Cambridge Celebrates Black History Month. Author Event with Bernice McFadden Feb. 23

Art Exhibition by Kencaid in the Mayor’s Office, Feb. 1-28
Cambridge-born artist Kencaid has been honing his signature pyrography (wood-burning) style for over 20 years. The process begins with taking a photo of a Boston landmark, then drawing the image freehand on a well-sanded surface, employing a keen sense of composition and attention to wood grain. Then, using light-handed strokes and smooth subtle shading, the wood is burned with a soldering iron. The work is completed by applying acrylics with a paperclip – hence, Kencaid’s nickname: “The Paperclip Artist.” When he discovered the art of pyrography in 1989, his first piece, “King and Queen,” was skillfully wood-burned and painted, taking eight months to complete. Kencaid’s art has been displayed throughout the Boston area at locations such as Citizens Bank (Central Square, Cambridge); Cambridge City Hall; Harvard Vanguard (Kenmore Square, Boston); the Middle East Restaurant (Central Square, Cambridge); and he has been featured on WCVB’s Chronicle. Kencaid believes his artistry honors the beauty, culture, and history of Greater Boston, and just as importantly, it supports pyrography’s place in the world of fine art. Beyond his art, Kencaid’s greatest love is for his three daughters, his son, and his seven grandchildren. He can be reached by email at kencaid49@gmail.com

Screening of Get in the Way: The Journey of John Lewis
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
Cambridge Public Library, Lecture Hall,449 Broadway
Get in the Way: The Journey of John Lewis is the first biographical film about Congressman John Lewis, a respected legislator and elder statesman who continues to practice nonviolence in his determined fight for justice. The film is a riveting portrayal of John Lewis’ personal journey of courage, searing disappointments and hard-won triumphs, as over the decades he has inspired others to stand up and Get in the Way.

Cambridge jazz Festival Celebrates Black History Month
Sunday Feb. 19, 6–8 p.m., Abundant Life Church, 47 Howard St., Cambridge
The Cambridge Jazz Festival Celebrates Black History Month with a concert featuring renowned vocalist Gabrielle Goodman with acclaimed saxophonist Walter Beasley paying tribute to Johnny Hodges, a Cambridge native famously known for his work as a solo saxophonist as part of Duke Ellington's Big Band. Proceeds from this event will help to keep the 2017 4th Annual Cambridge Jazz Festival Free. For more information, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cambridge-jazz-festival-celebrates-black-history-month-tickets-30948290169?aff=erelexpmlt

An Evening with Bobby Seal, co-founder of the Black Panther Party

Mr. Seale is the author of "Power to the People: The World of the Black Panthers," published in October 2016. The book tells the story of the Black Panther Party, founded 50 years ago in 1966 by Seale and Huey P. Newton. The words are Seale's with contributions by other former party members. Admired, reviled, emulated, misunderstood, the Black Panther Party was one of the most creative and influential responses to racism and inequality in American history. The advocated armed self-defense to counter police brutality, and initiated a program of patrolling the police with shotguns–and law books. To learn more about this event, please visit: http://www.lesley.edu/EventDetail.aspx?id=28031