AMHERST — As Black History Month comes to a close, an event on Sunday afternoon will celebrate the music of African Americans over the past 400 years.

The Human Rights Commission and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are cosponsoring “The Resilience of African Americans through Music,” beginning at 2 p.m. at the Amherst Regional Middle School auditorium.

“It’s a Black history timeline through music,” Commission Co-Chairman Ben Herrington said at a recent commission meeting.

Herrington’s presentation Sunday will be covering Black music from 1969 to present, while DEI Assistant Director Jennifer Moyston will elaborate on Black music during the 1619 to 1865 time frame.

Commission member LaVerne Kelly will discuss Black music from 1865 to 1919 and DEI Director Pamela Nolan Young’s focus will be on 1919 to 1965.

Nolan Young said that drummers will perform during the initial segment, with other parts of the event to have recorded music from various genres of the time.

Those in need of translation or transportation to the event, which will last about three hours, should call 259-0360.

I Am Home exhibit

I Am Home, a creative project in honor of Black History Month featuring artwork by youths reflecting on the concepts of “home” and “freedom,” opened at the Jones Library this week.

The influence of the Black church is the inspiration for the community presentation.

To submit art for the exhibit, go to joneslibrary.org/blackhistoryteens

An art-making session was scheduled before the opening reception this week.

New food cart

Rooster’s Roaming Cantina recently received permission to operate in Amherst in the area of Kendrick Park from the Board of License Commissioners.

The food truck, which began service during the pandemic, has primarily been operating at events in Belchertown, Palmer and areas west of Amherst, serving street tacos, burgers and fries, empanadas and other items.

The commission also approved licenses for the Amherst Burger Bar, a new restaurant planned at 104 North Pleasant St.

Edible perennials

A presentation on edible perennials by naturalist John Root is being held at the Jones Library’s Woodbury Room on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

This presentation features the variety of trees, shrubs, vines, canes and herbaceous perennials that can be grown in New England to provide fruits, nuts and vegetables. Root will show participants how to establish and care for these plants using organic cultivation techniques.

The program is part of the library’s Gardens & Gardening series, sponsored by the Friends of the Jones Libraries and a grant from the Amherst Cultural Council. For more information about the free event, call Janet Ryan at 259-3223.

Performance

In partnership with the UMass Jazz in July program, the Avery Joi Quartet will perform at the Augusta Savage Gallery Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Joi, as vocalist, leads the jazz, neo-soul and R&B ensemble that includes Jahian Cooper-Monize on drums and Andrew Wilcox on piano.

The performance is free and celebrates the concentrated two-week program that allows participants to study jazz improvisation with leading jazz educators and artists. This year’s program is held July 10 to 21.

Staff Writer Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com. ]]>