The Apollo Theater has announced its Black History Month schedule for 2016. Highlights include the return of the venue's iconic talent competition Amateur Night with Grammy winner Chrisette Michele.

Amateur Night: Opening Night kicks off the season Feb. 17 with special guest artist Michele. A new line-up of contestants will compete to win the title of Super Top Dog and a prize of $10,000. The evening features performers across a range of genres and disciplines including singer, dancers, jugglers, comedians and more.

On Feb. 6 the theatre will present Apollo Open House Weekend, a free event open to the public that explores the relationship between the arts and activism. Part of the weekend's programming includes Say it Loud: Arts and Activism at the Apollo, a day of film and music presentations devoted to legendary Apollo artists like James Brown, Nina Simone, Bob Marley and more. The weekend will feature a special screening of "The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution," followed by a discussion with former member of the Black Panther Party Kathleen Cleaver, director Stanley Nelson and more.

The Apollo Comedy Club and Apollo Music Cafe also return, both intimate series featuring a host of innovative artists.

Tickets and more information are available online at ApolloTheater.org, by calling (212) 531-5305 or visiting the Apollo Theater box office, located at 253 West 125th St., Manhattan.