The city has planned a number of events to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and Black History Month. Black History Month, recognized each February, was first celebrated in 1926 when Harvard University scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson pressed for African-American history to be studied along with mainstream historical events.

Events begin with the 25th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade on Saturday, Jan. 13, and continue throughout the month of February. Below is just a small sample of the planned events. For a complete list of upcoming Black History Month events, view the calendar

25th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. in downtown Las Vegas.
“Freedom Rings. . . So We Sing”
Sunday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m.
The event will take place at the West Las Vegas Library , located at 951 West Lake Mead Blvd. This musical dramatization portrays a present-day family struggling with issues for which they find answers in “back-in-the-day” reflections and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Admission is free. Seating will begin at 3:30 p.m. Call Gibson Community School at (702) 229-5096 or the library theatre at (702) 507-3989 for more information.

Candlelight Vigil and Peace Prayer
Monday, Jan. 15, 5:30 p.m.
The free event will take place at the statue of Dr. King in the parking lot of the Clark County Community Resource Center, located at 2424 Martin Luther King Blvd., at the intersection of Carey Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard. For more information, please call (702) 229-5080.

Panel Discussion On African-American Issues
Saturday, Jan 20, 10 a.m.
The event will take place at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, located at 947 West Lake Mead Boulevard. Hosted by Emil S. Williams and Calvinia Williams, the panel consists of youth and adult representatives from the community. Admission is free. For  more information, please call (702) 229-4800.

Black History Luncheon (ages 50+)
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
A representative from the House of Blues will discuss artwork and history of  the African-American culture at the Derfelt Senior Center, located at 3343 W. Washington Ave. Seating is limited. Admission is $5. Call (702) 229-6601 for reservations.

Free Midday Inspirational Showcase and Luncheon
Tuesday, Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m.
This annual showcase features singers, dancers, poets and speakers followed by lunch. Lunch reservations are required by February 14; call Nicole Koerwitz at (702) 229-6125 for reservations. Attendance at showcase is required to receive an admission ticket to the luncheon.
Showcase: West Las Vegas Library Theatre , 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., (702) 507-3989
Lunch: Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 North J St., (702) 229-612