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Events to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and to celebrate Black History Month are planned in the days and weeks ahead. Tell us about your Black History Month events. Include a description of the event, its time, date and location, the sponsor, admission charge if any, and contact information. Email the information to roc-info@DemocratandChronicle.com. Unless stated otherwise, all activities listed are free.

Friday

Martin Luther King Dinner Gala Celebration: Annual event will include guest speakers Dr. Iris Banister, Wakili Moore and Bill Davis Jr., awards, a silent auction, networking, dinner and entertainment. Reservations required. 6 p.m. RIT Inn Conference Center, 5257 West Henrietta Road, Henrietta. $55. USA.RBEA.Exec.Board@xerox.com.

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address: Keynote speaker Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Sponsors: College Diversity Roundtable and Office of the President. 6 p.m. Strong Auditorium, University of Rochester, Wilson Boulevard. (585) 275-0651.

Last Friday Jazz Heritage Series: Learn about the history of jazz music. Each session will feature a musical performance or film. This month’s featured performer is Thelonious Monk. Hosted by Carl Atkins and Culture Clash. 7 p.m. Baobab Cultural Center, 728 University Ave. $10. (585) 563-2145 or thebaobab.org.

Opening Reception For Artist Luvon Sheppard. Known for his watercolor street scenes and portraits of local African-American heroes, his paintings reflect a deep-rooted passion for community life. 7 to 9 p.m. Monroe Community College, Mercer Gallery, Fine Arts Complex, Building 12, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Brighton.