By Hayley Gable Bowerman

Since 1976, The United States has observed Black History Month to educate people about African-American history and culture. The observance was originally established in 1926 as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson, a historian who focused on African-Americans’ reputable achievements and backgrounds.

Over at Anne Arundel Community College, Black History Month is being celebrated through an array of cultural exhibits, presentations, special dining menus, workshops and discussions. For more information, visit www.aacc.edu/blackhistorymonth.

Afro-Panamanian Exhibit featuring Artist Cynthia Farrell Johnson, in connection with the AACC celebration of Black History Month, curated by Wilfredo Valladares Lara, AACC assistant professor of visual arts.

Now through Feb. 27 –9:00am-8:00pm Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-4:30pm Friday, at Pascal Center for Performing Arts Gallery, AACC Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway; free; 410-777-2218 (artwork: “Sisters on the Move”).

Black History Month presentation, “Flying High with the Blue Angels: African-American Role Models in STEM Careers,” by Jim Jackson, AACC coordinator of minority recruitment, on the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels as role models in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, with a focus on Capt. Donnie L. Cochran. Presentation appropriate for all ages, especially high school students considering STEM careers; Feb. 11, 10:00am, Student Union Room 102, AACC Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway; free; 410-777-2529.

Black History Month Trivia Teaser, test your knowledge of North American Black history and culture on Feb. 15 from Noon-1:00pm in preparation for the 2-3 p.m. Black History Month Trivia Bowl, four teams of four will compete on their knowledge of North American Black history and culture, vying for the title of Masters of African-American History at AACC; Student Union dining hall, AACC Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway; free; 410-777-2724.

African dance workshops on Feb. 14, 21 and 28at 2:00pm; Audience participation encouraged, attend one or all three workshops, each features dances from different parts of Africa or the African Dispora, dance leader is faculty member Erica Cornish, events sponsored by the AACC Black Student Union as part of the college celebration of February as Black History Month; Center for Applied Learning and Technology Room 105, AACC Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway; free; 410-777-2305.

Black History Month Cuisine Celebration on Feb. 16 – AACC Dining Services will offer a selection of themed cuisine in its lunch menu. Enjoy traditional African-American cuisine as part of the college celebration of Black History Month; Student Union dining hall, AACC Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway; fee; 410-777-2333; www.aacc.edu/diningservices

Dance Presentation on Feb. 23 from 11:30am – 1:00pm.“The ‘Other’ African-American: Afro-Panama Dance Workshop,” learn Afro-Panamanian dances from local performers, part of the college celebration of February as Black History Month;Student Union dining hall, AACC Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway; free; 410-777-1955.

Presentation, “The Panama Canal: Its History and Culture,”Feb. 23 – 1:15-3:00pm. Learn about the construction of the Panama Canal and how it influenced Panama’s culture and history; part of the college celebration of February as Black History Month; Humanities Building Room 112; free; 410-777-1955 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Performance, “Nothin’ but the Truth,” one-woman show of music, poetry and speech excerpts written by and for women, Feb. 29 – 2pm, performed by AACC student Terra Green in connection with the college celebrations of February as Black History Month and March as Women’s History Month; Humanities Building Room 112, AACC Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway; free; 410-777-1955 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Film clips and discussion “Dark Girl,”aBill Duke documentary, and “Good Hair,” a Chris Rock documentary, March 1 – 6:00pm. An accurate perception of the representation of skin color and hair texture and reaction to it in African-American culture, discussion facilitator: Nicole Williams, Ph.D., AACC associate professor and coordinator of human services, event sponsored by the AACC Black Student Union to bridge the celebrations of Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March; Center for Applied Learning and Technology Room 100, AACC Arnold campus. 101 College Parkway; free; 410-777-2305.