February is Black History Month and to celebrate, Roswell will host the Ninth Annual Roswell Roots festival throughout the month. Roswell Roots,  the largest and most comprehensive Black History celebration in Georgia, celebrates black history and culture by sponsoring a variety of art exhibits, history and cultural events.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATION INCLUDE:

Storyteller J’miah Nabawi — J’miah Nabawi, national award-winning professional storyteller and author of children’s books, will perform at this event for children ages pre-K and elementary. J’miah’s traditional arts programming reflects the story-dance-musical storytelling drama of Africa and its Diaspora. His upbringing in a household of family dancers and improvisational music practitioners are the major influences on his style and work. Thursday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. at the North Fulton Child Development Center.

Step Dancing Competition — Local youth step teams will show off their high-energy step routines to win prizes. Stepping or step-dancing includes combinations of dance, gymnastics, hand claps and chants. Teams will be judged on creativity, originality and quality of presentation. This event is free and open to the public. Saturday, Feb. 6, noon at the Pleasant Hill Community Center.

“Slammin’ in the Suburbs”: Roswell Poetry Slam — For an evening of wonderful entertainment unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, join us for “Slammin” in the Suburbs”. This is Roswell’s sixth annual poetry slam during which poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience on content (discretion encouraged) and performance. Hosted by award-winning spoken word artist, Ayodele Heath. A $300 cash First Place prize sponsored by the Georgia Poetry Society will be awarded as well as a $200 Second Place and a $100 Third Place Prize. For details on the rules and how to participate, visit www.roswellgov.com or email lrhodes@roswellgov.com. Thursday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m. at the Red Door Playhouse.

The Tuskegee Airmen: The Segregated Skies of WWII — An exhibit that explores the history and heroism of the first African-American pilots to fly in combat during World War II. The 10-panel exhibit is presented by the Museum of History and Holocaust Education of Kennesaw State University in partnership with Tuskegee University. KSU students of Museum Studies served as curators for the exhibit. City Hall Rotunda.