Honoring Black History Month with local events.

Black History Month highlights the culture, history and achievements of Black Americans, and a series of community events in Riverhead and nearby towns are scheduled through February, including a 17th annual celebration on Feb. 12 and multiple library film screenings later in the month.

Black History Month is the focus of several local programs that highlight the culture, history and achievements of Black Americans. The calendar includes school and county-sponsored programs, library screenings and a theater event across Riverhead and nearby communities. Some activities are single-date events in February while others run as ongoing exhibits into March. Event hosts include schools, libraries, the Suffolk County Office of Multicultural Affairs and local arts groups. Notable events: - 17th Annual Black History Month Celebration: Riverhead High School on Thursday, Feb. 12; doors open at 6 p.m. and the program features student performances and district projects. - Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future: H. Lee Dennison Building Plaza in Hauppauge on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 6-8 p.m., sponsored by Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and local advisory boards. - Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution screening: Riverhead Free Library on Friday, Feb. 20 from 1-2:15 p.m.; the documentary focuses on the African American experience during the Revolutionary War. - Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space screening: Mattituck-Laurel Library on Monday, Feb. 23 from 1-3 p.m.; the PBS documentary profiles the author and anthropologist central to the Harlem Renaissance. - America and The Black Vote Forum: Riverhead Free Library on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m.; a nonpartisan forum with civic leaders and advocates followed by a musical performance. - 3rd Annual Black History on Screen: Media Mavens: Suffolk Theater on Thursday, Feb. 26; the program honors Thema Ponton and includes a screening of Mr. Soul with a moderated discussion. Summary: These events provide a range of community programs that highlight Black history, cultural contributions and civic legacy. The schedule runs through Feb. 27 for single-date programs, with some exhibits continuing through March 29. Event details such as registration or ticketing are managed by the hosting organizations. Undetermined at this time.