City of Rochester Black History celebrations kick off Thursday!

The City of Rochester’s slate of Black History Month celebrations kicked off with An Evening of Art and Jazz, 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1 in the City Hall atrium, 30 Church St. Presented by the City’s Black Heritage Committee, An Evening of Art and Jazz features an art exhibit opening in the City Hall Link Gallery and a live jazz performance.

The focus of all these events is Celebrating African Americans in the Arts.

“Every February we as a nation take time to acknowledge the power and depth of the achievements of Black Americans,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans, “Whether it’s music, art, or dance, the contributions of Black artists are many. I’m encouraging all of Rochester to celebrate their work all month long.”

The City's Black Heritage Committee has planned a slate of other events:

• City Hall Concerts 12:00–1:00 p.m., Wednesdays, Feb. 7 and 21 at the City Hall atrium, 30 Church St. Free and open to the public.

• Keynote Address 5:30–7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 22, at the City Hall atrium, 30 Church St. Free and open to the public.

• Heritage Gospel Concert featuring Akoma and Voices of Thunder, 6–8 p.m., Wednesday, March 2 at the Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 351 Joseph Avenue. Free and open to the public.

• Women’s Recognition, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 at the City Hall Atrium, 30 Church St. Free and open to the public.

• Youth Gala, 6–8 p.m., Thursday, March 14 at the Loretta C. Scott Center for Human Services, 57 St. Paul Street Free and open to the public.

• Black Heritage Gala, 6 p.m., Saturday, April 13 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St. $75; purchase tickets here.