abolitionist and educator Sarah Mapps Douglass, nurse and educator Susie King Taylor and more, 2 p.m., Bethpage Library, 47 Powell Ave., free, bethpagelibrary.info, 516-931-3907.

CENTRAL ISLIP

BOOK CLUB CAFE

Discussion of the novel “Kindred,” by Octavia E. Butler, about a Black woman who repeatedly travels back to the antebellum South to experience the institution of slavery and misogyny firsthand, light refreshments served, 6 p.m., Central Islip Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free. Register at cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333.

DIX HILLS, GLEN HEAD AND HOLBROOK

ONLINE: AUTHOR TALK

Author Jason Mott discusses his novel “Hell of a Book,” and explores identity, love, and being Black in America, 4 p.m., free. Register for a link at through Half Hollow Hills Community Library, hhhlibrary.org, 631-421-4530; Gold Coast Library, goldcoastlibrary.org, 516-759-8300; or Sachem Library, sachemlibrary.org, 631-588-5024.

FLORAL PARK

PAINT LIKE THE GREATS

Honor American fiber artist Bisa Butler and create a fiber project, for ages 16 and older, call for materials list, 6:45 p.m., Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, free. Register at floralparklibrary.org, 516-326-6330.

HEWLETT

A HISTORY OF NEW ORLEANS JAZZ

Learn about the origins of New Orleans jazz and the major musicians who revived earlier music, 2 p.m., Hewlett-Woodmere Library, 1125 Broadway, free, hwpl.org, 516-374-1967.

LOCUST VALLEY

ELLA FITZGERALD

Learn about the life and career of entertainer Ella Fitzgerald, 2 p.m., Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Rd., free, locustvalleylibrary.org, 516-671-1837.

MIDDLE ISLAND

AFRICAN AMERICAN FOODS IN EARLY NEW YORK 

Learn the culinary history of African Americans in the New York area, and the stories behind these foods and customs, plus the recipes and ingredients of the time and the legacies they left behind, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Longwood Library, 800 Middle Country Rd., free. Register at longwoodlibrary.org, 631-924-6400.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE

BOOK CLUB FOR KIDS

Pick a book by a Black author, share in discussion and activities, 4 p.m. for children in kindergarten to third grade, 5 p.m. for children in grades four to six; an adult must stay with any child under the age of 12; Lakeview Library, 1120 Woodfield Rd., free. Register for either session at lakeviewlibrary.org, 516-536-3071.

STONY BROOK

MOVIE

Film screening of the biographical drama “Bird” (1988, rated R, 2:41), starring Forest Whitaker, about the life and career of jazz musician Charlie “Bird” Parker, 6 p.m., The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., $20. Purchase tickets at thejazzloft.org, 631-751-1895.

FEB. 21 

EAST ISLIP

UNSUNG HEROES: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

A look at African American women who have made contributions to the long struggle for equality and recognition in American history. Learn about abolitionist and educator Sarah Mapps Douglass, nurse and educator Susie King Taylor and more, 7 p.m., East Islip Library, 381 E. Main St., free. Suffolk County cardholders can register at eipl.org, 631-581-9200.

FREEPORT

STORYTIME AND CRAFT

Hear stories about notable figures in Black history and create a craft, for children in kindergarten through grade two, 11 a.m., Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Rd., free. Call the children’s department to register at 516-379-3274, freeportlibrary.info.

GARDEN CITY

NY’S CARIBBEAN STATE OF MIND

Micah Oelzesing plays his guitar and talks about the Caribbean people who turned their racial and political activism into song, 7 p.m., Ruth S. Harley University Center at Adelphi University, 1 South Ave., free. Register at adelphi.edu, 516-877-4979.

GREAT NECK

LITERARY CLUB

Discussion of the novel “Beloved,” by Toni Morrison, the story of a family of formerly enslaved people whose home is haunted by a malevolent spirit, 7 p.m., Great Neck Library, 475 Great Neck Rd., free, greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055.

