Throughout February, communities will be coming together to celebrate the lives and achievements of African-Americans, and Caldwell County is no exception.

Lester Whittington, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center said he and his staff have planned several events to unite the entire community. From student competitions and musical performances to open dialogue, Whittington said he hopes to capture the moments that demonstrate exactly why people should study history throughout the year.

“We try to put on some really good events that involve the entire community,” Whittington said. “I truly believe that it is important for people to study their roots so they know the challenges and adversity they have overcome. I also think all cultures should know about the people who came before them because that information allows people to grow and move forward.”

Whittington said the annual quiz bowl and essay competition will be back this year, as well as the addition of a musical performance by members of the Appalachian State University Choir. He also said bulletin boards throughout the MLK Center will feature the lives of African-Americans who were born or raised in North Carolina, such as Michael Jordan and John Coltrane.

“Many members of the community have come together to make these events possible,” Whittington said. “We have lots of volunteers, and the community helps make this month so special.”

The essay/poetry contest will be Thursday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the MLK Center. Whittington said students will submit their work by Friday, Feb. 12, and a panel of retired teachers will read them and decide the winners. He said the first-place winner receives $50, and the runner-up gets $25. Whittington said the winners will be announced the night of Feb. 18, and Linda Myers will perform a variety of one-woman skits.

On Sunday, Feb. 21, the ASU Gospel Choir Ensemble will perform at the MLK Center. The concert is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., and it is free admission to all who are interested.

The month-long celebration will come to a close on Thursday, Feb. 25 with the annual quiz bowl. Whittington said middle and high school students will compete to answer questions about black history. He said William Lenoir Middle School and Hibriten High School are the defending champions.

“Both the quiz bowl and essay contest have become very popular in this community,” Whittington said. “We hope to have many participants from a variety of cultures. We also hope the community will come out and support the performance by ASU because we really want to get everyone involved. This is our time to celebrate those who have made a difference in our local community, and we hope to see everyone there.”

For more information about any of the upcoming events, contact the MLK Community Center at (828) 757-2170.