Mohave Today

CHANDLER, Ariz. – This February, the City of Chandler, Chandler Men of Action and South Chandler Self-Help Foundation are proud to present a variety of events to celebrate the contributions and history of the Black community during Black History Month.

These events include:

• Unity Walk, Saturday, Jan. 27: This annual regional Unity Walk brings together residents from Chandler, Gilbert, Guadalupe, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. A one-mile walk starts at 6 p.m. beginning and ending at Tempe Beach Park. Prior to the walk, there will be a festival at 4:30 p.m. with music, food and fun.
• Kings and Queens Unbreakable, Friday, Feb. 9: Presented by South Chandler Self-Help Foundation, this event features an annual showcase of comedians, steppers, music, spoken word and more. The VIP reception starts at 5:30 p.m. and the main event starts at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $12 and VIP tickets are $30. Tickets may be purchased online at South Chandler Self Help.
• 12th annual African-American Banquet: Friday, Feb. 23: Presented by the Chandler Men of Action, this event honors distinguished men for their contributions within the City of Chandler. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, 2626 E. Pecos Road, Agave Room. To purchase tickets, visit Chandler Men of Action.
• NORTH: The Musical: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Held at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 S. Arizona Ave., NORTH is an uplifting story set against the background of the Underground Railroad, with a powerful original score filled with jazz and Black roots music. To purchase tickets, visit Chandler Center for the Arts.

In addition, the Chandler Public Library (CPL) has several free educational events lined up at several locations:

• Stories @ the Market, 9:30–10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

  Downtown Chandler Farmers Market, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave.

• Celebrate Black History Month, 2:15–3:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5

  Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive

  Teens are invited to collaborate on an art project in the Grizzly Cave to honor Black History Month. Supplies are provided but limited.

• Family Fun Night: Black History Month, 5–6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12

  Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive

  Celebrate Black History Month with a fun and educational storytime. Join CPL at Family Fun Night for stories, songs, interactive play and a craft!

• Teen Scene's Movie Thursday: “Hairspray,” 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16

  Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road

  Join us for popcorn as we watch “Hairspray.” Set in racially-segregated 1960s Baltimore, “Hairspray” remains relevant to today’s audiences as it reflects many current events and issues in U.S. society.

• Teen Movie Matinee: “Hidden Figures,” 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20

  Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive

  Join us for popcorn in Grizzly Cave as we watch “Hidden Figures”. This movie tells the story of a group of Black female mathematicians who played a key role in one of the greatest operations in U.S. history.

• Self Portraits inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat, 6–7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26

  Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St.

  In honor of Black History Month, we’ll highlight the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat and create our own self-portraits. Basquiat created works using bright colors, shapes, words and reflection. Be inspired by his bold style to create a self-portrait of yourself. All materials will be provided.

Residents also are encouraged to learn more about Chandler's historic Black families and other community events, including several at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, that celebrate Black History Month by visiting Black History Month.

Original source can be found here.