Celebrate Black History

The origins of Black History Month stem from Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. In 1926, Woodson and the association sponsored the first National Negro History Week to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved abolitionist, and former President Abraham Lincoln. Schools, churches, and communities continued to recognize local African American's during NNHW. Then in 1976 President Gerald Ford officially recognized National Black History Month.

Each February, the ACLD celebrates Black History Month by recognizing and honoring the outstanding contributions that Black Americans have made to American history and culture. At the Library District, we will have many amazing programs and events to honor Black History Month. Take a look at what your local library is doing and see staff selected books lists below that promote Black stories in our collection.

Upcoming Events

Resources

All Ages
Gale in Context: Biography
Learn more about the lives that made an impact in our world.

Featured Events

Headquarters Library

STEAM Crafts: Black History Month
Thurs. Feb. 6, 3 p.m. (Ages 6-11)
Celebrate Black History Month with crafts and activities inspired by the work of influential Black scientists. .

Alachua Branch

Black History Month: African American Read In
Sun. Feb. 23, 2 p.m. (All Ages)
Join us for a community celebration as we host our Annual National African American Read-In, co-sponsored by the Alachua Branch Friends of the Library. Come listen to stories and musical performances as we celebrate Black History Month.

Archer Branch

Black History Month: Who Am I?
All month long (All Ages)
Can you recognize the clues? Enjoy an interactive display featuring hints that challenge your biographical knowledge of notable African Americans. Uncover the answers as you learn about the fascinating lives of these individuals.

Cone Park Branch

African American Genealogy for Beginners
Tues. Feb. 4, 3 p.m. (Adults)
Learn about your African American ancestors and talk about ways to overcome challenges faced by those working on African American genealogy.
Art Club: Painting like Jean-Michel Basquiat
Wed. Feb. 19, 4 p.m. (Teens)
Listen to a short presentation about the renowned Black artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Then be inspired to paint in his style on a canvas! Celebrate Black History Month by learning how to paint. Registration required.
Kid Crafts: Black History Month
Thur. Feb. 20, 3 p.m. (All Ages)
Join us this month as we recreate famous inventions from Black inventors through crafts! Choose to recreate Valerie Thomas's 3D glasses or Lonnie Johnson's super soaker through recycled materials.

Hawthorne Branch

Black History Month: African American Read-In
Sat. Feb. 15, 2 p.m. (All Ages)
Celebrate Black authors and poets at our Annual African American Read-In.

High Spring Branch

Black History Month: Searching for Your Roots
Wed. Feb. 5, 3 p.m. (Teens, Adults)
Discover your family history with a little help from library staff. We will teach you how to use library resources in your research to discover your relatives. Laptops will be provided for the class.
Black History Month: The Journey, Past, Present, and Future
Tues. Feb. 18, 3 p.m. (All Ages)
Follow us down memory lane as we celebrate the history and culture of African Americans past, present, and future. Throughout the program you can enjoy performances by local artists including storytelling, singing, and dancing.

Library Partnership Branch

A Four-Part Film Series: African Americans
Every Tuesday in February, 11:30 a.m. (Adults)
Join us to watch this four-part fil series where the host uses genealogy, oral history, family stories, and DNA analysis to trace lineages through American history and back to Africa. Staff will lead a group discussion on the film at its conclusion of each program.

Micanopy Branch

Celebrate Black History Month with Street Art Masterpieces: Make a painting in the style of Basquiat
Sat. Feb. 15, 2 p.m. (Teens)
After learning about the life and art of Jean-Michel Basquiat, we will create our own artworks inspired by his use of bold colors, layering and text elements.

Millhopper Branch

Black History Month at the Library: Basquiat Art Workshop
Tues. Feb. 11, 4 p.m. (Ages 6-11)
Celebrate Black History Month by joining us for an art workshop inspired by the work of famed artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Teen Craft Club: Black History Month Special Edition
Wed. Feb. 19, 4 p.m. (Teens)
Join us as we celebrate and create a craft in honor of Black History Month. All supplies will be provided. Registration required.

Newberry Branch

African Mask Workshop
Wed. Feb. 12, 3:15 p.m. (All Ages)
Learn about African American heritage while creating a mask out of paper.
Story Time: Black History Month
Thurs. Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m. (Ages 1-5)
Come out to celebrate diversity and honor Black History Month during this special Story Time program. Story Time is a casual and fun way for children to develop early literacy skills.

Tower Road Branch

Celebrate Black History Month with Art
Wed. Feb. 26, 3 p.m. (Ages 6-11)
Join us to make art using techniques inspired by contemporary Black artists Faith Ringgold and Romare Bearden. Let your imagination free and create art you can take home.

Waldo Branch

ArtSpace: Visual Journaling
Thurs. Feb. 6, 4 p.m. and Sat, Feb. 8, 2 p.m. (Ages 5-Adults)
Come out and illustrate your visual journal for Black History Month. Add some pages about your plans to celebrate this month. Registration required.