By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice

In recognition of Black History Month, the city will honor 18 elementary students Feb. 24 at the 15th annual Black Heritage Celebration.

The black cultural event will take place at 11 a.m. in the Harriet C. North Community Room at City Hall, 355 Main St.

The celebration will include an awards ceremony, musical selections, poetry readings and remarks from Mayor John M. Picard and Superintendent of Schools Neil C. Cavallaro.

Members of the Black Heritage Committee will present students awards for academics and leadership, most improved and perfect attendance. The committee will also recognize others who have made contributions to the city, including Justice of the Peace Steven R. Mullins, who sits on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the late political activist Curtis Jordan, who served on the Board of Finance.

Lunch will follow the ceremony.

In honor of the monthlong cultural celebration, organizers will drape the walls of City Hall with banners and posters depicting important black leaders and people worldwide.

Since its inception more than a decade ago, the grass-roots committee has worked to promote racial harmony across the city, transforming City Hall into an exhibition of African-American art and literature to educate residents about black culture.

The celebration will culminate with the presentation of a local black heritage exhibit, “West Haven African-American Pioneers,” by the committee and the West Haven Historical Society from 2 to 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at the society’s Poli House headquarters at 686 Savin Ave. Wine and cheese will be served.