The Harlem Globetrotters, 'The Rat Pack,' more for Black History Month

It was 100 years ago that Carter G. Woodson, — a scholar, historian, and author who was the son of formerly enslaved parents and the second Black American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, — came up with the idea to celebrate African-American culture and accomplishments.

At the time, Black History Month was just a weeklong event, but its spotlight eventually expanded. In 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized all of February as a time to commemorate Black history; 10 years later, Congress officially designated it as National Black History Month. This year’s local events feature Black Americans making history and providing inspiration in the fields of art, sports, politics, and entertainment.

Taking the stage

Manes Studio Theatre’s production of the award-winning drama "American Son" (Feb. 6-22 in Lindenhurst) looks at the disparate realities and family dynamics of an interracial couple and their son. "The mother is a Black professor in a local community college where the play is set in Miami Dade County, and her estranged husband is a white FBI agent. They learn that their mixed-race son is missing. He won’t respond to any of their calls," executive artistic director David Dubin says.

He hopes audience members will put themselves in the parents’ position adding, "My goal is that the morning after they see a show, they’re still thinking about it."

From Feb. 21 to March 1, Hofstra University’s drama and dance department will be staging "Detroit '67” by playwright, poet and MacArthur "Genius Grant" award winner Dominique Morisseau. The play, directed by G.D. Kimble, weaves issues of civil rights, Motown hits, and family tensions to a surprising result.

At Hofstra's John Cranford Adams Playhouse on Feb. 12, Hempstead-raised Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black White House press secretary and senior adviser to former President Joe Biden, will be on stage for a free talk and book signing. Expect insights on policy, leadership and the shattering of glass ceilings.

The Southampton Arts Center, along with Hamptons Doc Fest, presents a Feb. 28 screening of "I Was Born This Way," a documentary about the life and work of musician and AIDS activist Archbishop Carl Bean. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Sam Pollard, who co-directed the film with Daniel Junge.

Suffolk County's first Black poet laureate, Chip Williford, will be doing a poetry reading with Mary Seymour and Lora Tucker at the Riverhead Free Library, also on Feb. 28. There will also be an open mic.

Music and more

Five-time Grammy Award-winning jazz and R&B vocalist Dianne Reeves returns from her European tour to bring her soulful stylings to the Krasnoff Theater at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 15. She’ll be joined by Brazilian jazz guitarist Romero Lubambo.

Also, on Feb. 15, Long Island’s Jerome Foster Lewis returns to The Suffolk in Riverhead for "An Unforgettable Valentine," featuring the love songs of Nat King Cole. It’s both a Valentine’s celebration and homage to a beloved master of jazz and pop.

Sammy Davis Jr. was born in Harlem just two months before Black History Month was initiated, but the trailblazing singer, dancer, actor and activist made his own mark in mainstream American culture. "The Rat Pack Is Back" at Gateway Playhouse in Bellport through Feb. 15 recreates the swingin’ ‘60s when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Davis reigned as the kings of cool.

Tap your feet or sing along on Feb. 28, when the Patchogue Theatre presents The Drifters, The Platters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters. Step back in time and enjoy doo-wop classics ("The Great Pretender"), early rockers ("Yakety Yak") and soulful classics ("Up on the Roof").

Also turning 100 this year is the legendary Harlem Globetrotters, who will celebrate part of their centennial on Long Island. The clowns of the basketball court will be at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale Feb. 21 to dazzle and defy gravity with their spectacular and inimitable brand of hoops and high jinks.