SPECIAL EVENTS | Black History/Heritage Month 

Rochester's cultural institutions will commemorate the Civil Rights Movement and observe Black Heritage this month, with a variety of events to celebrate culture, review progress, and discuss the ongoing struggle for legal and social equality. The following are just a few of the offerings being held this week; for more, visit our online calendar at rochestercitynewspaper.com.

FILM: "American Promise." Wednesday, February 12, 6:30-9 p.m. Little Theatre 1 (240 East Ave., 258-0400, thelittle.org). WXXI will host a free screening of award-winning documentary "American Promise," which tells the story of two middle-class African-American boys who enter a prestigious private school and are confronted with opportunities and frustrations. A post-film panel discussion, led by WXXI News' Education Reporter Hélène Biandudi Hofer, will focus on the unique issues and challenges African-American boys face in education and solutions to help improve the academic outcomes.

FILM: "Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Blacks in New Orleans." Friday, February 14, 7 p.m. Baobab Cultural Center, 728 University Ave., 563-2145, thebaobab.org). An award-winning documentary about America's oldest black neighborhood, which is considered the birthplace of jazz and the Southern Civil Rights Movement. $5 per person donation suggested for film.

SPECIAL EVENT: Black History Month Family Day. Sunday, February 16, noon-5 p.m. Memorial Art Gallery (500 University Ave., 276-8900, mag.rochester.edu). All ages are invited to enjoy family art activities, music and dance performances, tours, and storytelling. The suggested contribution is $5 per family.

PERFORMANCE: Black Heritage Story Telling and Book Reading. Wednesday, February 19, noon-2 p.m. Gantt Community Center (700 North St., 428-7149, cityofrochester.gov/bhm).