HEWLETT

ONLINE: FREDERICK DOUGLASS

Learn about the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved man who became a prominent activist, author, public speaker and leader in the abolitionist movement, noon, Hewlett-Woodmere Library, 1125 Broadway, free. Visit hwpl.org for a link, 516-374-1967.

LAWRENCE

ONLINE: MICHAEL JACKSON

Learn about the life and career of entertainer Michael Jackson, 11 a.m., Peninsula Library, 280 Central Ave., free. Visit peninsulapublic.org for a link, 516-239-3262.

LINDENHURST

MOVIE

Screening of the biographical drama “Till” (2022, rated PG-13, 2:10), starring Danielle Deadwyler, Jalyn Hall and Frankie Faison, about a mother who vows to expose the racism behind the murder of her son while working to have those involved brought to justice, 6 p.m., Lindenhurst Memorial Library, 1 Lee Ave., free. Resident cardholders only can register at lindenhurstlibrary.org, 631-957-7755.

NORTH MERRICK

UNSUNG HEROES: SEGREGATED MILITARY UNITS

Learn about the Triple Nickles, the 6888th Central Post Directory Battalion and other Black military units of World War II, 1:30 p.m., North Merrick Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Rd., free. Register at nmerricklibrary.org, 516-378-7474.

PATCHOGUE

SOUL FOOD COOKING DEMO

Learn how to use ingredients that connect to Black culture, 6:30 p.m., Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., free. Register at pmlib.org, 631-654-4700.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE

TEEN MOVIE

Celebrate the artistic achievements of Black film creators, watch the film “Black Panther” (2018, rated PG-13, 2:14), for children in grades 7 to 12, 3:30 p.m., Lakeview Library, 1120 Woodfield Rd., free. Register at lakeviewlibrary.org, 516-536-3071.

FEB. 22 

BRENTWOOD

POEMS ABOUT SLAVERY IN NYC, LONG ISLAND

Poet David Mills discusses his poetry collection “Boneyarn,” which explores slavery in New York City, where the oldest and largest slave cemetery in the United States is located, 6:30 p.m., Brentwood Library, 34 2nd Ave., free. Register at brentwoodnylibrary.org, 631-273-7883.

COLD SPRING HARBOR

SEA SHANTY TO HIP HOP

Celebrate the contributions made by Black whalers to the music sailors sang at sea, explore the rich traditions of West African music found in sea shanties, jazz and hip hop, and create your own sistrum percussive instrument using shells, noon and 2 p.m., The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., $10 plus admission, cshwhalingmuseum.org, 631-367-3418.

GARDEN CITY

AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN

Gather to read aloud the works of Black writers like Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Derek Walcott and more, 4 to 7 p.m., Adelphi University University Center, 1 South Ave., free, adelphi.edu/events/african-american-read-in-2024, 516-877-4980.

GREENLAWN

CRAFT

Create a collage of famous African Americans who helped shape America, kindergarten through grade two, 4:45 p.m., Harborfields Library, 31 Broadway, free. Register at harborfieldslibrary.org, 631-757-4200.

HEWLETT

ONLINE: BLACK COMEDIANS

Celebrate eight comedians, including Godfrey Cambridge, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory and Flip Wilson, for their contributions to comedy, 11 a.m., Hewlett-Woodmere Library, 1125 Broadway, free. Visit hwpl.org for a link, 516-374-1967.

JERICHO

FROM SEA SHANTY TO HIP HOP

Discover the contributions made by African American whalers, including the music sailors sang at sea, and create your own sistrum percussive instrument using seashells, for children in grades four to six, 7 p.m., Jericho Library, 1 Merry Lane, free. Register at jericholibrary.org, 516-935-6790.

STONY BROOK

CONCERT AND EXHIBIT: CELEBRATING ‘BIRD’

A concert featuring the music of Charlie “Bird” Parker and a brief tour of the Parker exhibit before showtime, during intermission and at the end of the concert, 7 p.m., The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., $35, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children ages 5 and older. Tickets can be purchased at thejazzloft.org, 631-751-1895.

