City of Las Vegas Celebrates Black History Month 2024
The city of Las Vegas invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events in January and February. The city has participated in Black History Month activities in many ways over the last 45 years. All activities are subject to change without notice.
West Las Vegas Outreach Youth Basketball Tournament
Jan. 18-20; Thursday, Friday at 4 p.m.; Saturday at 1 p.m.
Free and open to the public as spectators.
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St.
This single-elimination youth basketball tournament will be held in honor of Peace Week 2024. This tournament will be free to all participants that qualify through their respective schools or youth programs. For additional information, please contact 702.229.6374.
African American Trailblazer Service Awards
Thursday, Jan. 25, at 9 a.m.
Free and open to the public.
Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S. Main St., second floor.
In honor of Black History Month, the city of Las Vegas is holding the 10th Annual African American Trailblazer Service Awards ceremony from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Las Vegas City Hall Council Chambers. Watch the awards live via Livestream or in person in Council Chambers. In addition to the Trailblazer awards presentations, Ward 5 Councilman Cedric Crear will announce the 2024 Historic Westside Legacy Park honorees during the ceremony. Call 702.229.3401 to RSVP. Nominations were submitted in October 2023, limited to one nomination per person. To learn more about the 2023 African American Trailblazer Award recipients, click here.
African American Heritage Exhibition 2024: A Collection of the Inspirational Black Experience
Curated by Joseph Watson
Jan. 29-April 25; exhibit hours Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; closed weekends and holidays.
Meet-the-Artists Reception Thursday, Feb. 15, 5-7 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor.
In this annual exhibition, the focus is on artists that live and work in Las Vegas and other southwestern states. This year’s featured artists include Lucky Wenzel, Mike Kelley, Drae, Q’shaundra James, Grady Williams III, LaRon Emcee, Harold Bradford, Gail Brito Watson, Brent Holmes, Joseph Watson, Vezun, Lolita Develay and Dana Satterwhite.
Night of Expressions Youth Talent Showcase
Saturday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park, 720 Twin Lakes Drive.
Join the community as the city of Las Vegas hosts an afternoon showcase featuring multi-talented local youth and young adults. This experience unveils the talents of community young adult performers in recognition and celebration of Black History Month. Participants will be singing, dancing, acting, playing music and performing the spoken word. Try outs will be Jan. 20. If you are between the ages 8-22 and have a talent you would like to share and or would like to schedule a try out time, please contact Willie Henderson at 702.229.2473 for more information.
Good Time Catfish Fry
Thursday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m.
Cost: $10 per person; advance purchase is recommended.
Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St.
Doolittle Senior Center will be holding their annual fish fry at the community center this year. This is a time to gather, socialize and enjoy food that nourishes the soul. Purchase lunch tickets in advance at the community center, as spaces are limited. For more information, please call 702.229.6125.
Black Weekend 2024: 11th Annual Kemet in the Desert Lecture Series
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 9-10, at 7 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Library Theater at 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
The series is a cultural celebration of the African diaspora, including dancing, music, spoken word and affirmations in afro-ritualistic traditions. World-renowned master teachers of African and Egyptian history, culture and religion will make presentations. Friday’s keynote speaker is Ilia “Rashad” Muhammad, an educator, author and researcher from Memphis, Tennessee. Saturday’s speaker is Anika Daniels-Osaze, who studied ancient Egypt for 30 years, focusing on language, spirituality and ancient medicine. The series is co-presented with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, KUNV FM 91.5, Nia Productions, Platinum Productions and the city of Las Vegas, in honor of Black History Month. Executive Director Oscar Robinson will host the event, honoring event founder Franklyn G. Verley III. For more information, call the West Las Vegas Arts Center at 702.229.4800.
Griot Nation’s “Suite” 16th Anniversary Celebration (adults)
Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702.229.4800.
Griot Nation’s “Suite” 16th Anniversary is a celebration of the creative collaboration of five kindred spirits who connected to forge a powerful, passionate, eclectic poetic juggernaut known as “The Mighty Griot Nation.” The group was founded in February 2008 by original members Keith Brantley, Lablaque Williams, Etch Jackson and Baba Shafeeq (RIP), and later embraced Las Vegas native poet Adrian Pzo Parker. Join them as they celebrate brotherhood, unity and the power of the spoken word. Event recommended for adult audience only.
Mid-Day Inspirational Showcase & Luncheon
Thursday, Feb. 22, at 11 a.m.
Showcase is free and open to the public at the West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Luncheon at the Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., is priced at $10 and requires advance purchase at the center or online here.
This annual showcase features singing, dancing, poetry and guest speakers followed by a soul food luncheon. The luncheon will take place immediately following the showcase. Call 702.229.6125 for more information.
Eighth Annual Generation-2-Generation Old-School Ball Game
Saturday, Feb. 24, noon.
Free and open to the public.
Kianga Isoke Palacio Park at Doolittle Complex, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Celebrate Black History Month at this fun community event. Come out and cheer on the youth of East Palo Alto Pitching as they take on the adults in a fun-filled softball game. Free refreshments will be served while supplies last. For more information, please call 702.229.6125.