The Black Wall Street Merchants Association will sponsor a series of Black History Month events to honor the contributions of African Americans. The organization represents blackowned merchants from 50th to 109th avenues along International Boulevard in Oakland.
   The series kicked off this week with “Early Literacy Night,” where kids ages 1 to 5 and their parents enjoyed stories, crafts and tips on early education. The event is normally held the first working Monday of each month at the Martin Luther King Library, located at 6833 International Blvd. in Oakland.
   Upcoming events include:
• African American Folk Tales featuring storyteller Muriel Johnson on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. Johnson presents traditional folktales of children from Africa and the American South. At Elmhurst Library, 1427 88th Ave.
• Black History Concert Series on Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Allen Temple Baptist Church Family Life Center, 8501 International Blvd. The concert will feature the El Cerrito High School dance class under the direction of Jacqueline Burgess. Produced by Betty Gadling. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $7.50 for youth.
• More Rail: Montage of Rail Experiences on Feb. 20 at 3:30 p.m. This program about the history of African Americans and the railroad includes slides and music. At Martin Luther King Library, 6833 International Blvd.
• Celebration of the Harlem Renaissance on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. Students will highlight some of the most influential people during the Harlem Renaissance period. At the Dr. Herbert Guice Christian Academy, 6925 International Blvd. • Black History Celebration with singing, poems drama, praise and worship presented by youth on Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Rainbow COGIC, 6119 International Blvd. Also, “The Eyes of Our Children,” with emphasis on science, educators and entertainers, along with perspectives on slavery, civil rights and making history now at Allen Temple Baptist Church Family Life Center, 8501 International Blvd. Free admission.
• Forum to brainstorm and come up with ideas and strategies to make the black community better on Feb. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guest speakers include Bishop Bob Jackson of Acts Full Gospel and the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce and Oakland City Councilwoman Desley Brooks. At the Rainbow Recreation Center, 5800 International Blvd.