Youngsters and their families are invited to take part in Black History Month by creating an art project for display in a special exhibit and then visiting the New York Power Authority's Power Vista on Feb. 24 for a day of free activities.
Children are invited to submit projects that tie in with the exhibit theme: "African Americans in Times of War." Submissions can include essays, sculptures, collages, photos or posters and can be dropped off at the visitors' center at the Niagara Power Project,
5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, on or before Feb. 28. The exhibit will be displayed through Feb. 28. For additional information on submitting a project, call 716-286-6661 or email
[email protected]The community is invited to celebrate the month-long observance on Feb. 24 with a variety of video, live performances and activities in the Power Vista Community Room. Highlights include:
•10 a.m.: "African American Women in Army Aviation," a production of the U.S. Army Women's Museum.
•Noon: "African Americans Military History: Breaking Barriers," a film by the U.S. Department of Defense.
•1 p.m.: Special performance by the African American Cultural Center in Buffalo. The center has been a cornerstone in the community since 1958, offering instruction in various cultural arts such as theater and African dance and drum.
The performance will open with a "Negro Spiritual" to commemorate the many slaves who became soldiers and the songs they created; readings highlighting the soldier progression throughout the years; and a compilation of videos of soldiers recalling their experiences.
Other exhibitors include the University Heights Arts Association, which is coordinating the art project submissions. Children who were unable to create a project in advance can come to the event and make one for display with the help of UHAA.
The Girl Scouts of Western New York will offer activities for children and provide information about scouting programs.
The NYPA veterans employee resource group and the civil rights and inclusion office will host a table to talk about diversity initiatives and highlight African American pioneers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Information will be distributed about NYPA and the "Troops to Energy Jobs" program, a statewide partnership of electric and natural gas utilities that works to recruit veterans. NYPA also offers programs to train veterans and help them transition back to civilian life.
The Niagara Power Vista is a free hands-on science playground at the Niagara Power Project with more than 50 state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. Operated by the New York Power Authority, the visitor center is designed for inquisitive minds of all ages with special emphasis on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) concepts and careers. Visitors can experience a virtual rollercoaster, build a dam, operate a power plant, run the state grid, watch digital portraits of Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison debate the benefits of alternating and direct current, and enjoy 350-foot-high views from an observation deck above the Niagara River.
The Power Vista is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, excluding some holidays, with free parking. It is located at 5777 Lewiston Road (Route 104). For more information, call 716-286-6661 or visit www.nypa.gov/vc/niagara.htm.
