COLUMBIA, SC.- In conjunction with Black History Month, the Columbia Museum of Art offers related programming designed to celebrate the past and present accomplishments of African-Americans. As the Columbia Museum of Art seeks to inspire, educate and enrich the community, these programs focus on the importance of African-American history.

Lecture: AfriCOBRA
Sunday, February 1 3:00 p.m.
Kyle Coleman, museum outreach assistant and Howard University graduate, delivers an illustrated lecture reflecting on AfriCOBRA, a popular movement in art history. AfriCOBRA provides a visual element to the Black Cultural Revolution and provides a venue for black artists to show their work. The group promotes a black aesthetic by tying together elements of transafricanism and innovative expressions of rhythm, sublime image, and vibrant coloration. Free with admission or membership.

Illustration Workshop with Jerry Pinkney
Wednesday, February 4 9:00 a.m. – noon
In partnership with Benedict College and the Richland County Public Library, the Museum hosts Caldecott Award-winning children’s book illustrator Jerry Pinkney as he leads an illustration workshop focusing on watercolor at the Museum. $185 or $150 for members and $135 for About Face members.

Evening for Educators On the Road at the Richland County Public Library
Wednesday, February 4 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
In partnership with Benedict College and the Richland County Public Library, the Museum hosts Caldecott Award winning children’s book illustrator Jerry Pinkney at the first Evening for Educators On the Road at the main branch of the Richland County Public Library on the corner of Hampton and Assembly Streets. An exhibition of Pinkney’s work opens at the Ponder Gallery at Benedict College on Thursday, February 5. Free with pre-registration. To register for Evening for Educators, call 803.343.2163.

A Night with Kenny the Poet
Friday, February 20 7:00 p.m.
Kenny the Poet presents an evening of poetic sounds and live Neo-R&B music. Kenny, a communications engineer at BlueCross BlueShield, has been an actor for nine years. He is a member of Trustus Theatre and the NiA theatre group. Cash bar available. Free with admission or membership.

Film: Carolina Stories: A True Likeness
Saturday, February 21 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
The SCETV documentary Carolina Stories: A True Likeness presents the story of Richard Samuel Roberts, one of the south’s most accomplished photographers of the 1920’s and 1930’s. The film’s creator, David Adams discusses the film in a Q&A immediately following the screening. Free courtesy BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

Allen University Faculty Concert: Kenneth Green
Friday, February 27 7:00 p.m.
Columbia native and Allen University professor Kenneth Green hosts a concert of trumpet music. This performance showcases a broad variety of trumpet music from various composers and features collaborations with guest artists. A reception follows immediately after the performance. Free with admission or membership.