February brings opportunities to dress up for a gala, brush up on labor history, and celebrate the many aspects of local and national Black culture.
A ROARING GOOD TIME: Come dressed in your best Jazz Age attire to Black Wall Street Reno’s second annual fundraiser gala. The 1920s-themed event offers dancing, hors d’oeuvres, activities, raffle prizes and more. Money raised will benefit the nonprofit organization’s programs and services to help at-risk teens, young adults and underserved groups in the Reno/Sparks area. The party begins at 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, at The Virgil, at 301 Vassar St. Tickets are $40 per individual or $70 per couple. Visit blackwallstreetreno.org.
AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THE QUEST FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE: Greta de Jong, a professor of history at the University of Nevada, Reno, will explore the pivotal role African Americans have played in labor movements and their ongoing struggle for economic and political rights from the end of Reconstruction to the present day. Her research sheds light on the intersections of race and class, offering an understanding of how African Americans have fought for justice and equality in the workforce. The discussion begins at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the meeting room at the Northwest Reno Library, at 2325 Robb Drive. Call 775-787-4100, or visit events.washoecountylibrary.us/event/12969815.
ARTOWN ENCORE SERIES—STEP AFRIKA! The 30-year-old dance company introduces audiences to stepping through both traditional and contemporary lenses. Step Afrika! incorporates percussive dance styles practiced by historically African-American fraternities and sororities, traditional African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 2, at the Eldorado Showroom, inside the Eldorado Reno Hotel and Casino, at 345 N. Virginia St. Tickets are $38-$51. Visit artown.org/Step-Afrika.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: Girl Scouts of all levels are invited to explore Black culture and history through music, food and quilting at this event hosted by the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. Register online by Monday, Feb. 24. The event starts at 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, at the GSSN office, 605 Washington St. Cost is $10 per Girl Scout. Visit www.gssn.org.
CITY OF RENO BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: The city will partner with the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society (NNBCAS), Our Story, Inc. and Tabnie Dozier Enterprises to offer a series of events, educational materials and more during Black History Month. Through February, the public can learn about and celebrate the contributions of the Black community in Reno and beyond, in areas including education, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics and human rights. There will be a public presentation at 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, at Reno City Plaza, 30 N. Virginia St. Visit www.instagram.com/cityofreno or www.instagram.com/nnbcas.
NEVADA BLACK CAUCUS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE: The Nevada Black Legislative Caucus hosts its annual Black History Month event, which includes breakfast, meetings, activities and a luncheon from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18 in Room 3100 at the Nevada State Legislature, 401 N. Carson St. The event is free, but you are encouraged to reserve a spot via Eventbrite. You can also visit nvblc.org for more information.