For Black History Month this February, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC) is offering a full lineup of programming, activities for kids and even some delicious sweets along the way.

Starting with dessert, the MTCC is once again partnering with Loblolly Creamery to bring back Maple Leaf Rag Time, an ice cream flavor featuring maple caramel swirls and Arkansas candied pecans that pays homage to famous Black composer and Texarkana native Scott Joplin. Maple Leaf Rag Time is available all month, and every scoop benefits the MTCC. 

Equally sweet is Community Bakery's series of Black History Month sugar cookies featuring historical and cultural icons via local artist LJ. Each week has a different theme, and week one highlighted musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Tina Turner and Beyonce. A portion of these proceeds benefit the MTCC as well.

For a daily dose of history, the MTCC is bringing back its quick-hit educational series on social media "profiling an important person, idea or place in Arkansas Black history" every day of the month.

The MTCC has plenty more activities in store throughout the month including:

  • Feb. 4 - ASA/Black History Commission: African American Entrepreneurs
  • Feb. 16 - "The Arc of Justice: The Life and Legacy of S.A. Jones" exhibit opening
  • Feb. 24 - Chat & Chew: History on Your Plate with Rex Deloney and Brian Rodgers
  • Feb. 26 - An Afternoon with Scipio Jones
  • Feb. 28 - Black Hall of Fame Distinguished Laureate Lecture Series
  • weekly storytime for kids on Saturdays
  • month-long discounts in the Arkansas Made, Black Crafted MTCC store

The MTCC, which offers year-round exhibits and resources dedicated to Arkansas' Black history and culture, is located at the corner of Broadway and Ninth streets in downtown Little Rock, and is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday - Friday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday. 

To learn more, visit the MTCC website and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest.