This Zoom presentation will explore the importance of art expression to mental health. Arthur Brangman, an art therapist and rehab counselor at Hutchings Psychiatric Center, will share how to use art as a form of expression to help manage mental and emotional well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This virtual talk by Tolani Ajagbe, MD, will focus on mental health crises affecting Black, Indigenous and people of color. Ajagbe is a clinical assistant professor of addiction psychiatry at Upstate Medical University.

For the month of February, live music will be performed each Wednesday to celebrate local Black artists, organized by Syracuse JAMS. Performance by DeVaughn Jackson & Mike Pasarelli will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.

Every Thursday in February, Chef Kuukua will instruct in making a traditional African soup or porridge, in commemoration of Black History Month. Free but registration required.

Join in celebrating Black joy, culture and cinematic talent every Friday night during Black History Month for a different movie. "If Beale Street Could Talk" (R) will be screened.

Celebrate Black History Month with special guest readers, crafts, snacks and free book giveaways. This event is for children up to 12 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older.

The Pan African Community of Central New York (PACCNY) will hold a Black History Month Celebration starting at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19.  The theme of the zoom event is “The Rise of White Supremacist ideas and the Urgency of teaching Black History.” The main feature will be presentations by international and local figures, followed by dialogue.

Every Thursday in February, Chef Kuukua will instruct in making a traditional African soup or porridge, in commemoration of Black History Month. Free but registration required.

La Casita will host an open dialogue on engaging and supporting urban Syracuse communities, the challenges during and after pandemic-related shutdowns and new strategies.

A cohort of panelists will reflect on the experiences, inadequacies and successes of various community engagement initiatives as programs reopened to the public.