David Riggleman | Director of Communications | 702.229.2207

Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: MARGARET KURTZ | 702.229.6993 | 702.249.1828

City Of Las Vegas Black History Month 2017 Calendar Of Events

Events Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and African-American History

PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

The city of Las Vegas is planning several multigenerational events in celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and African-American history from Jan. 11 to Feb. 24. The public is invited to participate. Details on the Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Day parade downtown at 10 a.m., and other related events, also may be found at http://kingweeklasvegas.com/. Black History Month Essay Contest (grades 2-12) Register by Feb. 3, 2017. Free and open to Clark County, Nevada, students in grades 2-12. East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 702-229-1515. First-, second- and third-place winners from each division will recite their essays at an event in their honor. Submit essays by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Topic: What kind of social changes have to have happened for an African-American to become President? 2nd-3rd Grade – Creative Art Expressions 4th-5th Grade – minimum 150 words 6th-8th Grade – minimum 250 words High School – minimum 400 words Call 702-229-1515 for more information. Dr. Martin Luther King Community Youth League Basketball Historic Westside Schools Tournament Wednesday-Friday, Jan. 11-13, 4-6 p.m. Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., 702-229-6374. This single-elimination youth basketball tournament for the historic Westside schools is held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This tournament is free to all participants that qualify through their respective schools or youth programs. For more information or registration, contact David Barnett at 702-229-6374 or Savonta Manor at 702-229-6359. MLK Potluck Celebration (ages 50+) Thursday, Jan. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Bring a dish large enough to share, one dish per household. Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., 702-229-6125.

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City Of Las Vegas Black History Month January-February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 2 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

Storytelling Workshops (all ages) Djeliba Baba – Workshop: “The Depth of Storytelling & Story Listening” Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. Baba’s workshops and seminars engage every learning style. Participants who complete his workshops and seminars gain a greater understanding of the role that listening/speaking play in our development as individuals and communities. Diane Ferlatte – Workshop: “Bring Stories to Life” Saturday, Jan. 14, 11:30 a.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. This workshop is for anyone interested in exploring ways to add life to their stories. Participants will discover the power of a well-told story through small group exercises, presentations, and examples from Ferlatte’s own stories.

These programs are made possible, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and by The Western States Arts Federation, a regional nonprofit arts service organization. Stay Prepared for School Fair Saturday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., 702-229-6374. This student resource fair is part of the celebration of Dr. King’s D.R.E.A.M. (Deliver Resources to Empower, Achieve and Motivate youth in the community). Students will receive resources and school supplies to provide them with the necessary tools to succeed in school. Students and families from the Las Vegas community are invited to come out for a day of fun and resources. Stories to Tell with Diane Ferlatte and Djeliba Baba (all ages) Saturday, Jan. 14, 2 p.m. Admission: $10 + tax in advance; $15 + tax at the door. Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229-6383. International award-winning storytellers Diane Ferlatte and Djeliba Baba perform an afternoon of folktales and fables in the African storytelling tradition. These stories are sure to delight and entertain all audiences. Ferlatte is at the forefront of the multicultural renaissance of the oral tradition as she augments inventive stagecraft with the actor´s skill at expression, gesture, and intense emotion, to create multiple characters for each story. Djeliba Baba the Storyteller has been a professional speaker since 1994 and is one of the few recognized American-born practitioners of the ancient West African storytelling craft known as Jaliyaa. For more information and tickets, visit www.artslasvegas.org or call 702-229-6383. This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and by the Western States Arts Federation, a regional nonprofit arts service organization.

