``Hollywood in Black and White'' - Month-Long Celebration of Black History Month - Kicks Off With Opening Night Reception at The Hollywood Museum on Monday, February 7th.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- U.S. Congresswoman Diane E. Watson is proud to announce "Hollywood in Black and White," a month-long celebration of Black History Month, that kicks off with a gala celebrity and VIP reception honoring Lena Horne, Herb Jeffries, Nancy Wilson, Sidney Poitier, Fayard Nicholas, Bill Jones, Johnny Grant, Sherry Lansing, Brock Peters and Harry Langdon at The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building on Monday evening, February 7.

Also that evening, the new exhibit "Hollywood In Black and White" will be unveiled at The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building. It includes movie props and costumes worn by eminent African American actors including Lena Horne, Patti LaBelle, Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, Vanessa Williams, Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Wesley Snipes, Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J and Denzel Washington.

The new exhibit also includes classic photography from famous movies starring African Americans and a selection of historic photos by Harry Langdon that graced covers of Ebony Magazine during the past two decades.

Preceding the reception on February 7, Congresswoman Watson will host a "Star Tour" into the communities where famous black performers once resided.

Also as part of "Hollywood In Black and White," The 13th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) will honor groundbreaking and legendary performers Herb Jeffries and Oscar Brown Jr. with the coveted PAFF Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual Night Of Tribute. Other distinguished honorees include Congresswoman Diane E. Watson who will receive the PAFF Diversity Award, actress Vanessa Williams who will receive the Beah Richards Award, Isaiah Washington recipient of the Canada Lee Award, Pioneer Award recipient celebrated photographer Bill Jones and Nathaniel Bustion the 2005 PAFF Featured Artist. The awards ceremony will take place Saturday, February 12 at 7 p.m. at the Magic Johnson Theaters and will be followed by a champagne reception. Tickets are $125 and are on sale via PAFF's secure website at www.paff.org or by calling [phone].

There will be special screenings of "The Bronze Buckaroo" at Magic Johnson Theatres on February 11 and 17 and a screening of "Gone With the Wind" at Sony Studios on February 13.

"The goal of this month-long celebration of Black history is to reach a mutual appreciation and understanding of the contributions of African American performers to the Hollywood film and entertainment industry and to recognize the power of diversity and inclusion," said Congresswoman Diane E. Watson.

"The Hollywood Museum is honored to be able to play such an important role in this historic event," said Donelle Dadigan, museum president and founder. "The new `Hollywood In Black and White' exhibit will be open to the public Thursday through Sunday, February 10-27. We're also delighted that children from city schools will be brought to The Hollywood Museum throughout the month to view the exhibit. I want to personally thank Emmett Cash III, executive director of `Hollywood In Black and White,' for his diligent efforts in reaching out to the Hollywood community and collecting such an outstanding collection of historic costumes, props and photography."

Honorary Co-Chairs of `Hollywood In Black and White' are Mayor James Hahn, Councilman Bernard Parks, Councilman Martin Ludlow, and Councilman Eric Garcetti.

Admittance to the "Hollywood In Black and White" exhibit is included in The Hollywood Museum's general admission fees.

"Hollywood In Black and White"

Where: The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building
       1660 N. Highland Avenue, Hollywood

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday
      Begins February 10 and ends February 27, 2005

Price: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and children under 12.

Info: [phone]