Throughout February, the City of Mesquite will host events, activities and recognitions during Black History Month to honor the contributions of African Americans.
On Feb. 24, Historic Mesquite, Inc. (HMI), will present “Diversity in the West: Buffalo Soldiers.” Attendees of the free program will learn from living history reenactors Paul and Sam Allen about how Buffalo Soldiers got their name and what their role was in settling the American West. The Allens’ performance is interactive and features Buffalo Soldier gear, uniforms and tents.
“Diversity in the West” also will include a free presentation at noon by author Liz Lawless on “The Economic Impact of Black Cowboys: Yesterday & Today.” Lawless will share about late 1800s cattle drives and how rodeo cowboys and others are keeping the western lifestyle alive for future generations.
Join HMI for “Diversity in the West” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 711 E. Kearney St.
On Feb. 17, City Councilmember Brandon Murden will host a free educational event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall, 757 N. Galloway Ave., in Training Rooms A&B. The event will include guest speakers and a panel discussion.
On Feb. 15, the Mesquite Library will host performance artist Baba Kwasi at 6:30 p.m. at 300 W. Grubb Dr. At the free event, listen to an array of African drums and percussion instruments, along with storytelling, songs and African drumming.
All month long, the Mesquite Arts Center will include Black History Month-focused projects in its free Tote-and-Go kits for kids. Projects include a collage craft in the style of artist Romare Bearden, a quilt craft in the style of artist Faith Ringgold, coloring pages about inventor Garret Morgan and civil rights activist Rosa Parks, and links to learn how to create art like sculptors Selma Burke and Charles Alston. There is a limited supply of Tote-and-Go kits, so please register in advance by visiting www.mesquiteartscenter.org.
Other Black History Month recognitions include Downtown Mesquite highlighting black-owned businesses in Mesquite on its social media channels during February, and both branches of the Mesquite Library will feature special Black History Month displays and pass out bookmarks to patrons.