UNIONDALE

STORYTIME AND CRAFT

Learn about Black History Month with a fun craft, for children in preschool to grade two, 11 a.m., Uniondale Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free. Register at uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

CRAFT

Create a Black History Month craft, participants may have artwork displayed in the library’s art shows, for children in kindergarten to grade five, 4:30 p.m., Uniondale Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free. Register at uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

JUNIOR FRIENDS CELEBRATION

Celebrate Black History Month with food, fun and entertainment, for children in grades six to 12, 6 p.m., Uniondale Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free. Register at uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

WESTBURY

MOVIE

Screening of the drama “The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain” (2019, not rated, 1:23), starring Frankie Faison, about an elderly Black veteran killed during a conflict with police officers, a panel discussion and Q&A session follows, 6 p.m., Westbury Memorial Library, 445 Jefferson St., free. register at westburylibrary.org, 516-333-0176.

FEB. 23 

BRENTWOOD

AFRICAN AMERICAN FOODS IN EARLY NEW YORK

Learn the culinary history of African American foods in the New York area, the stories behind these foods and customs, and the legacies they left behind, 6 p.m., Brentwood Library, 34 Second Ave., free. Register at brentwoodnylibrary.org, 631-273-7883.

CENTRAL ISLIP

MOVIE

Screening of the biographical drama “Emperor” (2020, rated PG-13, 1:39), starring James Cromwell and Bruce Dern, about an escaped slave who travels north and has chance encounters with Frederick Douglass and John Brown, 1:30 p.m., Central Islip Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free. Register at cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333.

ELMONT

AFRICAN AMERICAN
HISTORY IN NEW YORK

Learn how African Americans have contributed to the cultural and political life of New York City, learn about the greats of the Harlem Renaissance and explore the fabled Harlem neighborhood, 12:30 p.m., Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., free. First-come, first-seated, elmontlibrary.org, 516-354-5280.

HEMPSTEAD

CELEBRATION

Celebrate the many impacts and contributions Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, literature, film and more with guest speakers, entertainment and an exhibit, 6 to 8 p.m., Hempstead Town Hall, Nathan L.H. Bennet Pavilion, 1 Washington St., free, call 516-489-5000, ext. 4303 for information.

NEW HYDE PARK

MOVIE

Screening of the biographical drama “The Butler” (2013, rated PG-13, 2:12), starring Forest Whittaker and Oprah Winfrey, 1 p.m., Hillside Library, 155 Lakeville Rd., free. Register at hillsidelibrary.info, 516-355-7850.

NORTH MERRICK

FREEDOM QUILTS

Discover the stories that quilts told in the days of the Underground Railroad to assist runaway slaves on their journeys to freedom, learn about quilt codes, then use mathematical patterns and fabric shapes to design a quilt that tells your own story, for children in grades two to six, 2 p.m., North Merrick Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Rd., free. Register at nmerricklibrary.org, 516-378-7474.

PORT WASHINGTON

CELEBRATE BLACK ARTISTS

Explore the lives and artwork of sculptor Edmonia Lewis and painter Henry Ossawa Tanner, noon, Port Washington Library, 1 Library Dr., free. Register at pwpl.org, 516-883-4400.

ROSLYN

SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA

Learn about the impact slavery had on America, 1 p.m., The Bryant Library, 2 Paper Mill Rd., free. Register at bryantlibrary.org, 516-621-2240.

STONY BROOK

ACOUSTICS AND WINE

Live jazz music performance by guitarists Rubens De La Corte and Steve Salerno, featuring wines from Black-owned businesses, 7 p.m., The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., $40 for tickets plus cost for wine purchases. Tickets available at thejazzloft.org, 631-751-1895.

WESTBURY

MOVIE

Screening of the biographical sports drama “Big George Foreman” (2023, rated PG-13, 2:09), starring Khris Davis, about the life of Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman, 4 p.m., Westbury Memorial Library, 445 Jefferson St., free, westburylibrary.org, 516-333-0176.

FEB. 24 

COPIAGUE

TRIBUTE CONCERT

Paige Patterson pays tribute to singers like Bobby Short, Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Alicia Keys and more, 3 p.m., Copiague Memorial Library, 50 Deauville Blvd., free. Register at copiaguelibrary.org, 631-691-1111.

