Arlington Public Schools celebrates Black History Month with a series of community events, staff professional development and school events.

The main event celebrating Black History Month is Over Here in Arlington Being Excellent on Wed, Feb. 8 from 6-8 p.m. in the Black Box Theater at Kenmore Middle School. (200 S. Carlin Springs Rd.)

Over Here in Arlington Being Excellent, sponsored by the Minority Achievement Office, celebrates the contributions of African American students and parents. Students and parents, who were nominated by APS staff, are being recognized in the areas of academic, professional, athletic achievement or civic leadership and involvement. All honorees will be featured in a video produced by Arlington Educational TV (AETV). Please RSVP to Dr. Teri Adkins at 703-228-6156. The students will be recognized at the Feb. 16 School Board meeting.

New this year, APS is debuting a video series on the website, social media, and AETV highlighting Living Legends of Arlington. Staff interviewed some lifelong Arlingtonians to ask them about what Black History Month means to them, reflect on their experiences as an African-American in this community, and provide their advice to students today. Here is a sneak peek at the videos that will debut in February.

For more events and celebrations, visit https://aps2016.apsva.us/BlackHistoryMonth. To join the conversation or share your thoughts, join is on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #BlackHistory2Me.