ELKHART — The Tolson Center will celebrate Black History Month this week with a reception for local kids, a performance by Elkhart’s BAD Entertainment Dance Team and a special presentation by the Rev. Franklin Breckenridge.

The celebration will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Tolson Center, 1320 Benham Ave. in Elkhart.

A group of students will be honored with certificates for completing a Black History Month project that taught them about the achievements of notable black figures such as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.

“Come and witness something great,” said Rechica Ledesma, Tolson Center program coordinator.

The six winners of the “I Have a Dream” writing contest will share their submissions, which touched on subjects including education, eliminating violence, drugs and bullying among others. The contest winners are:

• First grade: Londen Wiley, Eastwood Elementary

• Second grade: Mercy Lee, Pinewood Elementary

• Third grade: Nereida Salazar, Pinewood Elementary

• Fourth grade: Niala Brown, Hawthorne Elementary

• Fifth grade: Jacob Marietta, Pinewood Elementary

• Sixth grade: Margo Southern, Eastwood Elementary