Feb. 4. The annual town’s annual Black History Month Celebration will be Feb. 22 from 4-5:30 pm at the Cain Center for the Arts includes a performance by the Jazz Legacy Project.

The event is being put on by the Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department, Smithville Community Coalition and Cain Center for the Arts.

It includes speakers from the Smithville Community Coalition and the local community, an art exhibit and presentation by Sir Will, a musical performance by the Jazz Legacy Project, and musical performances by local church choirs.

This event is free and appropriate for all ages. Light refreshments will be provided.

Later that evening, the Jazz Legacy Project will also give a full-length, ticketed performance at Cain Center for the Arts starting at 7:30 p.m. More info: https://cainarts.org/.

Businesses to be recognized

As the national theme for Black History Month celebrations in 2025 is “African Americans and Labor,” the event will also highlight several black-owned businesses and business owners. Black-owned business in Cornelius may participate in this event by completing a simple form. Participants will be recognized at the event, and there will be an opportunity to display materials about your business to share with other event attendees.