February is Black History Month!
We kicked things off on January 30 with a visit from the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. Founded by Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, this is an award-winning collection of 10,000+ original artifacts related to Black history. For this visit, Dr. el-Hakim presented the exhibition "Hip Hop at 50," exploring the power of hip-hop through the years as an agent of self-expression, activism, education, and culture.
You can learn more about Dr. el-Hakim's visit with the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, as reported on by these news outlets:
WILX: ‘You can’t hide the truth’ - Traveling Black History Mobile Museum visits East Lansing
As we continue through the month, we have lots more programs, recommended reading lists, and resources available for library visitors. Check out some of what we have in store:
Programs:
? Every Monday (except 2/20), kids and teens can enjoy a movie matinee celebrating great Black protagonists; stop by at 4:15pm for a movie and snacks! Here's the showing schedule:
- February 6: Into the Spider-Verse
- February 13: Black Panther
- February 27: Cinderella (1997)
? On February 13, adults can join us for an MSU Muslim Journeys scholar-led discussion of The Great Muslim American Road Trip. We will screen an episode, “A Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Tulsa to Albuquerque,” which focuses on the experiences of Black Muslim Americans.
? On February 23, kids can learn about the art and history of Gee’s Bend quilts!
? On February 27, adults are encouraged to join us for the Centennial Book Club! This book club is celebrating our centennial anniversary this year by meeting monthly to discuss a book published from each decade of the last 100 years. February's (1930s) pick is Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston, chosen as the February title for its status as a classic work of Black literature.
? Throughout the month, teens can participate in a scavenger hunt to learn about famous figures in Black history, through their own words!
❤️ ELPL is partnering with the East Lansing High School Black Student Union to host a natural hair care drive. Starting February 6, drop off donations of new haircare supplies at the library, and at the end of the month we’ll distribute everything to women’s shelters in the Greater Lansing area.
Reading Recommendations:
We’ve also got a variety of recommended reading lists and book displays prepared, so stop by the library to browse or tune in on social media for our #FridayFeaturedReading. Whether you’re looking to learn more about Black history and current social justice issues through thoughtful non-fiction, or whether you’re reading for fun and celebrating current Black authors and illustrators, we’ve got you covered. Here are just a few of the lists we've compiled:
Celebrating Black History Month
Teen Reads: Celebrating Black Voices in Graphic Novels
Watch:
You can watch our staff talk more about Black History Month at the library below:
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