The state of Texas celebrates African-American culture through a range of events.
African-Americans make up almost 12 percent of the population of the state of Texas, according to the United States Census Bureau. It thus comes as little surprise that many of the state's cities and towns host events with an African-American slant. These events aim to provide support to African-Americans, as well as to celebrate African-American history and culture.
Black Film Festival
The Texas Black Film Festival celebrates independent movies created by African-American filmmakers, and recognizes the best movies made across several different categories with an awards ceremony. The event takes place over three days, with each featured film shown to attendees throughout the weekend. It provides an opportunity for filmmakers to show their work to a large audience. It first began in 2007, and the event typically takes place in February of each year. Film award categories include Best Short Film, Best Director and Best Documentary.
Studio Movie Grill
11170 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75243
214-361-2966
texasblackfilmfestival.com
African-American Folk Storytime
The Storytime event is run for kids and features the telling of African-American folktales, sometimes told using sign language. The event takes place at Mitchie's Gallery in Austin, Texas, which specializes in African-American art and culture through a selection of the photos and paintings. The Storytime event takes place each Saturday afternoon (as of September 2010), and attendance is free. The books read by the host, Max Black, are donated by members of the public, and the Gallery always welcomes further contributions.
Mitchie's Gallery
7801 North Lamar Building B Suite 148
Austin, Texas 78752
512-323-6901
mitchie.com
Family Support Conference
The Central Texas African American Family Support conference began in 2001 and takes place in February each year. The Conference is run by Austin Travis County Integral Care, and aims to provide education and information to families and other members of the public about a range of family issues. These issues include mental and physical health problems, child development disorders and disabilities. The overall mission of the Conference is to reduce discrimination relating to these issues and to provide affected families with details of some of the support services available to them.
In the past, the Conference has played host to speakers such as Nancy Carter, from the National Alliance for Mental Illness. Each year, the Conference's location varies, but it is typically held at a hotel or other suitable venue in Austin, Texas. The 2011 Conference will be held at the Austin Hilton Hotel.
Hilton Austin Hotel
500 East 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-482-8000
hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/AUSCVHH-Hilton-Austin-Texas
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