Celebrating Black History

February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month. It is an annual observance in the United States and Canada that celebrates the achievements and contributions of black individuals. First recognized in February of 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February as "Negro History Week."

Over the years, the celebration expanded to an entire month, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. "I call upon the public and the press to recognize the important contributions of black history in the history of the United States," he said.

But the history of Black History Month extends even further back. In 1915, black community leaders in Chicago held the first "Negro History Week" to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Organized by a group known as the "Committee of Ten," which included prominent figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Carter G. Woodson.

Since its inception, Black History Month has been a time to recognize and honor the countless black leaders and activists who have made significant contributions to society. "A people without the knowledge of their history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots," said Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born black nationalist leader.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is essential to remember and recognize the struggles and triumphs of the black community. It is also a time to reflect on our progress and the work that still needs to be done toward racial equality.

Sincerely,

February 1

All-Star Hockey Festival

The NHL All-Star Weekend returns to South Florida! Residents are invited for a day of activities at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs. Outdoor activities open to the public: music, food trucks, games, street hockey, bounce houses and more. Learn to skate (register in advanced)

4:45 - 5:45 pm. Public skating 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Hosted at the Florida Panthers Ice Den, 3299 Sportsplex Drive. For info visit www.panthersiceden.com.

FEBRUARY 2-5

Saint Demetrios Greek Festival

Celebrate the largest and happiest party given by Greek Americans in Fort Lauderdale. Come to the Fort Lauderdale Greek Festival to be fed, entertained, and enlightened about Greek culture and heritage. Visit all the booths and try delicious, homemade foods and pastries. In the true spirit of “Filoxenia,” that is, hospitality, we welcome you and pray your stay with us will be enjoyable.

Thursday: 5 – 10pm, Friday: 12 – 11pm, Saturday: 12 – 11pm, Sunday: 12 – 7pm. Hosted at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 820 NE 14th Ave. For more info call 954-467-1515.

February 1

STOMP

STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Hosted at the Coral Springs Center For The Arts. Scan the QR code for tickets or more info

February 3

Rock the Park

The 2022-23 Rock the Park Concert series are free, outdoor, live musical events held on the first Friday of every month, November through April. The events take place at Plantation Central Park’s ball fields, located at 600 Central Park Drive. Each event features live music by a local band and food trucks. The trucks start serving at 6:00 p.m. and the music begins at 7:00 p.m. No dogs allowed. Participants are encouraged to bring their blankets and/or lawn chairs to set on the lawn while they enjoy tunes outdoors. This month features Bruce Springsteen tribute band B Street Band.

February 4

Yoga in the Park

Get your weekend stretch in with FREE Yoga in the Park every Saturday! 9:3010:30 AM at Jim Ward Park, 301 NW 46th Ave. No registration required! For more information call (954) 452-2510.

February 8

Hump Day Food Trucks

Skip the cooking on Wednesday evenings and instead pick up delicious food at our Drive-Thru Food Truck Event! From 5PM - 9PM every Wednesday you can stop by Volunteer Park and order food from a variety of food trucks. Volunteer Park, 12050 W Sunrise Blvd.