Long Island Black History Month events: Feb. 1-Feb. 8

The first iteration of Black History Month was organized in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, the son of formerly enslaved people and the second Black person to earn a doctorate from Harvard University. It was initially held as “Negro History Week” and scheduled to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (about Feb. 14), according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The initiative became Black History Month in February 1976 “to more fully represent the scope and experience of Black history, life and culture,’’ according to the museum.

Events will be held across Long Island this week to mark the occasion. Please confirm events before attending.

ONGOING

BRIGHTWATERS

DISPLAY: FRANCES BELL

An exhibit features books, photos and art from Bay Shore resident and library board trustee elder Frances Bell, on display during library hours through Feb. 28, Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library,
1 S. Country Rd., free,
bsbwlibrary.org, 631-665-4350.

FREEPORT

ART ALCOVE: MARCIA ODLE-MCNAIR

Art display highlighting the creations of artist, author and educator Marcia Odle-McNair offers a modern approach on the interaction of color, nature and geometry in an abstract manner. Influenced and inspired by African American contemporary artists, her work presents a unique blend of artistic expression; reception 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday; on display during operating hours through Feb. 28, Freeport Recreation Center, 130 E. Merrick Rd., free, liacf.org, 516-223-2522.

GREAT NECK

SCAVENGER HUNT: INVENTORS

Look for cool and unique inventions hidden around the children’s room that were designed by Black inventors; children in kindergarten through grade 6 and families can participate during library hours, through Feb. 28, Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Ave., free, greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055.

GREEPORT

MLK PORTRAIT PROJECT

East End Arts presents large-scale mosaic portraits of prominent figures in the civil rights movement created by Long Island high school students; reception 5-7 p.m. Friday; on display during library hours Feb. 6-March 29, Floyd Memorial Library, 539 First St., free, floydmemoriallibrary.org, 631-477-0660.

NEW HYDE PARK

SCAVENGER HUNT: BLACK HISTORY

Learn about the accomplishments and impact of Black people in the history of the United States through a scavenger hunt; all children through grade 6 can participate during library hours, through Feb. 28, Great Neck Library, Parkville Branch, 10 Campbell St., free, greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055.

WESTBURY

ART EXHIBITION: MILITARY

Showcasing “Blacks in the Military,” a tribute to Black veterans with a special recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen, on display noon-4 p.m. Thursdays; 2-6 p.m. Fridays; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, through Feb. 28, Westbury Arts,
255 Schenck Ave., free,
westburyarts.org, 516-400-2787.

FEB. 1

PORT WASHINGTON

CONCERT: PURE JOY

Paige Patterson pays tribute to Harlem Renaissance artists such as Eubie Blake and Fats Waller, as well as artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, The Drifters, Corrine Bailey Rae and more, 3 p.m., Port Washington Public Library, 1 Library Dr., free, register, pwpl.org, 516-883-4400.

UNIONDALE

AFRICAN DIASPORA FASHION

Designer Delali Haligah presents an interactive talk and fashion showcase with live models and music. Explore the impact of African, Caribbean and African American influences in today’s popular fashion, 2 p.m., Uniondale Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free, uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

WESTBURY

JAZZ AND SOUL CONCERT

Cody Childs & His Trio perform songs from the genres of jazz and soul from the 1950s to the 1970s, 2:30 p.m., Westbury Library, 445 Jefferson St., free, register at westburylibrary.org, 516-333-0176.

FEB. 2

CENTRAL ISLIP

SLAVERY AND THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

An engaging talk on slavery and the U.S. Constitution, 2 p.m., Central Islip Public Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free, register, for library cardholders only, cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333.

HOLBROOK

INVISIBLE PATRIOTS: BLACK SPIES, CODEBREAKERS

Learn about African Americans who have served as codebreakers, spies, analysts and officers who advanced both the security and the ideals of the United States, 1 p.m., Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Rd., free, register, sachemlibrary.org, 631-588-5024.

LAWRENCE

ONLINE DISCUSSION: SIDNEY POITIER

Celebrate the life and career of Sidney Poitier, learn how he broke barriers on screen and inspired generations through his artistry and humanity, 11 a.m., hosted by Peninsula Public Library, free, visit peninsulapublic.org for a link, 516-239-3262.

LONG BEACH

MONDAY MATINEE

Screening of “42,” (2013, PG-13, 2:08) a biographical drama about Major League Baseball player Jackie Robinson, starring Chadwick Boseman, 2 p.m., Long Beach Public Library, 111 W. Park Ave., free, longbeach library.org, 516-432-7201.

NEW HYDE PARK

GRAB-AND-GO ACTIVITY

Celebrate Black History Month with a fun and educational kit that contains an activity booklet, notepad, pen, bookmark and stickers, while supplies last, for children in kindergarten through grade 5, pick up during library hours, Great Neck Library, Parkville Branch, 10 Campbell St., free, greatnecklibrary .org, 516-466-8055.

UNIONDALE

BLACK EXCELLENCE IN STEM

Learn about prominent Black scientists and innovators in science, technology, engineering and math, then try experiments based on their achievements, for teens ages 13 to 18, 6:30 p.m., Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free, uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

WANTAGH

COOKING DEMO AND TASTING

Chef Brian shares the history of African roots in American cooking, including piri piri chicken, jollof rice and Philadelphia pepper pot soup, bring your own beverages (no alcohol permitted), 2 p.m., Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., $5, register, wantaghlibrary.org, 516-221-1200.

WEST HEMPSTEAD

MOVIE

Screening of “Hidden Figures,” (2016, rated PG, 2:07) a drama about the true story of three Black women who helped launch our nation into space, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe, open to those age 13 and older, 6:30 p.m., West Hempstead Public Library, 500 Hempstead Ave., free, whplibrary.org, 516-481-6591.

WESTBURY

AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN

 Works written by Black authors are read by schoolchildren, with music from Westbury school district students, 6 p.m., Westbury Memorial Public Library, 445 Jefferson St., free, register, westburylibrary.org, 516-333-0176.

FEB. 3

COPIAGUE

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN

Learn the history of Berry Gordy’s Motown and its sounds, from Smokey Robinson and the Miracles to Marvin Gaye, the Supremes to Martha and the Vandellas and more, 6:30 p.m., Copiague Memorial Public Library, 50 Deauville Blvd., free, register, for resident cardholders, copiaguelibrary.org, 631-691-1111.

LAWRENCE

ONLINE: MARCUS GARVEY

Explore the life and legacy of Jamaican-born activist Marcus Garvey, whose bold ideas and powerful speeches inspired thousands and helped spark a global movement, 11 a.m., hosted by Peninsula Public Library, free, visit peninsulapublic.org for a link, 516-239-3262.

MASSAPEQUA PARK

GROUNDBREAKING BLACK COMEDIANS

Multimedia lecture to celebrate the contributions of comedians Godfrey Cambridge, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby and Eddie Murphy, 1:30 p.m., Massapequa Public Library-Bar Harbor Building, 40 Harbor Lane, free, register, massapequalibrary.org, 516-799-0770.

SELDEN

BLACK WHALERS

An educator from the Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor discusses the history of Black whalers, including whaling’s ties to the Underground Railroad, 7 p.m., Middle Country Public Library-Selden Building, 575 Middle Country Rd., free, register, mcplibrary.org, 631-585-9393.

FEB. 4

BELLPORT

UNSUNG HEROES: BLACK WOMEN

A look at Black 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, 6:30 p.m., South Country Library, 22 Station Rd., free, register, library card required, sctylib.org, 631-286-0818.

CENTRAL ISLIP

SOUL FOOD BASICS

Chef Cheryl of Chara’s Kitchen and Catering demonstrates how to make classic soul food dishes such as macaroni and cheese, fried cabbage and buttermilk fried chicken, 5 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m., Central Islip Public Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free, register, for resident cardholders,
cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333.

LAWRENCE

ONLINE DISCUSSION: LENA HORNE

Learn about the life and legacy of Black performer Lena Horne, who overcame enormous obstacles and broke barriers in Hollywood and on stage, featuring backstage stories and performance clips, 11 a.m., hosted by Peninsula Public Library, free, visit
peninsulapublic.org for a link, 516-239-3262.

ROSLYN

OPERA IN EBONY

Tanisha Mitchell pays tribute to legendary African American singers who performed at such prestigious venues as the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala and the Royal Opera House, 6:30 p.m., Bryant Library, 2 Paper Mill Rd., free, register, bryantlibrary.org, 516-621-2240.

UNIONDALE

STORYTIME IN BLACK

Hear stories and participate in activities, for children through age 5, 11 a.m., Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free, register, uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

FEB. 5

BALDWIN

BLACK ARTISTS IN THE SMITHSONIAN

Learn about the diverse body of artwork created by Black artists and the historical, social and cultural events that inspired their work, 2 p.m., Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., free, register to attend in-person or online, baldwinpl.org, 516-223-6228.

