Artists, entrepreneurs and military will be among a host of history makers honored during Black History Month.
The following is a list of upcoming events in the Chattanooga area to celebrate the month.
Tuesday, Feb. 13: The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, in partnership with the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, invites the public to participate in a free, 45-minute program at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center at 200 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Program begins at 5:45 p.m. The program focuses on the important role that African-American soldiers, formed and trained in Chattanooga, had in the decisive Battle of Nashville in December 1864.
Thursday, Feb. 15: The Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement presents a celebration of the arts as presented by recent Sankofa grant recipients. Visual artist Josiah Golson, singer Neshawn Calloway, dance group McMillion Felicion and musician Seauz Chill will take the stage. The program starts at 6 p.m. After the performances, guests are invited to visit the galleries to see works of art that reflect the spirit of civic engagement and equity. The program is free and open to the public. A cash bar will be available.
Friday, Feb. 16: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is hosting a Black History Month Entrepreneurship Panel, featuring eight African-American business owners at 3 p.m. in the University Center Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP at www.utc.edu/empowered.
Saturday, Feb. 17: The 100 Black Men of Chattanooga in partnership with Bessie Smith Cultural Center will host its sixth annual African American History Challenge Bowl at 4 p.m. at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. For more information, call 423-821-6700 or visit www.100bmchatt.org
Wednesday, Feb. 21: A discussion on "Etiquette for the Soul" explores the history and origin of soul food and its relationship with the African-American community. Soul food will be served. The event is scheduled from 8:30-10:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Room in the UTC University Center.
Thursday, Feb. 22: Chattanooga State Community College presents the "Langston Hughes Project: Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz." The public performance will be at the Humanities Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 22: The Center for Creative Arts Vocal Music Department presents "Lift Every Voice," a black history concert scheduled 7 p.m. at Metro Tab Church. Admission is $5. For more information, contact Neshawn Calloway at calloway_neshawn@hcde.org
Until Friday, Feb. 23: The Association for Visual Arts showcases its annual black history exhibit, "The Modern Day Paris Exposition." The exhibit includes local artists and was influenced by W.E.B. DuBois. Free Admission.
Saturday, Feb. 24: Dr. Lonnie King Jr. leads a social justice workshop from 9-11 a.m. at Stephen Temple CPCA, 1601 E. Third St. RSVP by Feb. 22 to ajpierre@comcast.net. Space is limited with 125 seats available.
Saturday, Feb. 24: The Bessie Smith Cultural Center will host the Miss Bessie Smith Pageant at 6 p.m. The pageant is a fundraiser for the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Event tickets are $10 each.
Sunday, Feb. 25: Jazzanooga presents God's Trombones at 3 p.m. At the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Dipped Fresh will cater the event and it will feature musical performances by selected local artists, including the Center for Creative Arts Concert Choir, directed by Neshawn Calloway. Tickets are $20 and are available online www.godstrombones2018.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, Feb. 27: UTC will host "Between the University and Me: A Panel Discussion on UTC's Role in Black History." The conversation will also include UTC's role in teaching and preserving black history and supporting black students on campus and in the local community. It's scheduled from 5-7 p.m. in the Southern Writers Room in the UTC Library.
Wednesday, Feb. 28: Chattanooga State Community College will host a free soul food luncheon from 1o:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the gym.
Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6431.