The Oregonian/OregonLive

by Samantha Bakall | The Oregonian/OregonLive

This February, World Stage Theatre will present the inaugural Black History Festival NW: A Celebration of Culture and Heritage, a monthlong celebration of African American history through arts, educational and advocacy events.



Born out of the theater company's 12th annual performance of "Who I Am Celebrating Me," a production that honors the African American experience, the Black History Festival NW will expand on the production's message to showcase and educate about African American figures and achievements in events across the city.



The ambitious festival, created with help from a community placemaking grant from Oregon Metro, was a way for festival director Shalanda Sims to "uplift the community through sharing and educating audiences" about a curriculum that is often overlooked.



"Black history is a part of American history, but it's not something that's taught in the schools," Sims said. "It's not something that's taught unbiasedly in the curriculum, and it's so easy for people to believe whatever they hear or see as opposed to getting the correct information. When you look at Africa you don't see all the beautiful resources. You don't know that there were empires and kings and queens, so we don't equate Africa or African Americans with that part of growth and intelligence. I think it's important for people to know the truth."



Events, including a skate night, private Black Panther screenings and a gospel service, will take place across the Portland area from Gresham to Beaverton to help cater to the city's widespread African American communities, Sims said.



"There is no 'black neighborhood,' " Sims said. "We've all been scattered to different locations...so what we wanted to do was acknowledge and honor the old places that we grew up in that we held sacred and also embrace the new areas we're in."



Here's a quick glance of the month's biggest events. Registration is required for all events, with some requiring additional advanced tickets. For a full calendar, visit blackhistoryfestival.org.

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Have you seen the artwork for our festival flyer created by Eldon Jones III? pic.twitter.com/7pFDO3AOPn — Black History Festival NW (@bhfpdx) January 16, 2018

All month: Black History Scavenger Hunt

Feb. 1-28, join the city-wide Black History Scavenger Hunt. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the month, with the winner snagging a $500 prize.

See blackhistoryfestival.org for more details

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Feb. 1: Youth-curated exhibits

The youth-curated museum exhibits kick off the month of activities. The Black Student Unions from Benson, Jefferson, Reynolds and Cleveland high schools have partnered with their neighborhood Multnomah County Libraries to develop four displays of different historical eras. The displays will be viewable throughout the month.

Feb. 1-28; North Portland, Albina, Sellwood and Troutdale libraries

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Feb. 2: 4 Tha Culture Skate Night with NW Skaters United at Gresham Skate World

Follow NW Skaters United’s lead and head to Gresham Skate World for an evening of roller skating, music, food and community.

10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Feb 2; Gresham Skate World, 1220 N.E. Kelly, Gresham; $10, includes skate rental and food, 18+

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Who I Am: Celebrating Me Promo from Sharon Thomas on Vimeo.

Feb. 11 and 12: "Who I Am Celebrating Me" at the World Trade Center

Head to the World Trade Center Auditorium for the 12th annual production of “Who I Am Celebrating Me,” created by festival director Sims. The two-night performance chronicles the African American experience from Africa to present day through poetry, music and dancing.

7:30 p.m. Feb. 11-12; World Trade Center Auditorium, 121 S.W. Salmon St., $12, brownpapertickets.com/event/3230802

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Marvel Studios' BLACK PANTHER..T'Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman)..Ph: Film Frame..(c)Marvel Studios 2018

Feb. 16: Black Panther movie night

To celebrate the release of "Black Panther," Marvel's first film featuring a predominantly African American cast, the festival has rented out multiple theaters for private screenings of the film. Though at least one of the theaters is already sold out, visit blackhistoryfestival.org for any free, last-minute tickets.

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Feb. 17: Black History Game Show at Jefferson High School

Test your knowledge of black history alongside local youth, fraternities and sororities at Jefferson High School’s game show night. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize for their Black Student Union Group.

7 p.m. Feb. 17; Jefferson High School, 5210 N. Kerby Ave.

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Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP, File

Feb. 24: Unity Gala & Marketplace featuring Jemele Hill

The Black History Festival NW will close out on Feb. 24 with a Unity Gala & Marketplace headlined by keynote speaker Jemele Hill, journalist and former co-host of ESPN’s Sports Center 6. The gala will also display work and products from local African American artists and vendors.

4 p.m. Feb. 24; Self Enhancement Inc., 3920 N. Kerby, $25, brownpapertickets.com/event/3230822