Live Concerts, Dance Performances, Author visits, Art Exhibits & More
To celebrate Black History Month, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has a diverse lineup of FREE events and programs for kids, teens, and adults. From captivating live concerts and mesmerizing dance performances to inspiring author visits, thought-provoking art exhibits, and engaging craft classes, there’s something for everyone at the 25 unique branches throughout the month.
“Black History Month provides an excellent chance to explore new ideas, voices and worldviews,” said Las Vegas-Clark County Executive Director Kelvin Watson. “We can delve into the rich cultural and historical influences that have shaped various aspects of American society, including music, art, science, and sports. We offer a range of in-person events, as well as a curated collection of acclaimed books, music, and movies that you can access through checkouts, downloads, or streaming. Additionally, there are educational and entertaining online resources available 24/7, accessible with your FREE library card.”
Haven’t gotten your free library card yet? Sign-up only requires a few minutes of your time, and you can immediately start enjoying the incredible benefits. Join up and #GetCarded for instant access to a world of discovery that will help you honor Black History all year long.
Please see below for list of spotlight events and visit the Library District’s 2024 Black History Month Event Calendar to see a full list of events. All events are free and open to the public. Seating at some events may be limited, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Events subject to cancellation without notice. Please view individual event descriptions for complete details.
Thursday, February 1, 6 p.m., West Charleston Library
This panel discussion will highlight the five essential components of the genre. Those components are DJing, emceeing, break dancing, graffiti art, and knowledge of self.
Thursday, February 1, All Day, Windmill Library
Black History Today and Everyday (Teens – Adults) – Learn about significant figures, past and present, in an interactive scavenger hunt across the Teen Zone. This program is geared for teens in grades 6-12.
Friday, February 2, 7:30 p.m., West Las Vegas Library
Saturday, February 3, 7:30 p.m., West Las Vegas Library
Re-Birth VOL. 1: A Collection of Thoughts (Tweens – Teens – Adults – Seniors) – A dynamic evening of artistic collaboration, featuring choreography by Justus Whitfield, Eric Lobenberg, Radnell Marin Pedraza, Koura Wright, and original writings and song by Teshi Thomas, Trinity Smith, and Tianna “Falcon” Lewis.
Tuesday, February 6, 2 p.m., Whitney Library – Concert Hall
HBCU Film Series – School Daze (Teens – Adults) – School Daze is a 1988 American musical comedy about undergraduates in a fraternity and sorority clashing with some of their classmates at a Historically Black College during homecoming week. It also touches upon issues of colorism, elitism, classism, political activism, hazing, groupthink, female self-esteem, social mobility, and hair texture bias within the African-American community.
Wednesday, February 7, 3 p.m., Whitney Library
HBCU Film Series – Drumline (Teens – Adults) – An overly-confident drummer joins his college’s marching band. The band, which puts musical tradition over entertainment, has little patience for his hubris, and he must learn to be a part of the team or risk being left out on the field. As he clashes with his band director and section leader, he finds time to romance the captain of the dance team.
Thursday, February 8, 3 p.m., Whitney Library
HBCU Film Series – The Great Debaters (Teens – Adults) – Denzel Washington directed and stars in this uplifting true story, which chronicles the rise of a debate team at a small all-Black college in Texas during the 1930s. Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Denzel Whitaker, Jermaine Williams, Forest Whitaker.
Friday, February 9, 10:30 a.m., Summerlin Library
African American Excellence in Space (Pre-K – Kids) – An out of this world program combining STEAM and history. Learn about African American-Astronauts and NASA employees who have advanced our knowledge of space through their excellence and dedication. Try out several STEAM activities based on the expertise of these heroes and heroines. Stay to watch a picture book reading or finish a coloring sheet about these trailblazers.
Friday, February 9, 7 p.m., West Las Vegas Library
Kemet in the Desert 2024 (Adults) – Kemet in the Desert Lecture Series featuring keynote speakers Ilia “Rashad” Muhammad and Dr. Anika Daniels-Osaze. The Series is hosted by Executive Director Mr. Oscar Robinson. Friday’s session will include Ilia “Rashad” Muhammad, educator, author and revered researcher hailing from Memphis.
Saturday, February 10, 7 p.m., West Las Vegas Library
Kemet in the Desert 2024 (Adults) – Kemet in the Desert Lecture Series featuring keynote speakers Ilia “Rashad” Muhammad and Dr. Anika Daniels-Osaze. The series is hosted by Executive Director Mr. Oscar Robinson. Saturday’s session will include Dr. Anika Daniels-Osaze who has studied Ancient Egypt (Kemet) for 30 years, focusing on language, spirituality, and ancient medicine.
Saturday, February 10, 3 p.m., West Charleston Library
Vegas City Opera: Harlem Renaissance in Jazz, Song & Poetry (Teens – Adults – Seniors) – Vegas City Opera brings you this concert celebrating the intellectual and cultural revival of African-American music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, politics, and scholarship. Works centered in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, spanning the 1920s and 1930s.
Thursday, February 15, 4 p.m., Windmill Library
Black History Conversations with a Cowboy (All Ages) – Pete Taylor, an American cowboy, will talk about his life experiences & challenges of becoming a cowboy and his love of competing in horse riding, roping, & working on a ranch. He will also discuss the history of Black Cowboys and his time competing in cowboy-mounted shooting, Extreme Cowboy Racing, and judged trail riding.
Friday, February 16, 7 p.m., West Charleston Library Celebrating Black History Through Music(All Ages) – Join Nevada Chamber Orchestra and immerse yourself in the captivating melodies and harmonies that highlight the incredible works of historically significant Black composers. Delve into the brilliance of 18th Century Joseph Bologne, Le Chevalier de Saint Georges, a trailblazing figure in classical-era music and currently the subject of a major motion picture.
Friday, February 16, 7 p.m., West Las Vegas Library
Saturday, February 17, 7 p.m., Windmill Library
Sunday, February 18, 3 p.m., Summerlin Library
Soulful Blues Music with Dennis Jones Band(Adults) – Blues artist & powerhouse musician, Dennis Jones, will perform his sizzling hot guitar solos combined with smooth and soulful vocals. This high-energy stage performance is backed by a rhythm section that is second to none.
Saturday, February 17, 3 p.m., West Charleston Library
Sunday, February 18, 3 p.m., West Las Vegas Library
Brother Yusef: The Fattback Bluesman(All Ages) – Join Brother Yusef, the self-proclaimed king of organic deep-fried Fattback Blues, for this one-of-a kind concert in celebration of Black History Month! Brother Yusef’s music is exuberant and bouncing with a highly rhythmic beat. He is a self-taught musician and has been described as a master solo guitarist and a uniquely passionate vocalist.
Sunday, February 25, 3 p.m., Summerlin Library
Alyssa Harris Live in Concert(Adults – Seniors) – Learn about the history of Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden, as well as their significance to NASA and Black American history. Then learn to design and test your own paper rocket!
About the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
The award-winning Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is an independent taxing entity that serves a diverse community across 8,000 square miles. Through its 25 branches and website, the Library District offers a collection of 3.2 million items, including books, movies, music (including streaming and downloadable), online resources, and free programs for all ages. The Library District’s new Free To Be public education campaign demonstrates the vital and vibrant role that the library plays in Las Vegas, offering unexpected experiences; limitless learning; business and career advancement; government and social services support; and best of all, a place where customers find a sense of culture and community. For more information, and to support Library District programs, please visit TheLibraryDistrict.org.
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