This week on Act Locally Waco, host Ashley Thornton discusses events to go to for Black History Month as well as shaking off any cabin fever with some upcoming outdoor events.
Black History Month Events:
Movie Monday Series: Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland
On Feb 18, 2019 you can see the documentary Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland for free at the Hippodrome. This is a part of Movie Mondays series – a joint project between Baylor Student Activities and the Hippodrome. This particular documentary is also being co-sponsored by the Baylor Department of Multicultural Affairs and the Baylor Black Student Coalition. The movie is free, but you do need a ticket. You can pick those up at the Baylor box office in the Student Union Building or at the Hippodrome box office. The show starts at 7 p.m.
Lectures
On Wednesday Feb. 20, 2019, The Texas Collection presents Dr. Michael Parrish. He will speak about local World War 2 hero, Doris Miller and how his heroism during the attack on Pearl harbor helped to spark the Civil Rights Movement. That lecture will take place at 6 p.m. in room 250 of the Foster building.
On Thursday Feb. 21, 2019, the history department presents Dr. Clayborne Carson of Stanford University. Dr. Carson will speak on the topic “American Prophet: The Inner Life and Global vision of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.” That lecture will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Kayser auditorium in the Hankamer Building on 5th Street.
Both lectures are free and open to the public.
Black Business Mixer
Also on Thursday the East Waco Empowerment Project is hosting a Black Business Mixer. This will be a networking event focused on promoting and supporting Waco's black-owned businesses. Business men and women from all communities are welcome to network, share ideas and strategize to empower black entrepreneurship. The mixer will take place at 6 p.m. at the Hustle co-working space in the Woolworth Suites at 605 Austin Avenue.
Annual NAACP Scholarship Banquet.
The annual NAACP scholarship banquet will take place Saturday, February 23. The Reverend Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, former President of Alabama State University will speak on the subject “Still on the Battlefield.” Tickets are $50 and may be purchased from any NAACP member.
Theatre Events:
Local Productions
The Jubilee Theatre production of 12 Angry Jurors runs Feb. 15 - 17. Tickets are $12 and you can check the Mission Waco Jubilee Theatre website or Facebook page for details about performance times.
On Feb 15 and 16, the Brazos Theatre Group presents an interactive murder mystery – Til Death Do Us Part – Tickets are $28.50 for dinner and the show, which starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Waco Civic Theatre production of “Pinkalicious the Musical” starts Thursday, Feb. 21. This play, based on the popular kid’s book, tells the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Tickets are $10 and you can check the Waco Civic Theatre website for details about performance times.
Hearts in the Arts Gala
Thursday, Feb. 21, is the deadline for reserving tickets for the annual McLennan Community College Foundation's Hearts in the Arts Gala. This year’s gala entertainment will be selections from the upcoming McLennan Opera and Theatre performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s, “Pirates of Penzance.” The Performance will take place Feb. 28. Tickets are $75. To reserve a ticket contact the Mclennan Community College Foundation. Or email reservations@mclennan.edu.
Born 2 Win
On Friday, Feb. 22, The Texas Speak Now Movement is presenting an encore performance of Born 2 Win. This play is the first production by local playwrite, Kay Bell.
It is a story full of love and joy that chronicles a group of homeless people and their collective plan to escape homelessness. The show will take place at the Jubilee Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Proceeds benefit The Cove, an organization serving homeless youth in Waco.
Outdoor Events:
Great Backyard Bird Count
The Great Backyard Bird Count is taking place Feb. 15 - 18. It is a free and easy event. Birdwatchers download a checklist and count birds for as little as 15 minutes or for as long as you would like.
Last year more than 160,000 participants submitted their counts, including several diligent counters from Waco. Visit birdcount.org to learn how and download your checklist. If you would like to find other bird lovers to hang around with, the Central Texas Audubon Society meets on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway in the Whitehall building.
Central Texas Astronomical Society's Waco Sidewalk Star Party
Tomorrow evening, and on the third Saturday of every month, the Central Texas Astronomical Society hosts a star party and an open house at the Meyer Observatory in Clifton. On Saturday, Feb 16, the Waco Sidewalk Star Party will take place in Heritage square, located downtown at the corner of 3rd and Austin. Bring your blankets and chairs and whatever you need to be comfortable. The Astronomical Society will bring telescopes and binoculars, and you can enjoy an evening of star-gazing from sundown until around 9 p.m. Weather is the only factor. If it is cloudy, they will cancel the star party - but the observatory open house goes regardless. You can get more info at centexastronomy.org.
For more events around Waco - visit ActLocallyWaco.org for a full calendar of events.