Black History Month events: Omega Male Chorus performs at City Hall at noon

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — February is the start of Black History Month. The Rochester region is hosting events to honor local and national Black historical figures. Here are some of the events this month. You can also learn more about Black leaders in the Rochester area through our page Rochester Roots.

Omega Male Chorus at City Hall (Feb. 22)

Omega Male Chorus, an African American male vocal group, is performing at Rochester City Hall on Church Street on Wednesday. The free concert starts at 12:15 p.m.

The group will perform renditions of hymns, spirituals, gospels, and contemporary music. It’s organized by the City’s Black Heritage Committee.

Black History Fashion Show (Feb. 26)

There will be a variety of performances showcasing the inventions, music, and art of the African American people. It’s at the Edgerton R-Center at the Stardust Ballroom on 41 Backus Street on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m.

RMSC Black History Month programs (all February)

The RMSC is hosting programming, activities, and events every weekend in February to celebrate Black History Month. You can see the full schedule and get tickets here. Here are the themes for each weekend:

• Week 1: CELEBRATING FREEDOM SEEKERS & ABOLITIONISTS
• Week 2: ROCHESTER’S CHAMPIONS OF CIVIL RIGHTS
• Week 3: BLACK EXCELLENCE IN ARTS & CULTURE
• Week 4: BLACK EXCELLENCE IN STEM

Writers & Books story series (Feb. 4 to Feb. 25)

Writers & Books of University Avenue is hosting a story series with Storyteller-in-Residence Almeta Whitis and percussionist Steve Imburgia to celebrate Black History Month. The storytime runs from 2-3 p.m. every Saturday in February.

Seasonal-themed stories of powerful beings and celestial objects, along with tales of supernatural humans and animal characters imbued with human faults and foibles, are universal favorites. Attend one event or all four!

Since the beginning of our existence, oral storytelling has been shared and treasured in every culture and society. Through the power of story we understand our world with fresh eyes and remember to value kindness, unity, understanding, and fair play.

Almeta Whitis is a renowned storyteller, theatre artist, author, and poet who has taught on five continents. Her experience as an educator, university professor, and Master Teaching Artist has resulted in many awards, among them, Phi Delta Kappa’s 1995 Lay Teacher of the Year, National Endowment for the Arts’ Most Skilled and Experienced Community Artist, and Governor Mario Cuomo’s 1993 Decade of the Child Award. She is featured in Rochester Museum and Science Center’s “CHANGEMAKERS: 200 Rochester Women Who Have Changed The World” exhibition.

Memorial Art Gallery celebration day (Feb. 19)

The Memorial Art Gallery on University Avenue is holding a celebration of Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 19. The celebration from 12-5 pm includes storytelling, music, performances, art, and fashion. You can register for the celebration here. Here’s the schedule of events:

M&T BANK BALLROOM

• 12-3 pm | Community Display Tables
• 12:30-12:45 pm | Donna Beaty
• 12:45-1:45 pm | Community Organization Representatives
• 1:45-2 pm | Kassandra Baggs Healing in Motion Dance
• 2-2:15 pm | Dunwoody Dance 5678
• 2:15-2:30 pm | Jermaine Barber
• 2:30-2:45 pm | Borinquen Dance Theatre
• 2:45-3 pm | Rochester Dolphins Cheer Team
• 3-3:15 pm| Michael Peace & Bethel Express Drum Team

VANDEN BRUL PAVILION

• 12-3:30 pm | Art Displays by Prince Will Star as ProartCreate & Debra Aaron
• 12:15-12:30 pm | Gospel, Old School RnB & Hip-Hop w/ DJ Andre A.G.O.N.Y
• 12:30-12:45 pm | Nicolette Ferguson of Garth Fagan Dance
• 12:45-1 pm | Gospel, Old School RnB & Hip-Hop w/ DJ Andre A.G.O.N.Y
• 1-1:15 pm | Poetry w/ Lavonne Barfield of LoveOn Artwork & Ca Tyra Polland of Love for Words
• 2-2:30 pm | Saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith
• 2:30-2:45 pm | Gospel, Old School RnB & Hip-Hop w/ DJ Andre A.G.O.N.Y
• 2:45-3 pm | ROC City Line Dance Express
• 3:30-4:30 pm | Fashion show w/ MansaWear & Carlton Wilcox Band

AUDITORIUM

• 12:30-1 pm | Hatshepsut: She Wears the Beard, She says I’m King
• 1:45-2:45 pm | Health and Wellness Panel discussion
• 2:30-3 pm | Hatshepsut: She Wears the Beard, She says I’m King

Heritage Gospel Concert featuring Akoma and Voices of Thunder (March 4)

The Heritage Gospel Concert featuring Akoma and Voices of Thunder is performing at First Genesis, Baptist on Church 292 Hudson Ave. It’s from 6 to 8 p.m.