This photo from June 24, 1944 shows Capt. Charles B. Hall (right) and Lemuel R. Custis of the 99th Fighter Squadron; the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will screen a film this month telling the story of the 950 African American men who became fighter pilots at the Tuskegee Army Airfield during World War II.

This February, you and your family can take part in a local event to learn more about important African Americans in history and their role in shaping our country. From art exhibits and concerts to panel discussions and lectures, the following events celebrate, challenge and educate!

Please note that some events, such as panel discussions, are intended for adults; call organizers to inquire about the program's appropriateness for young audience members.

"A Cast of Blues" Exhibit at The Laman Library: A celebration of Mississippi’s rich musical heritage, The exhibition features 15 resin-cast masks of blues legends created by artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, as well as 15 photographs of performers and of juke joints by acclaimed photographer Ken Murphy. The exhibition’s compilation of casts and photos create a compelling portrait of the men and women who defined—and continue to shape—the tradition of Mississippi blues. The fully-accessible exhibit features braille labels and educational materials, as well as a music playlist for gallery use. In addition, visitors are encouraged to touch the resin-cast masks. The exhibition is also accompanied by the 2008 documentary film, "M for Mississippi: A Roadtrip through the Birthplace of the Blues." Through March 11: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. & Sat. For info: LamanLibrary.org. FREE!

"Black & Brown Lives: Justice Over Social Divides" Panel Discussion at Clinton School of Public Service Sturgis Hall: This panel discussion will focus on case studies that show how Black Lives Matter has come to function as a banner that has unified many other social movements. The speakers will draw from their own professional experiences as “teaching artists” and organizers to discuss movements, including work recently published by professor Dave Stovall about the speakers’ involvement in the development of the Little Village Lawndale High School Campus, an award-winning school whose construction is a story of creative, youth-led community building. The panel includes Esmeralda Baltazar, a visual artist and educator at the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, TN, and Aquil Charlton, a hip-hop musician and visual artist who currently is an artist in residence at Chicago’s Urban Gateways and ALT-City ensembles. 6 p.m. Feb. 25. For reservations: (501) 683-5239, PublicPrograms@ClintonSchool.uasys.edu. FREE!

Black History Quiz Bowl at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Impressive teams of 6-12th graders from across the state test their knowledge of African American history. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 20. For info: (501) 683-3592, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

Distinguished Laureate Lecture Series at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: MTCC, in partnership with the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, welcomes Timothy C. Evans, chief judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County in Illinois. A lecture will be held 6 p.m. Feb. 25; a Master Class for students will be offered 9:30 a.m. Feb. 26. For info: MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

"Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement" at Clinton School of Public Service Sturgis Hall: Devery Anderson is the author of "Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement." He was determined early on to seek out the facts of the brutal, racially motivated murder of Emmett Till and bring them to light. Emmett Till offers a comprehensive account of the 1955 murder of Emmett Till and its aftermath, while also telling the story of the 14-year-old African American boy from Chicago. Till’s death and the acquittal of his killers by an all-white jury set off a firestorm of protests that reverberated all over the world and helped spur the civil rights movement in the United States. 6 p.m. Feb. 12. For reservations: (501) 683-5239, PublicPrograms@ClintonSchool.uasys.edu. FREE!

Gloryland in Concert at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Gloryland Pastor’s Choir is headed to America’s Got Talent! Don’t miss your chance to see this dynamic children’s choir before they hit the big time. 6 p.m. Feb. 20. For info: (501) 551-0603, CHayes2244@yahoo.com, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!.

"I Walked on Water to My Homeland" at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Featuring works by Delita Martin, this new exhibit is a series of mixed media artwork that explores the power of the narrative impulse. These works capture oral traditions that are firmly based in factual events and bring them to life using layers of various printmaking, drawing, sewing, collage and printing techniques. The opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 12 will feature an artist talk, refreshments, and live entertainment by Acoustix with Rod P. featuring Bijoux. The exhibit can be viewed throughout the month. For info and museum hours: MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

MTCC Loves Spoken Word: Foreign Tongues Poetry Troupe at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Foreign Tongues is an artistic organization that travels, conducts workshops, and performs poetry in Arkansas and throughout the United States. The group is composed of authors, educators, entertainers, actors, visual artist, playwrights, award-winning slam poets, hip-hop artist, and entrepreneurs. 6 p.m. Feb. 27. For info: (501) 683-3620, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

Screening of "Freedom Flyers of the Tuskegee Airmen" at MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History: This documentary shares the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and their struggle to be accepted as World War II United States Army Air Corps pilots, and their fight to represent and defend a country that denied them many of their basic rights and civil liberties. By the end of WWII, the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals and Clusters, numerous Legions of Merit, and a Presidential Unit Citation. Free popcorn and beverages provided. 6:30 p.m. Feb 17. For info: (501) 376-4602, www.ArkMilitaryHeritage.com. FREE!

Teen Center: Celebrate Black History Month at Laman Library in North Little Rock: Teens (12-18 years) dive into Black History Month with trivia, games and activities. 4:30 p.m. Feb. 16. For info: (501) 758-1720, www.LamanLibrary.org. FREE!

"The Wondrous Possibilities of Falling and Flying" at Thea Foundation: This exhibit features the works of Angela Davis Johnson, an award-winning artist best known for her vibrant narrative paintings that examine universal connections, identity and historical occurrences through personal symbols. Families can view the exhibition all month, or parents can attend the opening reception 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 5 ($10). The event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres by Ben E. Keith, an open beer and wine bar, live music by The Funkanites and the chance to win an original work of art. Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m.-noon Mon.-Fri. For info: (501) 379-9512, TheaFoundation.org.

Voices of the Abolitionist Movement at Clinton Presidential Center: Celebrate Black History Month at the Clinton Center with an original play written and performed by the students of Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School. This year’s performance will celebrate voices of the Abolitionist Movement from Frederick Douglass to Sojourner Truth. Seating is limited and reservations are required. 3 p.m. Feb. 28. For info: ClintonFoundation.org. FREE!

Voices without Borders at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Get ready for a musical extravaganza as Dr. I.J. Routen presents her Little Rock area children’s choir, Voices Without Borders, live in concert! This performance is always a crowd pleaser. Two Shows: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Feb. 25. For group reservations, (501) 683-3592, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!

For more events, browse our full online calendar here.