A number of organizations and businesses around the city are hosting a robust lineup of events celebrating National Black History Month, and the Clinton Presidential Center is one of them.
“I’m thrilled that the Clinton Center is able to offer a wide variety of exciting programming to commemorate Black History Month,” Clinton Foundation executive director Stephanie Streett said. “I hope that guests of all ages will join us as we celebrate.”
From art exhibits to music to meaningful conversation, the next few weeks at the Clinton Center are busy ones. Here’s what to expect.
A Night of Trap Jazz and Slam Poetry
Feb. 16, 6 p.m.
The Clinton Center will host a performance by Philli Moo and the Trap Jazz Giants. Trap Jazz is a new genre of music birthed out of the original art forms of contemporary and Jazz standards with a baseline and core of traditional Hip-Hop, created by Phillip “Philli Moo” Mouton and Quincy Watson. Philli Moo, who plays the saxophone is also a singer, producer, and drummer. Little Rock native Crystal Mercer, who is featured on several of Philli Moo’s tracks, will perform with the artist. The program begins with the Writeous Poets, teens from Little Rock who will perform slam poetry. This event is free and open to the public.
RSVP here or call (501) 748-0425.
“Cultural Heroes” Exhibit Debut
Feb. 23
The exhibit features a collection of seven larger-than-life sculptures created by Nashville artist Alan LeQuire. Each sculpture represents a musician who shaped the soundtrack of the Civil Rights movement: Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Lead Belly, Paul Robeson, Woody Guthrie, Marian Anderson and Josh White. This exhibit is free and open to all visitors and closes on May 3.
Black History Month Program featuring Parkview High School
Feb. 24, 3 p.m.
In partnership with Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, the Clinton Center will present a “River of Change,” a historically-rooted performance written by Parkview’s Cooper Sikes. Inspired by the “Mighty Mississippi,” the performance will also feature students from the school’s drama, choir, and orchestra departments. This event is free and open to the public.
RSVP here or call (501) 748-0425.
Read more: Clinton Center to Launch Exhibit Exploring the Mighty Mississippi
Making History: African-American Mayors in Arkansas
Feb. 25, noon
The Clinton Center will host a conversation with four African-American mayors from across Arkansas. The panel, moderated by former Little Rock Mayor Lottie Shackelford, will feature the newly elected Mayor Veronica Smith-Creer of El Dorado, Mayor George McGill of Fort Smith, Mayor Frank Scott of Little Rock, and Mayor Shirley Washington of Pine Bluff, who was first elected in 2016. This program is free and open to the public.
RSVP here or call (501) 748-0425.
For more information on Clinton Center programming, visit the center’s website or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.