Black History Month Feb 11-17 (more events next week) Various locations Free

African-American annals

Several free programs are scheduled this week for Black History Month. Nationally known author/historian Marc Aronson discusses his book, Race: A History Beyond Black and White, and the art of nonfiction Feb. 11, 6 p.m. at the Vachel Lindsay Home. Church leader and retired music teacher La Von Wilson reflects on “Life in Springfield through the Eyes of a Different Hue,” followed by tasting of African-American foods during the Ethnic Heritage Festival Feb. 16 from 12-1:30 p.m. at the SIU Pearson Museum, 801 N. Rutledge. Local talents perform “Emancipation and the Dream of Freedom — From Slavery to the White House” at the Hilton Hotel Feb. 14 beginning at 1 p.m. Illinois State Library shows the film The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306, Feb 18 from 12-1 p.m.