Black History Month spotlights Harlem Globetrotters and 'Rat Pack' tributes

Black History Month began as a weeklong observance proposed by Carter G. Woodson about 100 years ago and later expanded to February. Local events on Long Island this year include theater productions, music performances, talks, and a Harlem Globetrotters centennial appearance.

Carter G. Woodson proposed a week to celebrate African-American history about 100 years ago, and that observance later grew into Black History Month. President Gerald Ford recognized February for the observance in 1976, and Congress formally designated it in 1986. This year, local programming on Long Island brings together theater, music, talks and sports to mark the month. Events include both historical reflections and contemporary performances. This season's highlights: - Manes Studio Theatre stages the drama American Son in Lindenhurst from Feb. 6-22, exploring family dynamics and race. - Hofstra University presents Detroit '67 from Feb. 21 to March 1, and Hempstead-raised Karine Jean-Pierre will give a free talk and book signing at Hofstra on Feb. 12. - Dianne Reeves performs at the Krasnoff Theater on Feb. 15, joined by guitarist Romero Lubambo, and Jerome Foster Lewis offers an evening of Nat King Cole songs at The Suffolk on Feb. 15. - Gateway Playhouse presents The Rat Pack Is Back through Feb. 15, recreating music from the swing era. - Patchogue Theatre hosts The Drifters, The Platters and Cornell Gunter's Coasters on Feb. 28, featuring classic doo-wop and early rock repertoire. - The Harlem Globetrotters will mark part of their centennial with a show at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale on Feb. 21. Summary: These events bring a range of cultural programming to Long Island through late February and into early March, highlighting theater, music, spoken word and sports tied to Black history and creative legacies. Scheduled dates include performances and talks through Feb. 28 and Hofstra's run continuing to March 1.