Celebrating Black History Month: Entities holding a variety of events across county

Several celebrations of Black History Month are taking place across Cherokee County this weekend and all are invited!

According to the website, History.com, “Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.”

Local celebrations include:

• The Rusk Public Library will be hosting “A Taste of Africa Arts and Culture Exhibit” from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, at the library, 207 E. Sixth St., Rusk. Exhibits of authentic African artworks, food and vendors offering décor and more will all be featured.

“We’re celebrating the rich heritage of the African-American community and invite everyone to come check out all the beauty of this vibrant culture,” Library Director Amy Walley said.

• Seminary Heights Church of Christ will also hold its annual Black History celebration, 2:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23 at the church, 1208 Arnold St., Jacksonville.

The event is open to the public. This year’s celebration theme is ‘The History of the Struggle.’ Keynote speaker will be Darryl Bowdre, from South Central Church of Christ. Fellowship and dinner will follow the celebration.

• Two Jacksonville mainstays will be honored during the Texas Minority Coalition (TMC)’s Black History Celebration, at 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23, at the legendary Landmark Building, 402 E. Rusk St., in Jacksonville. The celebration will focus on the history and accomplishments of black Americans.

“American history is black history and black history is American history and that we can’t have one without the other,” TMC President Stanley Cofer said. “I invite all ethnic groups to come out and celebrate together our American story.

“We will also be recognizing and honoring Jacksonville resident Sylvia Jones, owner of Sylvia Mae’s Soul Food restaurant and Father’s Love Ministry, also in Jacksonville. This is an evening that you want to make sure that you attend.”

Others to be featured during the event include author and global speaker Keenan Williams and Christian recording artist, Brittanee Haralson.

According to the group’s website, the Texas Minority Coalition is a grassroots community organization established to “unite, educate and inspire conservative minorities across the state of Texas through a message of faith, family and freedom.”