Black History Event Features Marketplace

As Black History Month comes to a close, several local groups will host the fourth annual “Afro-Centric Marketplace” today.

The marketplace, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mountain Gate Plaza in Simi Valley, will offer African-inspired clothing, jewelry, artifacts, home decorations and health and educational materials. Gospel singers from Ventura and Los Angeles counties, along with a Simi Valley dance group, will provide entertainment.

Julia’s Professional Service, Mountaingate Plaza and the Afro-Centric Committee of Ventura County are sponsoring the event.

It is designed to promote the education and appreciation of black culture in the county, committee Vice President Ida Magitt said.

“If we learn a little bit about each other, we will have a better understanding and a better outlook,” Magitt said. “We can build on each other’s differences as we go along, and appreciate each other’s differences.”