The Historic Ali Cultural Arts center is celebrating Black History Month with several

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADEWALE ADENLE

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. The Historic Ali Cultural Arts (www.aliarts.org) is celebrating Black History Month with several powerful events. The art exhibition by Nigerian artist Adewale Adenle, ‘Beans, Rice and Gumbo: Facts, Fictions and Frictions of Black History’ narrates the history of blacks from the pre-slavery era through the present day.

The exhibition opening will also feature performances of ‘From Whence We Come,’ a series of vignettes, poems, songs and dances expressing the African and African American experience. And lastly, Bailey Contemporary’s Arts poets converge at Ali for a special night of a spoken word showcase and surprises.

“We have selected some incredible programs to honor and celebrate Black History Month,” said Cherolyn Davis, program and facilities manager. “Adewale Adenle is a provocative artist, author and educator whose art captures your attention with its boldness. For this exhibit, he is showcasing many historical portraits that will open a dialog about Black History from various perspectives.”

This exhibition critically narrates the history of Africans and African Americans in a visual journey that confirms, challenges and channels new thoughts and revelations in history. Adewale, working from historic photos and descriptions, depicts the rich history of Ethiopia, Egypt and other African lands and then takes viewers through the agony of slavery, the triumph of the civil rights movement into today’s successes and struggles.

The opening of this exhibit will include performances by Art Prevails Project, Ashanti Cultural Arts and the Ali Cultural Arts house band, Ali Soul Connection.

“These performances combine to create, ‘From Whence We Come.’ This collaborative effort of multi-disciplinary artists will engage the community in a way that inspires, educates and entertains,” continued Davis.

Rounding out the celebration, BaCA Speaks at Ali, will bring some of the best spoken word artists, who regularly perform at Bailey Contemporary Arts, to the Ali stage. This evening will be a performance and not an open mic event. In addition to the poetry, there will be an array of pop up showcases to entertain and delight the patrons.

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts is located at 353 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. For information about the exhibit and the complete roster of Black History events, http://www.aliarts.org or call 954-7867876.