Coming Up: Your guide to local happenings

ATLANTA

Black History Month parade set in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn District
The Black History Month Parade will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m., in the historic Sweet Auburn District at Hurt Park, 200 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta. There will be a vendor market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. on Courtland Street, ending at Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Baker Street.

Vendor and sponsor applications are still being accepted.

The Black History Month parade will feature various dance and music performances and special appearances by the Legends Marching Band from Nassau, Bahamas and the Infinity Marching Band from Baltimore.

For more information, visit blackhistorymonthparade.com or call 404-478-7820.

Ballethnic dance company pays homage to Apollo Theater

In honor of Black History Month, Ballethnic Dance Company will perform a dance tribute to the famous Apollo Theater Sunday, Feb. 26, 4 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park.

Set to a swingin’ soundtrack inspired by the Amateur Night early days in the 1930s, Apollo Nights features adult and youth performers dancing to tunes by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other legends of jazz and swing. Celebrate the present by traveling to the past at Georgia International Convention Center in College Park.

$10 discount tickets are available at http://bit.ly/2l5G6nt.

DEKALB

DeKalb History Center sets ninth annual Black History Month celebration

Join the DeKalb History Center for a dialogue on the history and preservation of DeKalb’s historic African-American communities Thursday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the history center, 101 East Court Square, Decatur.
DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will offer opening remarks for the symposium, which will be followed by a panelists of scholars, long-time residents and theatrical re-enactments. Some of the topics for this symposium will include life for African Americans in the historic Flat Rock and Shermantown communities during the Progressive Era to the present; Jim Crow Laws; church life; education; the Civil Rights Movement, and the challenges of preserving these communities.
A catered lunch is included in the registration fee of $30 for members. The cost is $40 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit dekalbhistory.org or call 404-373-1088.
African dancers bring history to life at DeKalb library

Celebrate the history of the African dance experience on Saturday, Feb. 25, 3 to 4 p.m., at the Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur.

Explore the African diaspora with the Giwayen Mata African Dancers during an hour-long lecture and demonstration, which will include a compilation of songs, rhythms, dances, and storytelling along with live narration and audience participation.

For more information, call 404-286-6986.

An evening of Negro spirituals at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church

Enjoy an “Evening of Spirituals” in celebration of Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m., at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, 240 Candler Road, S.E., Atlanta.

The free concert will feature Saint Philip’s Choir #1 as well as the Voices of Inspiration from Berean Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Big Bethel A.M.E. Church Chorale; Chancel Choir from East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church; Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir; the Anthem Choir of Maranatha Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Sanctuary Choir of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church; and Choir #1 from Allen Temple A.M.E. Church.

For more information, call Mrs. L’Tanya Moore-Copeland at 404-371-0749, ext. 8423.

GWINNETT

Eleventh annual Black History Month exhibit welcomes visitors

Enjoy a self-guided exhibit about the African Diaspora starting Tuesday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. The exhibit will remain open for viewing during the month of February during business hours.

Call the community center at 770-985-4713 to confirm schedule.

Chili cook-off and concert set

The community is invited to participate in the annual chili cook-off on Friday, Feb. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.

Have you perfected that special pot of chili? If so, sign up to compete to take home the title for best chili. Attendees will enjoy sampling chili while listening to live music. Competitors provide a gallon of their best chili for sampling. Additional chili, fixins, bread and crackers, dessert and drink provided.

The cost to attend is $6 per person and free for competitors. Participants must pre-register by Feb. 22. Cal 678-277-0179.

ROCKDALE

Si Saw academy to honor Rockdale “firsts” at black-tie gala

Join the Si Saw Academy of the Arts for its inaugural Black History Awards ceremony Saturday, Feb. 25, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 2375 Georgia 20, Conyers.

The Motown-themed fundraiser will honor Rockdale County’s black “firsts” trailblazers.

Tickets are $5 and benefit the Si Saw Academy of the Arts and youth center building fund.