Kansas City’s Black History Month celebrations are set to continue with a series of events, including the highly anticipated Reel Black Film Fest, taking place on February 22 at The Truman. Hosted by Kansas City PBS, the festival will showcase three compelling documentaries by local Black filmmakers, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion. In addition to the films, the event will feature local vendors.

One of the highlights of the festival is “The Potato King: A Dynasty Built on Dirt and Dreams,” a documentary directed by Jacob Handy. The film tells the inspiring story of Junius Groves, a formerly enslaved man who achieved great success as a potato farmer in Edwardsville. The narrative is presented from the perspective of local farmer Mike B. Rollen and highlights the impact Groves had on modern Black farmers in the area.

Also featured in the festival are two other films: “Land of Opportunity: The Road of Resistance,” which examines the U.S. 71 highway project in Kansas City, and “Diamond Jubilee: A 75-Year Celebration of Carter Broadcast,” a documentary that commemorates KPRS, the first Black-owned radio station west of the Mississippi River.

All three documentaries have either premiered or are set to premiere in February on Kansas City PBS, adding to the growing body of work celebrating Black history and culture in the region.

The Reel Black Film Fest will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, at The Truman, located at 601 E. Truman Road. The schedule includes an opening session with doors and vendors, followed by the screening of “Land of Opportunity” at 3 p.m., “The Potato King” at 4:30 p.m., and “Diamond Jubilee” at 6 p.m. An intermission is planned between the screenings at 5:40 p.m. While admission to the event is free, attendees are required to RSVP, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Those interested can secure tickets through Eventbrite.

In addition to the film festival, Kansas City is hosting other significant events to honor Black History Month. On Thursday, February 27, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey will present “Setting the Stage,” a multimedia program that explores the history of African-American dance. The event, which will feature live performances alongside images and narration, will take place at 7 p.m. at the Gem Theater, located at 1615 E. 18th Street. Admission is free, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit kcfaa.org.

Local theaters are also contributing to the month’s celebrations with performances that explore the African-American experience. At the Just Off Broadway Theatre, the Melting Pot Theatre presents a production of August Wilson’s “Fences,” running through Saturday, February 22. Tickets range from $21.50 to $32.50, and can be purchased at kcmeltingpot.com.

The Black Repertory Theatre is staging a co-production of “Hairspray” in collaboration with the White Theater. The show runs through Sunday, February 23, at the Lewis & Shirley White Theatre, Jewish Community Center, in Overland Park. Tickets range from $20 to $39 and are available at brtkc.org.

At the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, “Broke-ology,” a drama by the late Nathan Louis Jackson, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, is playing through Sunday, March 2, at the Copaken Stage. Tickets for this powerful work, which explores family dynamics in the Kansas City area, range from $44 to $70. For more details, visit kcrep.org.

These events, including the Reel Black Film Fest, provide a diverse and enriching way for the Kansas City community to honor and reflect on the history, achievements, and ongoing contributions of African-Americans.