This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. In February, the National African-American History Month will celebrate the theme "Civil Rights in America." Honor the historic act by reading these books for young people; each will connect your family to a different era of race relations and social movements in American history.

1. "Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles, America's First Black Paratroopers" by Tanya Lee Stone
2. "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia
3. "This is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration" by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrations by James Ransome

You can also visit a number of Black History Month events in the central Arkansas area, including storytimes, exhibit openings, lectures and more. Here are a few local happenings we think families will enjoy.

Friday, Feb. 7

Living History with Dr. Gwendolyn Twillie at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center -- Celebrate the life of Charlotte Stephens, the first African American teacher employed by the Little Rock School District with friends at MTCC. Stephens taught for 70 years and her inspirational story will be brought to life by Dr. Gwendolyn Twillie, former Chairwoman of the Theatre, Arts, and Dance Department at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The event is free, but registration is required. 10-11:30 a.m. For info: (501) 683-3592. FREE!

Monday, Feb. 10

Storytime: "Henry's Freedom Box" at Barnes & Noble in West Little Rock -- Each Monday at 10:30 a.m. children are invited to enjoy storytime and activities. This Storytime will focus on Black History Month; Storytime and activities will feature Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson. For info: (501) 954-7646. FREE!

Tuesday, Feb. 11

Black History Celebration at the Arkansas State Capitol -- Join the Office of Governor Mike Beebe and Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate Arkansas' African American history. 10 a.m. For info: (501) 682-3612. FREE!

Thursday, Feb. 13

Exhibit Opening Featuring Danny Campbell at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center -- Prominent artist and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff art professor Danny Campbell will present his latest collection. Campbell collects and transforms tire treads, automotive parts, and various materials into one-of-a-kind, colorful sculptures. Refreshments will be served. 5:30-7:30 p.m. For info: (501) 683-3592. FREE!

Saturday, Feb. 15

Arkansas Black History Quiz Bowl at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center -- Youngsters in grades 6-12 can gather a group of quick-thinking friends to compete in this Black History-themed Quiz Bowl game. Teams of at least three players field trivia questions about inventions, social science, famous firsts, sports, the arts, current events and entertainment. Contact MTCC for more information. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For info: (501) 683-3592. FREE!

Black History Month: Homemade Peanut Butter at CALS McMath Library -- Learn about George Washington Carver and make some tasty homemade peanut butter. 4 p.m. For info: (501) 225-0066. FREE!

Tuesday, Feb. 18

Down to the Crossroads: Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Meredith March Against Fear Featuring Aram Goudsouzian at Clinton Presidential Center's Sturgis Hall -- On June 5, 1966, the civil rights hero James Meredith left Memphis, Tennessee, on foot. Setting off toward Jackson, Mississippi, he hoped his march would promote black voter registration and defy racism. The next day, he was shot by a mysterious white man and transferred to a hospital. What followed was one of the key dramas of the civil rights era. Goudsouzian’s “Down to the Crossroads” is the story of this last great march of the civil rights era and the first great showdown of the turbulent years that followed. Noon. Reservations required: (501) 683-5239. FREE!

Tuesday, Feb. 18-Wednesday, Feb. 19

Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Distinguished Laureate Series: Haki Madhubuti at Clinton Presidential Center -- The Clinton Foundation and Arkansas Black Hall of Fame present the 2014 Distinguished Laureate Series featuring Haki Madhubuti. A native Arkansan and member of the Black Arts Movement, Madhubuti has published more than 20 books of poetry, nonfiction and critical essays. An American Book Award winner, he founded and has led numerous institutions and organizations dedicated to serving black writers. General public 6 p.m. Feb. 18; school program 9:30-10:30 a.m. Feb. 19. Reservations required: school groups call (501) 748-0419; general public call (501) 748-0425. FREE!

Wednesday, Feb. 19

African-American History Month: Civil Rights in Arkansas at MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History -- The Arkansas National Guard and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will present an African-American History Month Observance at the museum. The featured topic will be Civil Rights in Arkansas. The guest speaker for this event is the Honorable Judge Leon Johnson, 1st Division Pulaski County Circuit Judge and Former President of the Harold Flowers Law Society. Food samplings and entertainment will be provided. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For info: ArkMilitaryHeritage.com. FREE!

Thursday, Feb. 20

Black History Month Musical Challenge Relay at The Laman Library -- It's music trivia with a twist! Race to deliver the right answer card to the judge. Must be 12-18 to attend. 5-6 p.m. For info: LamanLibrary.org. FREE!

Thursday, Feb. 20-Saturday, Feb. 22

African Rhythms at Museum of Discovery -- Experience rich heritage and good vibrations produced by African drum master Zinse Aggine. Zinse, a native of Ghana, presents a cultural performance that combines movement, rhythm and the historic significance of the drum. This music-based program teaches all aspects of culture including history, geography and social sciences in a hands-on, informal learning environment. Showtimes are 2 p.m. Feb. 20 & 21; 11:30 a.m, 1 & 3 p.m. on Feb. 22. $10 adults; ages 1-12 $8; under 1 free; members free. For info: MuseumOfDiscovery.

Friday, Feb. 21

Mosaic Templars: Zip Pluck Bang! at CALS Children's Library -- Mosaic Templars Cultural Center visits to help children ages 6 and up learn about the music of William Grant Still and interact with various musical instruments. 4 p.m. For info: (501) 978-3870. FREE!

Saturday, Feb. 22

African American Read-In at CALS Williams Library -- Attend a special storytime and craft hour. 3 p.m. For info: (501) 376-4282.

Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center -- MTCC in partnership with the UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture presents "Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle." This four-part film series focuses on the remarkable stories of individuals who challenged the social and legal status quo of deeply rooted institutions, from slavery to segregation. The first film, "The Abolitionist," will be screened at MTCC on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 1p.m. followed by a panel discussion. 1-6 p.m. For info: (501) 683-3593. FREE!

Tuesday, Feb. 25

Celebrate Black History Month at The Laman Library -- A special guest from the Historic Arkansas Preservation will be here to talk about Arkansas and equal education. Must be 12-18 to attend. 5-6 p.m. For info: LamanLibrary.org. FREE!

Thursday, Feb. 27

Voices Without Borders at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center -- Dr. Irma Routen and her Little Rock-area children's choir live in concert. 10-11:30 a.m. For info or group reservations: (501) 683-3592. FREE!

Thursday, Feb. 27-Friday, Feb. 28

Civil Rights Act of 1964: Lyndon Baines Johnson at Clinton Presidential Center -- Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School has created an original program that tells the story of the nation's benchmark civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination and the events of 1963 that led to its passage. General public 7 p.m. Feb. 27; school groups 9:30-10:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 27 & 28. For info: (501) 683-5239. FREE!