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The city of Ocoee will celebrate Black History Month throughout February in several different ways this year, and the public is invited to attend all the events.

The city and the Human Relations Diversity Board will present its fourth annual Black History Essay Contest. This year the theme is “One Dream, One Nation.” Students from local elementary and middle schools will recite their winning essays Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive. The event will be taped live on Ocoee TV, Channel 200, Bright House Cable.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, an Orisirisi African Folklore performance will be held at Ocoee Middle School at 7 p.m. Feb. 16-19 the Orisirisi performers will hold a special educational workshop for OMS students and teach them the beauty of African life, culture and dance. Orisirisi (pronounced O-re-she-re-she) is a Yoruba term meaning different things.

Throughout February, residents can turn to Ocoee TV to watch programs that will highlight significant events from American history. Milestones of the Civil Rights Movement will show archival footage of events, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Little Rock Nine, the Selma March and the march on Washington.

In addition, the city of Ocoee and the city of Winter Garden Martin Luther King Unity Parade will be broadcast this month. Visit ww.ocoee.org for dates and times the shows will air.

In recognition of Black History Month, a Wall of Fame recognizing black historical figures will be showcased at City Hall. The wall will display biographical sketches of several trailblazers, including Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman and Ralph Bunche.

For more information, call Joy Wright, community relations, at 407-905-3100.

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