Celebrating Black History Month with music

Yahoo

22-02-2025

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)- A handful of local artists are set to play in Sioux Falls to celebrate Black History Month.
Performer, Etta McKinley will the stage with a few different groups this week, including Creating in Color.
'Most of the songs are covers of a whole bunch of black artists of all different timelines. But for the combination of the singing and the dancing as well, I think all of it together kind of tells a story,' McKinley said.
'Discarded, betrayed:' Yankton federal employee laid off
McKinley says this week's performances will bring awareness to black history and culture.
'Not just to educate, but also celebrate because it is a celebration. It's our life, it's our culture, it's our everyday,' McKinley said.
Singer and musician, Arlinda Peacock will also take the mic solo this weekend.
'They can expect soul and just raw feelings. I decided to do this solo just to embrace myself and speak out and you know, be real,' Peacock said.
Peacock says she uses music to express herself, something she wasn't always comfortable with.
'Later in life I really expressed who I was. Learn to love my natural hair, learn to love who I was as a person,' Peacock said.
Both McKinley and Peacock say they're excited for people to see their talents, while also sparking conversations.
'I do hope people learn something from the show, whatever they decide to take from it. I hope people leave with love. I hope they understand that we are just a big group of loving people who just want to perform on this amazing show for them and hope that they experience something incredible,' McKinley said.
'I think will be very powerful for people to speak out and truly embrace who they are inside and out,' Peacock said.
Creating in Color's performance is a part of the Washington Pavilions Live and Local Series.
Peacock and McKinley with Etta and The Vendetta will perform at The Den on Saturday from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., a 21+ event.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.