African American and Black History Month
History
February is African American and Black History Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor the rich and diverse history and important contributions and achievements of Black and African Americans. We’re celebrating all month with virtual programs for all ages, including a genealogy workshop, Virtual Storytime, and art activities.
In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson—historian, teacher, and author—founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). In February 1926, Woodson proposed the establishment of Negro History Week to honor the history of African Americans, and their contributions to American life. Dr. Woodson, known as the Father of Black History, chose the second week of February because it commemorates the birthdays of 2 men who greatly affected the African American community: Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). Negro History Week became Black History Week in the early 1970s. In 1976, the week-long observance was expanded to a month in honor of the nation’s bicentennial.
Black History Month continues to be supported by ASALH, its founding organization, who also designates its annual theme. The 2022 theme is Black Health and Wellness.

Wednesday, February 16, 4 pm
African and African American Tales
Storyteller Michael D. McCarty entertains and educates with tales from Africa and of African Americans that depict the challenges and triumphs of Black people throughout history. For kids and families.
Register Here

Thursday, February 17, 4 pm
Our Stories in Vivid Color: Black Histories & Futures
Are you a storyteller? A social justice warrior? In this dynamic conversation with global human rights organization Breakthrough, learn how Black women and girls are driving culture change, and how their histories and futures intersect with queer, disabled, and diasporic stories that are too often erased. For teens and young adults.
Register Here

Friday, February 18, 11 am
Smarty Pants Storytime: African American & Black History Month
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities celebrating African American & Black History Month while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For kids ages 2 – 5 with their parent or caregiver.
Register Here

Wednesday, February 23, 4 pm
Poetry Appreciation
New to the world of poetry? Join us as we highlight a few notable African American and Black poets and review their work to help us learn the basics of poetic structure and the art of the spoken word. For ages 13 – 17.
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Heart and Hand Virtual Book Talk: The Legacy of Bruce’s Beach
Join us for a conversation about the legacy of Bruce’s Beach, and the role of community and media in spreading awareness about social justice issues. Library Director Skye Patrick will moderate an insightful conversation between Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson, historian and author of Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites During the Jim Crow Era and Dominique DiPrima, host of First Things First on KBLA TALK 1580. This program will also feature a special appearance from Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn, an instrumental leader in the County’s effort to return Bruce’s Beach to its descendants. For adults.

In Conversation: Patrisse Cullors and Angela Davis
In An Abolitionist’s Handbook, artist, author, and organizer Patrisse Cullors charts a framework for how everyday activists can effectively fight for an abolitionist present and future. Filled with relatable pedagogy on the history of abolition, a reimagining of what reparations look like for Black lives, and real-life anecdotes, An Abolitionist’s Handbook offers a bold and humanistic approach to how to be a modern-day abolitionist. Join Cullors online as she virtually discusses her latest work with political activist, scholar, and philosopher Angela Davis. This program is moderated by LA County Library Director Skye Patrick and presented in partnership with LA County Library as part of its Trailblazers in Conversation series. For adults.

Tattooing the African Diaspora with James Spooner
While Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are deeply connected to tattoo history, the industry is riddled with misinformation when it comes to dark skin. James Spooner, who specializes in tattooing richly pigmented skin, will dispel those myths, and advise on how to get a quality tattoo. He will also discuss African body modification traditions and their ties to current tattoo practices. For adults.

Celebrating Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a day of remembrance commemorating the end of slavery on June 19, 1865. Join us for a celebration of freedom with storyteller and educator, Binnie Tate Wilkin, who will engage us with Juneteenth history, stories, folktales, and personal reflections. For teens and adults.

Eyes on Snapshots
Our Black Resource Center and The Community Writers Group of Los Angeles, a multi-generational group of writers passionate about preserving African American history and culture through the writing of personal narratives, invite you to experience an afternoon of memoirs and personal portraits. For adults.
Self-taught folk artist Clementine Hunter (1886 – 1988) spent most of her life on the Melrose Plantation in Louisiana. At the age of 55, she started painting the life she lived capturing over 5,000 scenes of backbreaking work, everyday life, religious life, and celebrations. Learn about this prolific American artist in this video featuring Rose Mitchell, Black Resource Center Librarian, and create your own Clementine Hunter-inspired artwork with supplies in a take-home kit. Supplies are limited. Please call ahead to your local library to check availability. For Adults.
Dance and sing along to a free streaming music playlist of LGBTQ+ Black artists. From musicians that paved the way, to next gen artists pushing the envelope, explore queer Black artists from a variety of genres.