Did you know that February is Black History Month? MCPL has free online resources, books, and events to help you learn and celebrate!
If you're looking to explore and research online we've got some wonderful, authoritative resources for you. The Oxford African American Studies Center online database is focused "on the lives and events which have shaped African American and African history and culture." It is a place where you can read articles, primary sources, maps, timelines, and biographical information.There are also many images included on the site that you can view.
If you are looking for biographical information, you should have at look at Biography in Context. There you browse and search for information on notable African Americans. You can also search by nationality and occupation. The site provides articles from reference works, academic journals, magazines, and newspapers as well as images, audio clips, and videos.
You can discover history though song as well. Listen to streaming music from American Song which includes genres such as jazz, blues, gospel, ragtime, folk songs, and narratives, among others. If you are interested in jazz try the Jazz Music Library where you can choose from thousands of jazz artists, ensembles, albums, and genres.
Have you heard about the Lincoln Park History Project? It's a partnership MCPL has with several local historical and cultural organizations. Its purpose is to find, document, and preserve the cultural heritage of one of Rockville's oldest African American communities, Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park, started in the 1890s, was one of the first real estate ventures for African American homeowners in Montgomery County. We invite you to learn about its history, the families that lived there, the houses they lived in, and more. There is also information included about Lorenzo Dow Turner. He was a professor of English and he pioneered research of Gullah language in the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia.
Looking for some fascinating books to read? We have some great book suggestions for adults and teens, as well as kids, to help celebrate Black History Month. The first week of Black History Month (February 1-7) kicks off with Read Africa Week (February 1-7). It is a literacy initiative of Africa Access, the Center for African Studies at Howard University, and Howard University’s School of Education. Teachers, librarians, parents, and adults are encouraged to introduce young people to great books about Africa during the first week of Black History Month. We have books as well as other resources for kids on Africa to help you get started.
Looking for events? We've got some exciting programs you won't want to miss. Here are some program highlights.
- Author Event: Shameen Anthanio-Williams will be at Marilyn J. Praisner on Thurs., Feb. 2 at 7:00 PM.
- Still Standing: One- and Two- Room School Houses in Montgomery County and the Stories They Tell About the Early Days of Public Education will be at Marilyn J. Praisner on Sat., Feb. 4 at 2:00 PM. Presented by the Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS).
- Growing Up Gullah will be at Long Branch on Sat., Feb. 4 at 2:00 PM.
- Baby Griot's Drumming Circle with Baba Jamal Korman will be at Bethesda on Thurs., Feb. 9 at 10:30 AM. Free tickets will be distributed 30 prior to the program; space is limited.
- Slavery in the United States and Beyond at Silver Spring on Sat., Feb. 11 at 2:00 PM. Presented by author Janet Willen.
- African American History in Montgomery County: The Boyd School & Education at Quince Orchard on Sat., Feb, 12 at 2:00 PM. Presented by the Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS).
- Within These Walls: The Contraband Hospital and the African Americans Who Served There at Twinbrook on Sat., Feb. 16 at 6:00 PM. Presented by the Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS).
- Hidden Heroes: Africans Americans, NASA, & the Quest for the Final Frontier will be at Long Branch on Fri., Feb. 17 at 4:00 PM.
- Slavery in the United States and Beyond at Germantown on Sat., Feb. 18, at 2:00 PM. Presented by author Janet Willen.
- Movie Event: Selma will be at Wheaton on Sun., Feb. 19 at 2:00 PM.
- Author Event: Sheryll Cashin will be at Silver Spring on Thurs., Feb. 23 at 7:00 PM.
- Emancipation to Integration -- 150 Years of Advancement in Educational Equality at Rockville Memorial on Fri., Feb. 24 at 7:00 PM. Presented by Peerless Rockville.
- Baba Jamal Korman, The Storyman will be at Germantown on Sat., Feb. 25 at 2:00 PM. Limited seating. Free tickets available beginning one hour before the program at the Children’s Information Desk.
- African American Book Discussions all month long.
We're happy to help you start your journey exploring Black History today at MCPL!
Susan
Labels: Books, Databases, e-Books, Education, History, Music, Programs and Events, Reading
