Southampton - The Southampton Cultural Center has announced its First Annual Black History Month celebration with the following events beginning February 15 through February 28.

Visual Heritage: Black Contemporary Artists
There will be a reception on Saturday February 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a Gallery Lecture on Sunday, February 21 at 1:30 p.m. There is no charge for the art exhibitions.

"Above the Guinea Sea"
On Friday, February 19 at 7 p.m. this exciting quartet features West African inspired music and is lead by drummer, percussionist, and composer Henning Stumm. Stumm has toured Europe, Japan, The Caribbean, Central America and the United States, and has worked with artists from genres including Jazz, R&B, Neo-Soul, Rap, West African, Pop, Haitian and Afro-Cuban music. The name of this ensemble is a reference to the African based religion found on various Caribbean islands and the Louisiana Gulf Coast. The religion stems from the belief that ancestral spirits live in the ocean between the West African nation of Guinea and America because of the slaves who lost their lives during the slave trade. Live performances are general admission $15; seniors and students $10.

The Freedom Choir And African Dancers
On Saturday, February 20 at 7 p.m, The Freedom Choir and African Dancers of the First Baptist Church of Riverhead. Led by Directors Rosa Palmore (Gospel Choir) and Wayne Edwards (Dancers).

Nnenna Ogwo, Pianist
Ogwo will perform on Friday, February 21 at 3 p.m., and the afternoon will feature a lively recital with this internationally renowned pianist who has a reputation for exquisite tone color and expressiveness, combined with technical command and a thoroughly engaging stage presence. The program will feature works by Beethoven, Scriabin, Piazzolla, and Gershwin along with some well known cabaret songs.

Shenole Latimer Quartet scheduled to perform.

Shenole Latimer Quartet
On Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m. The Shenole Latimer Quartet will perform. The group has become the signature ensemble for award winning jazz saxophonist Shenole Latimer over the years, and with good reason. The combination of masterfully constructed original compositions, tastefully selected covers from other modern jazz artists, and passionate performances weave a sonic tapestry that truly engulfs the senses.

Lectures And Workshops
There is no charge for the lectures and workshops. On Saturday, February 20 and February 27 at 11 a.m. - An Overview of the Civil Rights Movement in America with particular attention to the influence of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. The lecture series is presented by Kimble Humiston, Ph.D.

On Sunday, February 28 at 3 p.m. - "Our Music, Our Culture - A Journey Through Jazz History" - Award winning jazz saxophonist and Tierra Records recording artist Shenole Latimer takes his audience on a multimedia tour of the history of jazz from the early 1900s to today. Along the way, a number of jazz artists and their struggles are explored, including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane. An emphasis is placed on visiting the African American roots of jazz, how jazz reflected the cultural phases that African Americans were experiencing throughout the decades of the 20th century, and the cultural and sociological impact that jazz made in the United States and even the world. Learn why jazz has been called, "America's Classical Music."

HYPE
On Saturday, February 27, at 6 p.m., HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) organized by Natasha Jeffries, a teacher assistant at Southampton school district and PTA president. The evening will be honoring and recognizing community advocates and leaders. This is a special event at $25; students under 18 no charge.

For more information call 631-375-8766 or go to www.southamptonculturalcenter.org