THIS ‘N DATA ... BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Library To Offer A Full Slate Of Programs

February is Black History Month, and The Arlington Public Library has a full slate of events scheduled to honor Black culture and contributions, past, present, and future. Here are the highlights, presented by library staff:

Book Talk with Author and Illustrator Jerry Craft, Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Join the Arlington Public Library for a special author visit with best-selling children's author and illustrator, Jerry Craft. The event will include a presentation from the author, a brief drawing session showcasing how his characters came to life, Q&A, and a book signing. This event is free and open to the public, and the first 50 kids will receive a free copy of "New Kid" for the author to sign.

Old School VS New School Music Battle, Friday, Feb. 10, Noon - 1:30 p.m., Virtual Take a lunch break and join us for this exciting battle where old school Hip Hop & RnB go head-tohead with new school remixes of the classics. Who will take the crown? Only you can decide!

"Beginning African American Genealogy Research" presented by Sabra Johnson — Arlington Genealogical Society (In-Person & Virtual), Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Downtown Library

Explore your family history guided by African American genealogist, Sabra Johnson! No matter what ethnic background you have, you are sure to learn new and interesting research techniques from her examples.

Afrofuturism: Aesthetic, Culture, Movement, Thursday, Feb.16, 2023, 6 - 7:30 p.m., VirtualRegistration Required

Join us for an engaging round-table discussion on Afrofuturism in literature, media, and beyond. Afrofuturism: a wide-ranging social, political, and artistic movement that explores the culture and experiences of the African diaspora through the lens of science-fiction, history, and fantasy. Panelists will include Ytasha Womack, critically acclaimed filmmaker and Dr. Kathy Brown, professor of art education at the University of North Texas.

Cricut: Black History Month T-shirts, Friday, Feb. 17, 3 – 5 p.m., Downtown Library

Create a beautiful heat press design using Cricut Design Space software and heat transfer vinyl. Bring a solid color t-shirt and we will provide the vinyl. This class is limited to first-come/first-served attendees and is appropriate for ages 13+.

A Black History Month Panel Discussion on STEM Careers with Black Professionals & Students, Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 – 8 p.m., Downtown Library

Join us for a robust and honest conversation with Black STEM professionals and students from the National Society of Black Engineers Dallas/Fort Worth Professionals and UTA's chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. Members of the panel will discuss their educational journeys, describe current challenges, and celebrate successes. All to encourage the next generation to follow in their footsteps

BHM Reception: An Evening of Jazz & Art, Saturday, Feb. 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Downtown Library

– Registration Required

Enjoy an intimate evening of jazz celebrating the music of icons Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. Peruse a stunning artist gallery by local Black artists and partake in tasty refreshments during this night of class and elegance. Cocktail attire requested.

RAISE YOUR HAND if you remember visiting the petting zoo at Six Flags

Over Texas when you were a youngster. Keep that hand up if you touched the elephant's trunk. (That's for you, faithful reader Chuck Anderson!)

3.6

The amount of water, in square miles, that runs through or is a part of Arlington's 99.44 squaremile total area.

Source: kiddle.co (.co, not .com)

50

Where Arlington ranks among the most-populated cities in the United States. (We're bigger than Cleveland!)

Source: census.gov

(+/-) 680,000

The number of volunteer hours contributed by students, faculty and staff at the University of Texas at Arlington annually.

Source: uta.edu

$210,800

The median value of owneroccupied housing units in the city (based on research from the years 2017-2021).

Source: census.gov

EAT YOUR ART OUT, a fundraiser for Arlington Museum of Art, will take place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the museum (201 W. Main St.). The event will feature confectionery masterpieces and more. arlingtonmuseum.org/EYAO

RENEGADES TO PLAY XFL SEASON OPENER ON FEB. 18

The Arlington Renegades will open the 2023 XFL season at 3 p.m. on Feb. 18 at Choctaw Stadium against the Vegas Vipers.

The Renegades represent one of eight teams that are part of the re-created XFL. They will play five of their 10 games at home. Other home dates include:

• March 5: Orlando Guardians

• March 26: San

Antonio Brahmas

• March 31: Seattle

Sea Dragons

• April 23: Houston

Roughnecks

All 43 XFL games (40 regular season games, two playoffs, one championship) will be featured on ABC (7 games), ESPN and ESPN2 (22 games), and FX (15 games).

All XFL games will be streamed on ESPN+ and simulcasted in 142 nations

For Renegades' ticket information, visit xfl.com/teams/ arlington