NATCHEZ — The Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture is hosting events honoring black history this month designed to educate and empower.

NAPAC Museum Director Darrell White said NAPAC will be hosting a black history academic competition for fourth- through eighth-grade students of the Natchez-Adams School District.

The competition, set for Saturday, will challenge students’ knowledge of black history.

“It will provide local students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of black history and also build their self-confidence,” White said.

NAPAC will also host a financial empowerment seminar Feb. 15 to educate residents on financial responsibility. NAPAC’s annual meeting is on Feb. 17.

NAPAC will also host a reception at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 for the 25th annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, which will commemorate the history, literature, music, film, journalism and church ministries of the Civil Rights Movement.

White said it is important community members have the opportunity to attend events that will educate them and honor black history during February.

“Black history is American history,” he said. “Failure to acknowledge the sacrifice and contributions made by previous generations could result in them being forgotten. That is something we must not let happen.”

The Natchez chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will also be hosting events to commemorate black history throughout February. President the Rev. Clifton Marvel said the NAACP board will meet Wednesday to determine those events.