Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
Join the Free Library in Celebration of Black History Month
PHILADELPHIA, January 26, 2023—The Free Library of Philadelphia welcomes Philadelphians to join its celebration of Black History Month throughout February with extensive virtual and in-person programming that examines and illuminates the vast achievements of Black Americans and the systemic barriers that have been placed in their way throughout history.
“The Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to celebrate Black History Month with a range of events and opportunities for our patrons to engage in the contributions and the lived experiences of Black Americans. Our team has organized dozens of events throughout the month that highlight the work we do year round to spark civic dialogue and promote conversations around diversity,” said Dr. Guy A. Sims, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Programs invite attendees to listen, learn, and share their thoughts about African American culture and experiences. Listed below are highlights of our virtual Black History Month programming. For a complete up-to-date listing of all upcoming events, visit freelibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
Highlights from this year’s event are as follows, concluding with a special event with Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate Telicia Darius, who composed an original poem for the occasion titled “La femme noir.”
Pepper Pot Women and Black Culinary Entrepreneurship in Philadelphia
The Culinary Literacy Center at the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
Wednesday, February 1 | 6:00 p.m.
Thanks to the entrepreneurship of colonial Black women, pepper pot soup—a thick stew of beef tripe, vegetables, pepper, and other seasonings—became one of the first street foods in America. Join us for a tasting and discussion between two experts around the significance of the stew in the 19th-century culinary and business landscape. Tickets for this event are $15 and all proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting the Culinary Literacy's Center programs for youth, neighborhood engagement, and English language learning. A limited number of free tickets are available for SNAP-eligible families and for anyone who cannot afford the fee right now but would still like to participate. Please email kitchen@freelibrary.org for more information.
Virtual Sundays on Stage: A Seat for Rosa by Yearning to Learn
Virtual
Saturday, February 5 | 3:00 p.m.
When a child tells his aunt about a bully on his bus, she gives him advice by recounting the tale of Rosa Parks and the events that led to a revolution in racial justice. This poignant Yearning to Learn production includes many songs of the Civil Rights era and brings this historical time to life, while speaking to how individuals can work together to fight injustice and oppression. The performance will be broadcast on the Free Library Youth Services Facebook page.
Hip Hop Fundamentals
Greater Olney Library, 5501 North 5th Street
Monday, February 13 | 4:00 p.m.
Students will amaze themselves as they learn basic moves and create their own choreography by exploring the American art form of breakdancing with Hip Hop Fundamentals. Created in the 1970s by New York’s youth, the dance form is an engaging and exciting way for young people to express themselves, have fun, exercise, build confidence, and work as a team. This workshop is designed to build self-confidence and reinforce the idea that you can do anything you put your mind to doing. For ages 7 and up. Groups cannot be accommodated at this time.
Black History Celebration!
Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Boulevard
Tuesday, February 21 | 4:30 p.m.
Black History Celebration – Learn about Black innovators George Crum, Mae Jemison and Garett Morgan, and enjoy some themed crafts and snacks! This program is for school-age children.
Youth Poet Laureate Reading and Teen Poetry Workshop celebrating Black History Month
Field Teen Center at the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street
Tuesday, February 28 | 3:00 p.m.
Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate Telicia Darius will read from her body of work and lead teens ages 12-18 through writing exercises in a celebration of Black History Month. Telicia has written an original poem to commemorate Black History Month at the Free Library.
There are a number of exciting Author Events celebrating Black History Month throughout February as well, including Sadeqa Johnson, Guthrie Ramsey, and Joseph Earl Thomas. For the full Author Events schedule, visit freelibrary.org/authorevents.
In addition to the schedule of programs for Black History Month, the Free Library is highlighting resources including access to The HistoryMakers oral history database, the largest video collection of African American Oral history in the nation. Free Library cardholders can access The HistoryMakers Digital Archive at https://libwww.freelibrary.org/databases/. A library card number and PIN is required to login.
The Free Library also provides free access to the Historical Newspapers - Black Newspapers collection from ProQuest, which includes remote full-text access to The Philadelphia Tribune (1912-2001), The Chicago Defender (1910-1975), The Pittsburgh Courier (1911-2002), The New York Amsterdam News (1922-1993), The Atlanta Daily Word (1931-2003), The Baltimore Afro-American (1893-1988), The Los Angeles Sentinel (1934-2005), The Michigan Chronicle (1936-2010), The Norfolk Journal and Guide (1916-2013), The Louisville Defender (1951-2010) and The Cleveland Call and Post (1934-1991).
Free Library team members Dr. Sims and Veronica Britto, Interim Chief of the Neighborhood Library Services Division, are available for interviews about how Black History Month is being honored throughout the Free Library system and how engaging with communities on topics surrounding Black History month is important for the health of institutions around the city.
01/26/2023
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850