The McKinney Black History Month Committee is hosting a series of cultural and educational events throughout February to celebrate Black History month. Here are three upcoming events:

Feb. 18 | College Megafest

The College Megafest event offers students and their parents an opportunity to interact with ambassadors from both local colleges and historically Black colleges and universities. The event will include information on college preparation as well as a financial aid workshop and an ACT/SAT discussion. The free event will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. at the Collin College Conference Center, located at 2400 Community Park Ave. Attendees can register online at www.saintmarkbc.org/our-youth/college-megafest.html.

Feb. 23 | Black History Month Lecture Series featuring Ron Kirk

The McKinney Black History Month Lecture Series features stories of grit and perseverance. In the last installment of the series, Ron Kirk will present a lecture at the Sheraton McKinney hotel, located at 1900 Gateway Blvd. Kirk is a former mayor of Dallas, as well as a former Texas Secretary of State and former United States Trade Representative. The lecture will be moderated by McKinney Councilwoman Geré Feltus and will begin with a mixer at 5:30 p.m., followed by the one hour lecture beginning at 6 p.m. This is a free event and attendees can reserve their spot online by searching "Lecture Series with Ambassador Ron Kirk" on Eventbrite or by clicking here.


Feb. 25 | McKinney Public Library Jubilee

The McKinney Public Library Jubilee focuses on recognizing Black culture with music, education and entertainment for all ages. The event will be held at the John and Judy Gay Library, located at 6861 W. Eldorado Parkway, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Performers include Matthew Zion Babineaux, the Jubilee Swing Dance Studio and the McKinney Big Band. This free event does not require a ticket.

To find out more about upcoming events being hosted by the McKinney Black History Month Committee, visit www.mckinneybhm.com.