This year's national theme focuses on the 150th Anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation and the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington to bring the public's attention to important developments that merit emphasis. These historic events and local programs help us to explore historical issues of importance to people of African descent and race relations in America.
Both Alachua and Hawthorne branches will participate in the 24th Annual National African American Read-In. Other pgorams across the District will feature events such as Black History Outside the Book: An Evening of Dance at Headquarters. This program will showcase some of the most talented and diverse dance groups and individuals in the community including Divine Gentlemen (Praise Group), Noni Jones' African dance group, Angela M. Holmes Dancers (group of teens and tweens), and the Lavern Porter Dancers (jazz, modern, Praise - mixture).
This year's Black History Month events include:
Alachua Branch
Feb. 10, 2-4 pm, All Ages
This long held tradition weaves the spoken word with music and is celebrated by the entire community.
It Takes A Village featuring Educator Joe Louis Clark
Feb. 7, 6:30 pm, All Ages
Join us in celebrating Black History Month with Educator Joe Louis Clark, who inspired the award winning film Lean On Me, starring Morgan Freeman
Archer Branch
Celebrating Black History with Spirit Dancers of Jordan Glen School
Feb. 10, 3 pm, All Ages
Dances, songs, and music representing the African diaspora that will inspire and heal your spirit.
Cone Park Branch
Wednesdays, 10 am, for children 5 & under
Stories, fingerplays, songs, and crafts.
Hawthorne Branch
National African American Read-In
Feb. 9, 2-3:30 pm, All Ages
Featured readers include local community members and leaders in the fields of religion, government, education, and the arts.
Headquarters
Black History Outside The Book: An Evening of Dance
Feb. 10, 2 pm, All Ages
This year’s program will showcase some of the most diverse and accomplished dance groups in the community including Divine Gentlemen (Praise Group), Noni Jones' African dance group, Angela M. Holmes Dancers (group of teens and tweens), and the Lavern Porter Dancers (jazz, modern, Praise - mixture).
Feb. 19, 6 pm, All Ages
Join acclaimed author Sharon Draper as she discusses her life, inspirations and her writing.
Feb. 27, 6 pm, All Ages
Are you overwhelmed with selecting the right hair products for the texture of your hair? Thinking about going from a relaxer to a natural hair style? Then this program might be for you!
High Springs Branch
An African-American History of High Springs
Feb. 7, 6:30pm, Adults & Seniors
Listen to African-American members of our community tell you what it was like growing up in High Springs.
Feb. 19, 4 pm, Teens
Test your knowledge of famous African-Americans.
Feb. 25, 11 am, Ages 3-5
Sit out in the sunshine on a blanket and listen to books by African-American authors.
Library Partnership
Up-and-coming local African American Authors
Feb. 6, 5 pm, All Ages
Hear local authors, including Shereka O’Neal, Terence Pollard, LaTasha Holcy and Sunnie Williams, tell their stories and what inspired them to write.
Buffalo Soldiers Historical Society
Feb. 28, 4 pm, All Ages
Learn about the legacy of the Jacksonville Buffalo Soldier Historical Society and the role these honorable military men played in American history, and how the motorcycle club keeps their memory alive.
Feb. 27, 3:30pm, All Ages
Celebrate with a special movie from the Library’s collection.
Micanopy Branch
Feb. 17, 2 pm, All Ages
Based on the Newbery award winning book of the same name, this Oscar-nominated film shows a fairly accurate portrayal of southern life during the depression of the 1930s.
Millhopper Branch
Feb. 9, 1 pm, All Ages
Noni Jones will teach basic movement/dance steps of a traditional African dance and give basic updates on current African history.
Black Superheroes and the Superman Paradigm
Feb. 16, 3-5 pm, All Ages - This program is a panel discussion on the history of African Americans in comics led by University of Florida graduate student Melissa Loucks.
Feb. 23, 2-4 pm, All Ages
Dr. Daniel L. Haulman of the Air Force Historical Research Agency will speak about the Tuskegee Airmen and the book he co-authored, The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History 1939-1949.
Newberry Branch
Feb. 8, 3 pm, Ages 5-18
Talk about the Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. Hear stories about these honorable military men, the role they played in American history, and how the motorcycle club keeps their memory alive.
Black History Month Guest Speaker: Jamal Sowell
Feb. 19, 6 pm, All Ages
Jamal Sowell is a former UF student-body President and served in Afghanistan as a Marine Corps officer. He is currently a Special Assistant to University of Florida President Bernie Machen.
Tower Road Branch
Feb. 16, 1 pm, All Ages
Noni Jones will teach basic movement/dance steps of a traditional African dance and give basic updates on current African history.
Feb. 24, 2 pm, Adults & Seniors
Dr. Daniel L. Haulman of the Air Force Historical Research Agency will speak about the Tuskegee Airmen and the book he co-authored, The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History 1939-1949.