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City Of Las Vegas Black History Month January-February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 3 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

Think For Yourself: A Restoration of Our True Selves (all ages) Saturdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18; 2 to 4 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. This six-week, multi-media workshop is an interactive seminar by Alfatari Richards that uses creative writing, film, literature, and critical-thinking activities. The workshop is designed to develop and/or redevelop one’s perspective and understanding of self. Peace Week 2017 Celebration (all ages) Sunday, Jan. 15, 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-507-3989. Join us for Peace Week 2017 celebrating the life, legacy and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a community. Cosponsored by Trinity Academy of Arts, under the direction of Monica Armstrong. For more information, call 702-507-3989, or 702-229-6125. The Poets’ Corner (ages 17+) Hosted by Keith Brantley Friday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. A monthly forum for established poets and open-mic participants featuring the best local talent. “A Night of Expressions: Youth Talent Showcase” Friday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd, 702-507-3989. Enjoy this showcase of community youth talent in singing, dancing, spoken word and music, all in recognition Black History Month. Youth ages 8 to 22 may audition to perform in the showcase. Contact Willie Henderson at 702-229-2473 for more information. Rehearsals will be held an. 7 and 12. Alchemy of Kemetic Yoga (all ages) Facilitated by Master Yirser Ra Hotep Friday, Feb. 3, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. This Kemetic Yoga master workshop, demonstration and lecture is to inform those of African ancestry here in America, and Las Vegas residents, of the African origin of what has become known as yoga. For more information, call 702-229-4800 or visit www.artslasvegas.org. Third Annual Generation 2 Generation Ball Game (all ages) Saturday, Feb. 4, noon Free and open to the public. Kianga Isoke Palacio Park at Doolittle Complex, 951 W. Lake Mead Boulevard. The city of Las Vegas hosts a softball game between students and local government/community members in honor of Black History Month. Enjoy the game, food vendors and local talent! Call 702-229-6125 for more information.

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City Of Las Vegas Black History Month January-February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 4 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

From Black Kings & Queens Exhibition & Reception (all ages) Artist Frank McBride, Sr. Meet-the-Artist Reception, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2-5 p.m. Feb. 4 – March 25; center open Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Gallery hours vary; call 702-229-4800 for best information. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. Black History Month Luncheon (ages 50+) Wednesday, Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m. Cost: $7. Derfelt Senior Center, 3343 W. Washington Ave., 702-229-6601. Celebrate Black History Month with your neighbors. Entertainment will be provided. Registration open through Feb. 3 or until full. Advance registration required. Call 702-229-6601 to register. Goodtime Fish Fry (all ages) Thursday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. Cost: $7 per person. Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., 702-229-6125. Annual fish fry for the community. Advance registration is required; space is limited. Film – “The Birth of a Nation” (2016) Hosted by Keith Brantley Saturday, Feb. 11, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. “The Birth of a Nation” is a 2016 American period-drama film based on the story of Nat Turner, the enslaved man who led a slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. The film is co-written, co-produced and directed by Nate Parker (in his directorial debut) and stars Parker as Turner, with Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Penelope Ann Miller and Gabrielle Union in supporting roles. For more information, call 702-229-4800. 38th Annual Mid-Day Inspirational Showcase & Luncheon (all ages for showcase; 50+ for soul food luncheon) Tuesday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $8 per person for luncheon; showcase is free and open to the public. Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., 702-229-6125. This annual inspirational showcase at the West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., features singing, dancing, poetry and guest speakers followed by a soul food luncheon at the Doolittle Senior Center. Advance registration required for luncheon by Feb. 1. In Honor of African-American Heritage 2017 Featured Artist: Sylvester Collier Feb 16 – April 6; hours Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed weekends and holidays. Meet-the-Artist Reception Thursday, Feb. 16, 4 to 6 p.m. Free admission and open to the public. Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor. This year for African-American Heritage Month, we highlight artwork by local artist and retired Clark County teacher Sylvester Collier. His paintings’ focus is on African-American history and is very colorful with a combination of realism with abstract spatial elements. His figures float in grounds that are collaged with signifiers that stand for the past history of the person depicted.

