Mosaic Templars Headquarters, 1924.

Black History Month--a time of celebration and reflection on the role of African-Americans in American history--was originally a weeklong remembrance that began in 1926. The national celebration was created with the guidance of historian and educator Carter G. Woodson. He chose the month of February to mark the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass, two champions of the anti-slavery movement.

Families and students groups can learn more by attending one of these events and exhibits in February. And don't forget to visit the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (pictured above in 1924), the state's museum for African-American history!

"1865: The Rebuilding of America," Presented by Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School Student Program at Clinton Presidential Center: This original production, created and performed by the Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School's choral, orchestral, and theatre departments, will tell the story of the rebuilding of the United States and its people after the Civil War. Reservations required. Student Programs: 9:30-10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 26–27; school groups should RSVP to (501) 374-4242. Public Program: 7 p.m. Feb. 25; general public should RSVP to (501)748-0425. FREE!

2015 Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Distinguished Laureate Lecture Series at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Inductee of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and renowned psychologist, educator, author and community activist, Dr. Robert L. Williams, will discuss the state of race relations in America. Topics will include: police violence and black men in America, black-on-black violence, and other social issues confronting the African-American community. Dr. Williams is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology and African and Afro-American Studies at Washington University in St. Louis and a prominent figure in the history of African American psychology. As stalwart critic of racial and cultural biases in IQ testing, Williams is known for developing the Black Intelligence Test of Cultural Homogeneity and coining the term "Ebonics" in 1973. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Feb. 27. For info: (501) 683-3593, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

African American Heritage Month Events at MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History: The Arkansas National Guard sponsors "A Century of Black Life History and Culture," an event featuring a guest speaker, entertainment and refreshments at 11:30 a.m. Later that evening, a historic film screens at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25. For info: (501) 376-4602, ArkMilitaryHeritage.com. FREE!

Black History Quiz Bowl at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Impressive teams of students (grades 6-12) from across Arkansas test their knowledge of African American history, achievements and contributions in this annual statewide competition. For more information, contact Elvon Reed at MTCC. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 21. For info: (501) 683-3592, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

Celebrate Black History Storytime at Barnes & Noble Locations in NLR & WLR: In celebration of Black History Month, come by for storytime and activities featuring two notable figures in history. Featured books are: "I am Rosa Parks" and "I am Jackie Robinson." 11 a.m. Feb. 28. For info: (501) 771-1124 & (501) 954-7646, BN.com. FREE!

The Clinton Foundation and Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Program at Clinton Presidential Center: In partnership with the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and the City of Little Rock, the Clinton Foundation will host a student program that will engage and inspire. This year's featured speaker is Dr. Robert L. Williams II, a Professor Emeritus of Psychology and African and Afro-American Studies at the Washington University in St. Louis and a prominent figure in the history of African-American Psychology. He is known as the stalwart critic of racial and cultural biases in IQ testing, for coining the word "Ebonics" in 1973. He has published more than 60 professional articles and several books. He was a founding member of the Association of Black Psychologists. Dr. Williams was a 2011 inductee into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. Reservations required. Student Program: 9:30-10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.–noon Feb. 26; school groups should RSVP to (501) 374-4242. Public Program: 6 p.m. Feb. 27; general public should RSVP to (501) 748-0425. FREE!

For the Love of the Game: Negro Leagues Baseball Program at CALS Children's Library & Learning Center: The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center leads this program about Negro Leagues Baseball. Geared towards children in grades K-3, the program asks the question: "What is it you love to do?" and has students design a pennant flag with drawings of things they love to do. The program features Rube Foster, the founder of Negro Leagues baseball and explains why players played even in segregated times. 4 p.m. Feb. 20. For info: (501) 978-3872, CALS.org. FREE!

For the Love of the Game: Negro Leagues Baseball Program at CALS Sidney S. McMath Library: The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center leads this program about Negro Leagues Baseball. Geared towards children in grades K-3, the program asks the question: "What is it you love to do?" and has students design a pennant flag with drawings of things they love to do. The program features Rube Foster, the founder of Negro Leagues baseball and explains why players played even in segregated times. 4 p.m. Feb. 24. For info: (501) 225-0066, CALS.org. FREE!

Living History Tribute: Dr. Maya Angelou at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Featuring Dr. Gwen Twillie and special guests from Parekview High School's Theater Department, this performance honors the author, poet and activist Dr. Maya Angelou. Reservations recommended. 10 a.m. Feb. 6. For info: (501) 683-3592, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

The Roots of African American Education in Arkansas at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: The Black History Commission of Arkansas and The Arkansas History Commission will be hosting a symposium on the theme, “The Roots of African American Education in Arkansas.” Featured speakers include Peggy Lloyd, Dr. Joe Hale, Amanda L. Paige and Gwendolyn Twillie. Topics will include Ila Upchurch, the history of the Colored Industrial Institute, the Jeane Teacher Program and a living history presentation about the life of Charlotte Stephens. Teachers can earn up to four professional development hours through attendance. Lunch will be provided. Registration required by Feb. 2. For more information about the symposium or to register, email  tatyana.oyinloye@arkansas.gov or call (501) 682-6892. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7. For info:  MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Piece at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: A celebration of creativity and self-expression is hosted by local poetry troupe the Foreign Tongues. This free event features youth poets from central Arkansas and a performance by Foreign Tongues. Featured poet, Jon Goode, has made appearances on HBO's "Def Poetry Jam," "Verses and Flow" and was featured on CNN's "Black in America." As a national award winning performance poet, Jon has shared the stage with Jamie Foxx, Mos Def, Kanye West, Tommy Davidson, Will Downing, Kindred, Ledisi, Roy Ayers, Common, Amiri Baraka, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Kim Fields, The Last Poets and many others. Tickets available starting January 20. Limit 2 per person. Email tameka@arkansasheritage.org or call (501) 683-3593. 7 p.m. Feb. 7. For info: MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

Voices Without Borders at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Get ready for a musical extravaganza as Dr. Irma Routen presents her Little Rock-area children’s choir, Voices Without Borders, live in concert! This performance is always a crowd pleaser. For group reservations, please contact Elvon Reed at (501) 683-3592. 10 a.m. Feb. 24-25. For info: MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

Special Exhibits!

Exhibit: Arkansas African-American Legislators, 1868-1893 at North Little Rock History Commission: Arkansas African-American Legislators, 1868-1893, a traveling exhibit produced by the Arkansas History Commission and Black History Commission of Arkansas, will be displayed at the North Little Rock History Commission (506 Main St., North Little Rock). The exhibit tells the story of the 85 African-Americans who served in the Arkansas General Assembly in the 19th century. After the Civil War, Arkansas adopted a new constitution in 1868 and its provisions included the right to vote and hold public office for black males. African-American lawyers, merchants, ministers, educators, farmers, and other professionals served in the Arkansas General Assembly. In addition, the North Little Rock History Commission will also have exhibits of the city's black history. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 27; hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. For info: (501) 371-0755, nlrhistory@comcast.net. FREE!

Exhibit: Freedom! Oh, Freedom! at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: "Freedom! Oh, Freedom!" Arkansas's People of African Descent and the Civil War 1861-1866 is a story of transformation, as it will allow visitors the opportunity to explore the African American perspective of the Civil War from the lens of slavery, the contributions of African American soldiers, and what happened through and after the Reconstruction Era. Exhibit on view through Dec. 31. For info: (501) 683-3593, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

For more central Arkansas events, browse our full online calendar here.