All month long, Long Island Black History Month events will look at the past and present pioneers and struggles African Americans have faced locally and nationwide. Mark your calendars for events sure to spark dialogue through speeches and the arts.

Bellport

Civil Rights on Long Island
Where: South Country Library, 22 Station Road
When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7pm
What: Learn about civil rights challenges and triumphs African Americans have faced in their struggle for equality on Long Island. Go 

Brightwaters

February Art Display
Where: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library, 1 South Country Road
When: Daily, Feb. 1-28
What: This display will feature books, photos and artwork from Bay Shore resident and Library Board Trustee Frances Bell. Go 

Concert: The Carnival Trio Band
Where: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library, 1 South Country Road
When: Sunday, Feb. 19, 3-4pm
What: The Carnival Trio Band will perform songs from Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley, along with calypso music. Go

Dix Hills

Black History Month Celebration
Where: Half Hollow Hills Community Library, 55 Vanderbilt Pkwy.
When: Sunday, Feb. 12, 2pm
What: This celebration of African American heritage will include information about the contributions and impact on society of past pioneers and present leaders. Expect song, dance, poetry and music. Go 

Hempstead

Storyteller
Where: Hempstead Library, 115 Nichols Ct.
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2pm
What: A rendition of an African American folktale by storyteller Julie Pasqual. Go 

Patchogue

Black History Month Cypher
Where: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 East Main St.
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 3:30-4:30pm
What: A celebration of the past, present and future of Black Americans through the music and spoken word of hip-hop group Midnight Grahmmer. Go 

Speaker: Ken E. Nwadike, Jr.
Where: St. Joseph’s College, Feb. 9, 1-2pm
When: Thursday, Feb. 9, 1-2pm
What: Peace activist, video journalist and founder of the Free Hugs Project Ken E. Nwadike, Jr. will be the speaker at the Office of Multicultural Student Life’s Black History Month celebration. Go  

Roosevelt

Concert: When Jazz Meets Soul
Where: Roosevelt Library, 27 West Fulton Ave.
When: Saturday, Feb. 25, 2pm
What: Aaron Bernard Brim and Soul Experience will play a concert in the Roosevelt Library auditorium. Go

Various Locations

Black History Month Exhibits
Where/When: Jones Beach State Park, Field Fall Central Mall (Daily, 8:30am-4:30pm); Nissequogue River State Park, Administration Building (Daily, 8am-4pm); Planting Field Arboretum State Historic Park, Visitor Center (Sunday-Thursday, 11am-4pm)
What: Long Island State Parks will celebrate Black History Month by displaying notable art work, posters and accomplishments of some of America’s most notable African Americans. Go