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City Of Las Vegas Black History Month January-February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 5 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

Black History Essay Contest Banquet (all ages) Friday, Feb. 17, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Free for essay contest entrants; $5 for everyone else. East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 702-229-1515. Celebrate the Black History Month Essay Contest participants with family and friends at the fourth annual banquet. Call 702-229-1515 for information and registration. Registration will be open through Feb. 13. The Poets’ Corner (ages 17+) Hosted by Keith Brantley Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. A monthly forum for established poets and open-mic participants featuring the best local talent. Jester Hairston Music Association NANM Concert (all ages) Celebrates Its 24th Anniversary: “Let the Church Say Amen” Saturday, Feb. 18, 4 to 5:30 p.m. West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-229-4800. The National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM), founded in Chicago in 1919, is a historical organization that supports and promotes all styles of music but especially music that has been composed and/or performed by those of African-American descent. The Jester Hairston Music Association was founded July 1992. It was then charted as the Las Vegas Nevada Branch at the NANM National Convention August 3, 1992. BLACK WEEKEND 2017: Kemit in the Desert Series – Day 1(all ages) Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 to 10 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-507-3989. Featuring guest lecturer Yusef Salaam, along with a screening of the award-winning film documentary “Ken Burns: The Central Park Five.” The lecture topic will be “Speaking out against injustice: the effects of incarceration and the disenfranchisement of economically disadvantaged people and its overwhelming effects on both their families and the community at large.” Franklyn G. Verley III, host of “Like It Is Radio” on KCEP Power 88 FM radio, will moderate. Salaam is determined to educate the public and eagerly shares his story with others. In speaking out against injustice, he conveys the importance of continuing one’s education—whether formal or otherwise. He also touches on the effects of incarceration and the disenfranchisement of economically disadvantaged people and its overwhelming effects on both their families and the community at large. Salaam also advocates for drastic policy changes relating to the prison industrial complex. He is a firm proponent of video surveillance in all police interactions with so-called suspects, banning solitary confinement for juveniles and staunchly opposes capital punishment. As an exonerated African-American man and an influential transformational speaker, Salaam has traveled all around the United States and the Caribbean to deliver powerful lectures and facilitate insightful conversations as he continues to touch lives and raise important questions about race and class, the failings of our criminal justice system, legal protections for vulnerable juveniles, and basic human rights.

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City Of Las Vegas Black History Month January-February 2017 Calendar of Events Page 6 of 6

Las Vegas City Council Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman | Mayor Pro Tem Steven D. Ross

Lois Tarkanian | Ricki Y. Barlow | Stavros S. Anthony | Bob Coffin | Bob Beers City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell

In September 2014, the Central Park Five received a multi-million dollar settlement from the city of New York. The presentation will be followed by a short Q&A session, along with cultural celebrations reflective of the African diaspora, to include dancing, music, spoken word, affirmations to the vast history of a people, in afro-ritualistic traditions observed in honor and recognition of African-American heritage and Black History Month. Co-sponsored by Like It Is Radio, Nia Productions, Platinum Productions, Power 88 FM, and the city of Las Vegas. For more information, please call 702-507-3989. BLACK WEEKEND 2017: Kemit in the Desert Series – Day 2 Friday, Feb. 24, 7 to 10 p.m. Free and open to the public. West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-507-3989. Franklyn G. Verley III, host of “Like It Is Radio” on KCEP Power 88 FM radio, will moderate. Ashra Kwesi, historian (griot) and lecturer on ancient African history and religion, and Merira Kwesi, researcher and lecturer on African history, fashion and culture, reveal and share firsthand information from the ancient temples, tombs and papyrus papers recorded when African people were teachers of the world. Ashra spent more than three decades studying and touring in the African Nile Valley, 14 of those years as an assistant to the noted kemetologist Dr. Yosef Ben Jochannan. Merira brings an exciting and educational, visually documented multimedia presentation based on her examination of the culture and history of the African continent, unmasking the facade of many western institutions to expose the ancient African roots of various icons and cultural practices used today. The evening will be accented with cultural celebrations reflective of the African diaspora, including dancing, music, spoken word, and more, observed in recognition of African-American heritage and Black History Month. Cosponsored by Like It Is Radio, Nia Productions, Platinum Productions, Power 88 FM, and the city of Las Vegas. For more information, call 702-507-3989.

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