BRENTWOOD

BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘LOVELY ONE’

Discuss the memoir by Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, 7 p.m., Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., free, register to attend in-person or online, brentwoodnylibrary.org, 631-273-7883.

BRIGHTWATERS

HOMETOWN HISTORIES

Historian and author Claire Bellerjeau discusses the discovery of a new founding figure named Elizabeth, or Liss, who was enslaved by the Townsend family of Oyster Bay, 6 p.m., Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Rd., free, register, bsbwlibrary.org, 631-665-4350.

ANCESTRY SEARCH

Explore the nuances of African American genealogy research, important genealogical records and the impact slavery had on the creation of historical records, register, 6:30 p.m., Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Rd., free, for Suffolk County cardholders, bsbwlibrary.org, 631-665-4350.

CENTRAL ISLIP

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Central Islip residents are invited to share personal experiences, memories and reflections related to Black culture, community and history. Stories will be recorded to be featured throughout Black History Month on the library’s social media platforms, 8 p.m., Central Islip Public Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free, register, cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333.

PLAINVIEW

LECTURE: BILLIE HOLIDAY

A look at the life and career of vocalist Billie Holiday, 2 p.m., Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, 999 Old Country Rd., free, poblib.org, 516-938-0077.

SHIRLEY

ONLINE: AUTHOR TALK

Chat with Vanessa Riley about her newest book, “Fire Sword & Sea,” based on the folk story of the mixed-race female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye, 7 p.m., Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, 407 William Floyd Pkwy., free, register, communitylibrary.org, 631-399-1511.

STONY BROOK

CELEBRATING BLACK ARTISTS WITH THE JAZZ LOFT

The Jazz Loft Big Band presents an inspiring and diverse program of jazz compositions by Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, John Coltrane, Mary Lou Williams and many other Black composers, 7 p.m. The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., tickets are $30, $25 for seniors, $15 for children ages 5 and older, thejazzloft.org, 631-751-1895.

UNIONDALE

AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING

Demonstration on how to achieve various styles with your braids and get some tips and techniques, 7 p.m., Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free, register, uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

WYANDANCH

MOVIE

Screening of the historical drama “Selma,” (2014, rated PG-13, 2:08) about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to secure equal voting rights, starring David Oyelowo, 6 p.m., Wyandanch Public Library, 14 S. 20th St., free, wyandanchlibrary.org, 631-643-4848.

AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING

Demonstration on how to achieve various styles with your braids and get some tips and techniques, 7 p.m., Wyandanch Public Library, 14 S. 20th St., free, register, wyandanchlibrary.org, 631-643-4848.

FEB. 6

BRIDGEHAMPTON

READ-IN

Adults and teens are invited to read a short passage, while younger children participate in special story time, selections by Black authors available, or bring your own — or just come to listen, 6 p.m., Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreation Center, 551 Sag Harbor Tpke., free, register, myhamptonlibrary.org, 631-537-0015.

HUNTINGTON STATION

BLACK WHALERS

Discover the stories of Black whalers who made up a quarter to a third of every crew, explore their courage, the challenges they faced and how life at sea linked them to the fight for freedom, including connections to the Underground Railroad, 2 p.m., Huntington Public Library-Station Branch, 1335 New York Ave., free, register, myhpl.org, 631-421-5053.

PORT WASHINGTON

BILLIE HOLIDAY

Learn about the life and career of jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, noon, Port Washington Public Library, 1 Library Dr., free, register, pwpl.org, 516-883-4400.

FEB. 7

OAKDALE

SPACE EXPLORERS

Learn the history of the Black men and women astronomers and astronauts, for ages 6 and older, 5:45 p.m., Connetquot River State Park Preserve, 4090 Sunrise Hwy., $4, register, parks.ny.gov, 631-581-1005.

FEB. 8

GLEN COVE

CONCERT: FROM JAZZ TO SOUL

Rhonda Denét performs a musical tribute to legendary male Black artists, including Duke Ellington, Sam Cooke, Nat “King” Cole, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and more, 2 p.m., Glen Cove Public Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., free, register, glencovelibrary.org, 516-676-2130.

SELDEN

CODY CHILDS AND HIS TRIO

Cody Childs & His Trio perform songs from the genres of jazz and soul from the 1950s to the 1970s, 2 p.m., Middle Country Public Library-Selden Building, 575 Middle Country Rd., free, register, mcplibrary.org, 631-585-9393.

UNIONDALE

CONCERT

The Westbury Jazz Ensemble performs the music of prominent Black composers, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Quincy Jones, 2 p.m., Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free, uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

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

By Gina Tabarus

gtabarus@newsday.com