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 book parties, 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 2021 theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.
Friday, February 12, 4 pm
African American and Black History Month Quiz
Are you a history buff or science guru? Put your knowledge to the test and join us for a quiz show highlighting cultural, historical, and scientific contributions by African and Black Americans. For a general audience.
Register Here
Tuesday, February 16, 4 pm
Natural Beauty Wall Art
Create your own wall art inspired by the many natural hair styles of the African and Black diaspora. For kids.
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Thursday, February 18, 4 pm
Book Party: Fancy Party Gowns
Join us for a reading of the inspiring book, Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe by Deborah Blumenthal, then learn how to fold your own paper origami dress at home. For kids.
Register Here
Saturday, February 20, 11 am
Author Talk with Robert Lee Johnson
In celebration of African American and Black History Month, local historian, lecturer, and author Robert Lee Johnson joins us to discuss his books Compton and Notable Southern Californians in Black History and speak about his upcoming book on the history of the Watts/Willowbrook area of Los Angeles. For adults.
Register Here
Saturday, February 20, 1 pm
African American Genealogy Workshop: Celebrating and Tracing your Family History
In celebration of this year’s National Black History Month theme, The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity, professional genealogist and family historian, Charlotte Bocage, will give instructions and provide a wealth of resources to assist in researching your family history. Both beginners and experienced researchers are welcome. For adults.
Register Here
Monday, February 22, 11 am
Virtual Storytime
Join us for a special African American and Black History Month Storytime! For kids.
On Facebook
Tuesday, February 23 at 4 pm
Book Party: Mae Among the Stars
Join us for a reading of the inspiring book, Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, then learn how to draw a rocket ship orbiting around the solar system! For kids.
Register Here
Wednesday, February 24 at 6 pm
Interview with Library Director Skye Patrick
Join us for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation about African American and Black representation in the library field, and throughout history. Skye will discuss her career path, books important to her life, and her thoughts on how representation of Black women in our society is evolving.
Register Here
One of our 3 special edition 19th Amendment Centennial library cards features Moses X Ball’s Resistance and Restitution. Ball’s artwork depicts 5 important Black woman suffragists who fought for an intersectional vision linking race, class, and gender: Ida B. Wells, Mary Church Terrell, Nannie H. Burroughs, Mary B. Talbert, and Frances E.W. Harper. Moses’ work declares that they deserve proper recognition for their accomplishments with improving the lives of all women.
Moses is known for painting images depicting the Black experience, from history to the present day. Born and raised in South LA, Moses works with community residents on the murals he creates, reflecting and inspiring those who live in the areas he seeks to beautify. Previous projects include Metro’s Heart of Hyde Park mural at Crenshaw Blvd and Slauson Ave, which depicts South LA community activists and local business owners alongside neighborhood youth (including Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom); Gateway to Greatness for the Expo Center at Exposition Park, featuring Olympians and Paralympians of Color; and Promise, an art therapy/public art program in collaboration with Blue Shield, focused on helping South LA youth and youth in the foster system cope with obstacles and express themselves.
Moses—who actually spent some time working in a library—was recently profiled by Spectrum 1 News in his studio, and visiting our Huntington Park Library.
To pick up a Resistance and Restitution library card, visit any of our Sidewalk Service libraries.
Jazz: A Musical Exploration (for adults)
Celebrate African American and Black History Month by learning about the Underground Railroad and quilt codes. It is believed secret codes and symbols were sewn into quilts and used as visual maps to assist fugitive slaves in their escape to freedom.