SATURDAY, FEB. 11
Missouri City will celebrate its third annual Black History Month Celebration from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center in the City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Pkwy. Performers include Angel Taylor, formerly of Trin-I-Tee 5:7. Step Rideau & the Zydeco Outlaws perform during a 1:30 p.m. celebration of culture, and the Fort Bend Academy of Arts & Dance performs during a 5:30 p.m. dance showcase. There will be food, art, a photo booth and face-painting. Contact: www.missouricitytx.gov or 281-403-8500.
The Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, hosts two events. Author and former Houston Texans player Wade Smith will read from his book, “Smitty Hits the Books,” at 1 p.m. The event will be followed by a meet-and-greet book signing. Koumankele Dance Company and Drum Ensemble entertains at 3 p.m. The heart-pounding performance and workshop will explore and engage in African cultures. Admission is $12 and free for museum members and children under 1. Contact: www.cmhouston.org or 713-522-1138.
TUESDAY, FEB. 14
The University of Houston African American Studies Lecture Series presents Dr. Valethia Watkins, an assistant professor in the Afro-American Studies Dept. at Howard University, at 11:30 a.m. at Agnes Arnold Hall, Room 210. She will speak on the topic “Africana Students and Gender: Non-Aligned Women and the Politics of Feminism.” Contact: www.uh.edu or 713-743-2811.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15
The Houston Public Library presents Bubbha Thomas and the Jazz & Poetry Series at 10 a.m. at Lakewood Neighborhood Library, 8815 Feland. The series has been presented to more than 1.5 million students across Texas. Set in story form, the presentation spans the styles of popular music with an emphasis on prominent figures in the history of jazz. Thomas is a noted drummer and founder of Jazz Education Inc. Contact: www.houstonlibrary.org or 832-393-2530.