FARMINGDALE

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN & 555 TRIPLE NICKLES REMEMBERED

Historian Nick Casseus talks about the Triple Nickles at 11 a.m. and unveils a new exhibit, a lifelike mannequin of a Triple Nickle “Smoke Jumper” in honor of the first Black paratroopers; the movie “Red Tails” (2012, PG-13, 2:05) is screened at 11:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, and Reynard Burns, an officer of the Claude B. Govan Tri-State Tuskegee Airmen Chapter, gives a presentation and answers audience questions, refreshments served, American Airpower Museum, 1230 New Hwy., Republic Airport, $15 adults, $12 seniors/veterans, $10 children ages 5 to 13, americanairpowermuseum.com, 631-293-6398.

HEMPSTEAD

MOVIE

Screening of the animated fantasy musical “The Princess and the Frog” (2009, rated G, 1:37), starring the voices of Anika Noni Rose and Keith David, a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a Black girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again and a kiss that leads them both on an adventure through the bayous of Louisiana, for children, 2 p.m., Hempstead Library, 115 James A. Garner Way, free. Register at hempsteadlibrary.info, 516-481-6990.

RIVERHEAD

MOVIE AND DISCUSSION

Screening of the documentary “Hidden Colors” (2011, not rated, 2:00), about the untold history of people of color around the globe, a discussion follows, 11 a.m., Riverhead Library, 330 Court St., free. Register at riverheadlibrary.org, 631-727-3228.

SOUTHAMPTON

AUTHOR DISCUSSION

Co-author of “The Art of William Sidney Mount: Long Island People of Color on Canvas,” Vivian Nicholson-Mueller profiles the people who modeled for artist William Sidney Mount’s paintings, refreshments served, 11 a.m., Rogers Memorial Library, 91 Coopers Farm Rd., free. Register at myrml.org, 631-283-0774.

STONY BROOK

ACOUSTICS AND WINE

Live jazz music performance by pianist/vocalist Nicole Zuraitis and cornetist Tom Manuel, featuring wines from Black-owned businesses, 7 p.m., The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., $40 for tickets plus cost for wine purchases. Tickets available at thejazzloft.org, 631-751-1895.

UNIONDALE

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AWARDS LUNCHEON

Awards honor distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions locally, nationally and globally in the struggle to advance civil and human rights, presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Eta Theta Lambda Chapter, noon, Long Island Marriott, 100 James Doolittle Blvd., $150 adults, $55 students 18 and younger. Tickets available at mlkluncheon.eventbrite.com.

WESTBURY

CELEBRATION

Live performances in storytelling, dance, song, poetry and cultural reflection, presented by Westbury Arts, 3 p.m., Westbury High School, 1 Post Rd., free, westburyarts.org, 516-400-2787.

FEB. 25 

ELMONT

PERFORMANCE

The Fabulous Clusters All-Star Revue performs Motown hits and classics of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, 2 p.m., Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., free. First-come, first-seated, elmontlibrary.org, 516-354-5280.

GLEN COVE

FROM JAZZ TO SOUL

Vocalist and songwriter Rhonda Denét performs a collection of jazz standards and soul classics, 2 p.m., Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., free. Register at
glencovelibrary.org, 516-676-2130.

GREAT NECK

TRIBUTE CONCERT

Paige Patterson pays tribute to favorites such as Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, The Drifters and Corinne Bailey Rae, 2:30 p.m., Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Ave., free. Resident cardholder register at greatnecklibrary.org, nonresidents welcome as walk-ins if space allows, 516-466-8055.

WAINSCOTT

THE SIDNEY POITIER STORY

Celebrate the life and career of entertainer, actor, director and civil rights activist Sidney Poitier, 7 p.m., LTV Studios, 75 Industrial Rd., free, ltveh.org, 631-537-2777.

Compiled by Gina Tabarus with Sabrina Monroe, LaToya Rodriguez and Daniel Variano

By Gina Tabarus

gtabarus@newsday.com