natalie-cole_web.jpgHere is a partial list of events during Black History Month.

Feb. 7
Here, There, and Beyond:
The Work of 16 Haitian Artists of Florida. An art project showcasing the outstanding artistic talents of Florida’s Haitian contemporary artists, and raising awareness of how their work grows increasingly vital in the contemporary art world. The exhibition will open on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m., with a reception at Miami Dade College’s West Campus gallery, 3800 NW 115th Avenue in Doral. Exhibits run through March 6. The event is free and open to the public. Onsite parking is available. For more information, contact Odessa Simmons at 305-237-7186.

Feb. 12
NAACP 100th Anniversary Jazz Concert:
The Fort Lauderdale NAACP Youth Council, the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale and the Old Dillard Museum will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the NAACP on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Old Dillard Museum, 1009 NW 4th Street, Fort Lauderdale. The evening features a jazz concert by N’trigue. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 754-322-8828.

Feb. 13
Natalie Cole: “Still Unforgettable:
” Want to properly woo your significant other for Valentine's Day, but don't have the time? Then why not pay someone to do it for you? Come see the “Still Unforgettable” Natalie Cole in concert to properly set the mood for the rest of your evening. The daughter of Nat King Cole will wow audiences with her renditions of such classics as "Come Rain Or Come Shine," "Walkin' My Baby Back Home" and "You Go To My Head." The performance starts at 8 p.m. and ticket prices range from $25 to $110 at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., 701 Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach. For more information, please call 561-832-7469.

Feb. 14
“Ride and Remember” Historic Trolley Tour:
The Spady Museum and Delray Beach Historical Society will take riders on a tour of Delray’s historic districts and neighborhoods. The 90-minute tour is aboard an air-conditioned trolley car offering interactive narration from individuals involved in the historic preservation of the City of Delray Beach. Riders will be able to tour the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and the Cason Cottage and will disembark at select historic sites for a closer look at the fascinating history of Delray Beach. The 2-hour tour departs on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. from the Historic Cason Cottage,  5 NE 1st Street in Delray Beach. Costs: $15 adults, $12 members, $10 children.  For more information or to reserve seats, contact the Delray Beach Historical Society at 561-243-0223, or Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, 561-279-8883. 

Feb. 16
From Jazz to Hip Hop:
Join jazz artist Nicole Yarling and students from Florida Memorial University as they explore the use of words through rap, poetry and song.  Aspiring young writers, rappers and poets will be invited to perform their own works. Performance held on Monday, Feb. 16  and Monday, Feb. 23 at 3:30 p.m. at the Miami-Dade Public Library, North Dade Regional Branch, located at 2455 NW 183rd Street, Miami. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 305-625-6424.

Feb. 24
Storyteller Madafo tells stories from around the world, primarily those that speak to the African-American experience. Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 3:30 p.m. at the Miami-Dade Public Library, Virrick Park Branch, located at 3255 Plaza Street, Miami. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 305-442-7872.

Feb. 26
Sisters!
A powerful theatrical representation of the essence of the experience of being black and being a woman during the 19th century in America. This compelling historical dramatic stage play tells the rich and powerful stories of women during the time of slavery, through the transition of emancipation and into the unexpected hardship of being free. Opens on Thursday, Feb. 26, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. through March 22. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami.  Tickets are $20; $7 for students. Groups of 10 or more receive a discounted ticket price of $10. For more information, call 305-638-6771.

CynthiaRoby@Bellsouth.net

Photo: Natalie Cole