Join a powerful lecture series honoring 100 years of Black History Month with Houston Public Library at our Dr. Eva Alice McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library location. This thought-provoking program explores the people, movements, and moments that have shaped the Black experience in America. Featuring dynamic cultural performances and insightful conversations with politicians, dancers, religious figures, and community leaders, each event celebrates how Black history has been remembered and lived over the past century.

Why attend?

• Discover the stories and legacies that have shaped Black history and culture.

• Engage with inspiring speakers and cultural performances.

• Explore how storytelling, education, and activism continue to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.

Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect, learn, and celebrate a century of resilience, creativity, and community, join us for this unforgettable series!

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Born in New Hampshire and raised in Dover, HARPER WATTERS discovered his passion for dance at a young age, training with the Portsmouth School of Ballet before pursuing his studies at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts and later joining the Houston Ballet Academy. What began as a dream at the barre has become a trailblazing career on some of the world’s greatest stages.

As a member of Houston Ballet, Harper has performed leading roles in works by some of the most acclaimed choreographers of our time, from world premieres to beloved classics, and has represented the company in tours across Japan, Australia, Canada, and Germany. In 2024, his artistry and dedication were recognized with his historic promotion to Principal Dancer—making him the first African American male Principal in the company’s history, a milestone celebrated nationally on NBC’s Today Show.

Beyond the stage, Harper has brought ballet into new arenas of visibility, starring in fashion campaigns with Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch, and MAC Cosmetics, and using his ever-growing social media platforms to redefine what it means to be a dancer in the 21st century. His digital presence—reaching audiences in the hundreds of thousands—has been widely featured and written about as a bridge between high art and popular culture.

Harper’s commitment extends deeply into advocacy and community. In 2024, he served as Chair of the Montrose Center Gala, raising critical support for LGBTQ+ Houstonians, and he continues to be a passionate voice for representation, equity, and visibility both in and outside the dance world.

Through it all, Harper credits the city of Houston for shaping his career and inspiring his journey. He often says that the support, love, and energy of this city fuel his drive to keep pushing boundaries—not just for himself, but for the generations of dancers and dreamers to come.