As we reflect on the contributions of Black people to our local, national, and global communities, we are inspired by Martin Luther King Jr’s words: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” We continue to reflect on our values and our commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion as an organization. Included in that is our commitment to share resources.
Recognizing the importance of grounding in the histories and experiences of those that we serve as a community of nonprofit professionals and organizations, we have compiled a list of local events and resources that celebrate and acknowledge the experiences and civic and social contributions of Black community members in Nevada. You can celebrate and learn more about Black History in Las Vegas and Nevada by:
- Reserving your ticket for The Mob Museum’s Celebrating Black Life in Las Vegas: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future panel which will take place on February 17th at 7:00 pm.
- Registering for the Looking to the Future: Standing on the Shoulders of Black Nevada Pioneers with Zelalem Bogale webinar, presented by the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement on February 18th at 3:30 pm.
- Experiencing The Springs Preserve’s 12th Annual Black History Month Celebration, a family friendly virtual event with music and dance performances, fun and educational activities, and speakers and demonstrations.
- Participating in Conversations on Racism for a More Resilient Las Vegas during UNLV’s “We Need to Talk” series on February 18th at 5:30 pm and/or on demand.
- Exploring Black history through signs on the Neon Museum’s Facebook page all month long.
- Viewing Las Vegas City Hall’s African-American Heritage Exhibition now through April 14th.
- Journeying through art, fashion, storytelling, performance, and more at Fashion Show Mall’s Black History Matters Exhibition throughout February.
- Engaging with a series of Black History Month programs at Discover Children’s Museum.
- Learning about impactful Black historical figures during Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s Black History Month Series.
- Discovering the history of Black History month in Nevada Partner’s recent article The Man Behind Black History Month.
- Reading Storming Caesar’s Palace to find out how Black mothers on welfare founded the Las Vegas Welfare Rights organization “Operation Life,” creating the first library, medical center, daycare center, job training, and senior citizen housing serving community members experiencing poverty in Las Vegas.
- Browsing UNLV’s historical collection Documenting the African American Experience in Las Vegas.
- Listening to Nevada Public Radio’s segment on The Neon History of Southern Nevada’s Black Community.
- Taking in the words and sounds of the Voices Of Women Series: The Women of the Black Panthers to be hosted by Vegas City Opera on February 28th at 3:00 pm via Facebook Live.
- Getting acquainted with The Little-Known Black History of West Las Vegas and “The Black Strip” in this article by Thrillist.
We hope that you feel inspired by these resources!
Thinking of a resource you’d like us to include in this list to share with the community? Please let us know by sending an email with your suggested resource(s) to: info@ynpnsouthernnevada.org.