Staff Reports
The city of Gainesville is hosting several Black History Month events during February.
Black History Month is a month-long celebration of the achievements and cultural recognition of African Americans in the United States.
Here’s a roundup of the city of Gainesville’s planned events.
Turning Pine into Turpentine and other Miraculous Histories of Black Farmers with Porshè Chiles
Noon-1 p.m. Sunday, February 4 at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center, 1500 NW 45th Ave.
The monthly program features experts in science, nature, history and art. Porshè Chiles is an Equity Specialist with the city of Gainesville.
Mobilizing Communities with Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons
6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, February at A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center, 1013 NW 7th Ave.
Dr. Simmons, University of Florida professor emerita, will share her experience as a young student in 1968 working to advance the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and as a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
Black Space Art Exhibition
7 p.m. Friday, February 16 at The Historic Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Ave.
In partnership with Moisturizer Gallery, the exhibit features printmaking, painting, oils and ceramics by Black artists. Curated by Lexus Giles.
The Florida Invitational Step Show, “FISSNIK: The Stroll”
11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, February 17 at Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St.
In partnership with the UF Black Student Union and The Florida Invitational Step Show Committee, “FISSNIK: The Stroll” will feature local and regional sororities and fraternities in a step show/stroll competition. Student organizations from the University of Florida, Bethune Cookman University, Florida International University and more will perform.
FISSNIK: The Stroll will begin with a march by the Richard E. Parker Alumni Band of Eastside High School, dance and step performances with Smooth Flava, Chi Rho Phi Youth Sorority and the Infamous Diamonds youth dancers, dance party with DJ Jazzy Jeff, and student and alumni chapters sharing the HBCU/Divine 9 pride. Student organizations, local vendors and food trucks will be on-site.
Evergreen Cemetery Self-guided Tour
All February at Evergreen Cemetery, 401 SE 21st Ave.
Evergreen Cemetery will honor the lives, achievements and contributions of the Black residents buried there by sharing their stories on its Facebook page.
On-site honorary signage will indicate these gravesites for neighbors wishing to take a self-guided tour of the City’s only municipal cemetery, established in 1856. In addition, the city will expand the recognition with additional signage at neighboring Pine Grove Cemetery, in partnership with the private cemetery.