While America has proved through the election of President Barack Obama how much it has progressed with regard to racial issues, Black History Month represents the perfect occasion to shed light on events and people who have played a major role in the development of mentalities.

 

Numerous special film screenings have been organized for the celebration of Black History Month and are due to take place through February 28.

 

The Little Theater, 240 East Ave., is scheduled to present the theatrical premiere of “Fury,” a contemporary ghost tale that focuses on a teen group who intend to hold their first gig in an eerie, deserted city building. Local film directors, such as Liz Lehmann, are due to confer the production following the 6:30 p.m. screening on February 19.

 

“The Little Theater Spotlight on Black History Month” is expected to run from Friday through February 19, as well as February 23 and 28.

 

Other movies include 2004’s “February One,” 1998’s “The Black Press: Soldiers Without Words,” 1990’s “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket” and 2007’s “Ballou” and “Pride.”

 

“February One” depicts the way in which four freshmen influenced the course of American history, by focusing on the 1960 Greensboro lunch counter protests that gave a new lease of life to the Civil Rights Movement.

 

“Pride” tells the rousing story of Jim Ellis, a charming professor in the 1970s who established an African-American swim team in one of Philadelphia’s violence-dominated neighborhoods.