Friday night, the Garner Performing Arts Center will kick off Black History Month with an evening entitled “Pilots, Picture & Purpose,” which will feature a screening of Anthony Hemingway’s “Red Tails” (2012), concerning the first black pilots in the American military, the Tuskegee Airmen who flew in World War II. George Lucas executive-produced the historical drama, which stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Gerald McRaney, and David Oyelowo.

A pre-screening lecture, including a meet-and-greet with African-American pilots from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, will begin at 7, with the film following at 8. Free. Details: 919-691-6988; www.garnerperformingartscenter.com.