Throughout February, the City of Mesquite will host events, activities and recognitions to celebrate Black History Month.

Starting on Feb. 1, Visit Mesquite has curated a special, self-guided culinary tour spotlighting local restaurants called the Mesquite Foodie Trail: Black-Owned Trail. Each restaurant on the trail will be featured on the Visit Mesquite website and in a printed guide that will include the eatery’s location, description and signature dish. Diners who eat at restaurants on the trail can participate in a drawing to win a suite at Mesquite Arena’s Annual Hip Hop Cowboys Spring Rodeo on March 15. Learn more at tab.so/BlackFoodieTour or visit www.VisitMesquiteTX.com.

Historic Mesquite, Inc., will host a free screening of “Cowboys of Color,” an award-winning short documentary about the past, present and future of African American cowboys. Director and North Texas native Coy Poitier will answer questions from the audience after the film. The event will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 711 E. Kearney St. For information, visit www.HistoricMesquite.org.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, City Councilmember Brandon Murden will host a free educational event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cliff Keheley Community Room of the Dallas County Mesquite Government Center, 500 S. Galloway Ave., that will include guest speakers and a panel discussion.

The Mesquite Main Library will feature African drummer and storyteller Baba Kwasi at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. Experience the rhythms of African drums and a variety of percussion instruments accompanied by captivating storytelling and songs. The event is free and open to all ages. Also, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, the Main Library will host Young at Art, a free event for kids aged 8-12 to create projects inspired by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The Main Library is located at 300 W. Grubb Drive. For information, call 972-216-6220 or visit www.cityofmesquite.com/Library.

The Mesquite North Branch Library will celebrate Black History Month with a program presented by Percussion Things at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. Combined with rhythms and sound, Percussion Things brings to life stories about African Americans who contributed to our nation’s history. The event is free and open to all ages. The North Branch Library is located at 2600 Oates Drive. For information, call 972-681-0465 or visit www.cityofmesquite.com/Library.

The Mesquite Arts Center’s monthly art kit for kids in February will include Black History Month-focused projects. There is a limited supply of the free art kits, so please register in advance by visiting www.MesquiteArtsCenter.org.

Also during Black History Month, tributes to notable leaders will be featured on the City’s social media accounts. Downtown Mesquite will spotlight Black-owned businesses in its district and Farmers Market, and both branches of the Mesquite Library will feature special displays.