The City of Long Beach is gearing up to present a special showcase titled "Black Mosaic" in honor of Black History Month. On February 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Long Beach Senior Center will become a hub for celebrating the rich contributions of the Black community through music and dance. This vibrant cultural event is designed to honor the fabric of stories and artistic expressions that thread throughout Black history.
Mayor Rex Richardson encapsulated the spirit of the occasion in a statement obtained by Long Beach's official press release, saying, "While we come to the close of Black History Month, we continue to honor the power of Black voices and the profound stories shared through art and performance." The mayor invites the community to "enjoy a vibrant celebration that will magnify these stories that connect us all."
Highlighting local talent, "Black Mosaic" will feature not just music and dance, but also spoken word performances. One eminent presence will be that of Helena Donato-Sapp, the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate, whose words have the power to resonate deeply with the audience. Joining her will be the DramanaKone drum and dance group, bringing rhythm and movement to the evening. No registration is required to witness these performances meant to illustrate the diversity within the Black experience.
Dr. Melanie Curtis Andrews, Artistic Director of the Inner City Shakespeare Ensemble, will narrate the event. The Ensemble, which has a storied reputation for engaging at-risk youth through Shakespeare's timeless prose, fosters a broad community steeped in the arts. Their expansive platform includes theater performances, films, and street performances.
For those interested in attending, more information is available by calling the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Marine at 562.570.3500 or by visiting the event webpage.
