Celebrating Black History Month with a Latin Flair

January 31, 2012 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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For the 17th consecutive year, Brooklyn Friends School (BFS) celebrates the diversity of its community and the distinctive cultural contributions arising from the African diaspora at its annual African American Celebration, 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3.

The African American Celebration is a signature BFS special event and a unique school-wide celebration of February as African American History Month. Inspired by the recent Henry Louis Gates PBS series, “Black in Latin America,” BFS celebrates the Afro-Latino experience during the celebration.

This year’s celebration focuses on the wide expanse of nations in the Caribbean, Central America and South America that, like the U.S., have their own histories that include the stories, culture, and contributions of African descendants.

The celebration takes place at the school’s downtown location, 375 Pearl Street, one block from Borough Hall and the Marriott Hotel. There is a full program of activities for all — performances by the Colombian band Folklore Urbano and the BFS Dance Team, Brazilian Capoiera demonstrations, a great dinner and special events for kids. Tickets ($10 for kids and $20 for adults) may be purchased at the door.