February is Black History Month

If you haven’t yet checked out some of the special programs your library is offering in honor of Black History Month, there’s still time!  From performers to cooking to a scavenger hunt there are events for many tastes, all suitable for children and families.

Saturday, February 18:
Join the 78th Street Community Library from 2-4 p.m. for a screening of a film based on the true story of a six-year-old African-American girl who helped integrate the all-white schools of New Orleans. Free snacks will be provided.

Sunday, February 19:   
The Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library welcomes the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers, Tampa’s premiere dance and percussion troupe.  Attendees will experience the sounds, moves and stories of different African cultures.  The program runs from 2-3 p.m.

The Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library presents “Get Things Cookin’:  Heritage Food Sampler” from 3-5 p.m.   It’s a celebration of the 23rd National African American Read – In with book talks, books discussions and individual reading.  The afternoon continues with Chef Brenda of BE’s Kitchen and Catering and a demonstration of Southern cooking with Cajun, Caribbean, African and South American touches.

Tuesday, February 21:
The Seminole Heights Branch Library hosts a “Black History Month Scavenger Hunt” from 3:30-5:30 p.m.  Sleuth out the identities of some famous African Americans using the Library’s World Book Online for Kids electronic database in this fun, interactive program.

Sunday, February 26:
Poet Myron Jackson presents original works influenced by the Harlem Renaissance, the Beat Poets of the 1950s and Nikki Giovanni, among other sources, at the North Tampa Branch Library from 2-3 p.m.  His original works address social issues, satire, history and fiction. Mr. Jackson has more than 30 year’s professional experience as a poet, drummer, and percussionist.

For more information about these and other FREE programs @ your library®, call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

February is Black History Month

African-Americans have played key roles in our country’s history from the start but their contributions weren’t properly celebrated until 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week. Dr. Woodson chose the second week in February to honor the birthdays of two of his heroes, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the week became the month-long observance we know today. This is a great opportunity to learn about some of the hardships, struggles, and ultimately, accomplishments of African-Americans from all walks of life.

To learn more about Black History Month, click here!