This February, the Free Library is proud to commemorate Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and achievements of Black Americans throughout U.S. history and celebrating Black history, culture, and heritage.

Black History Month offers all of us an opportunity to learn more about the significant contributions of Black Americans, including Black artists, politicians, inventors, and scientists, which led to important moments that defined the course of history for our country, our city, and our local communities.

Join the Free Library in observing the festivities of Black History Month with programming available for all ages throughout Philadelphia:

• Attend various storytimes, along with other children’s activities like Parent/Baby Bonding Time with bell hooks, the Children of the Black History Movement Station, and scavenger hunts celebrating Black Philadelphians, Black inventors, and more!

• Join LEAP’s Tech Tuesdays and Black Inventors Challenges to learn more about Black inventors, scientists, and innovators.

• Participate in a community reading group of W.E.B. DuBois’s classic novel The Ordeal of Mansart or join the discussion about Margot Lee Shetterly’s book Hidden Figures in a virtual book club.

• Pick up your Black History DIY Film Discussion Kit and host your own discussion on a film about Black history or made by a Black filmmaker.

• Continue learning about Black artists with Chronicling Resistance Fellow Germaine Ingram’s virtual event, featuring tap/jazz scholar Hank Smith discussing mysterious Philadelphia tap legend Louise Madison and how she, among other Black women of the early to mid 20th century, used the popular stage to resist limitations of race and gender.

• Attend In the Path of Islam events that highlight the diverse voices of Philadelphia’s indigenous Muslim community while engaging all Philadelphians with a cultural, religious, or intellectual interest in Islam or in books made in the Muslim World. Check out the Manuscripts of the Muslim World digital collection and stay updated with news about In the Path of Islam's upcoming exhibition and its ongoing programming at the Free Library.

• Create your own unique paper quilt square in the (Quilt) Pieces of Black History series and feature your favorite Black authors, books written by Black authors, or quotes by Black historical and current figures. At the end of the month, the squares will be pieced together and will form a beautiful quilt that commemorates Black History Month.

• Attend an engaging Author Event with authors like:

  • Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts, who writes about Black joy as a means of restoration, resilience, and resistance; 

  • Brendan Slocumb, whose debut novel follows Black classical musician Ray McMillian and the theft of his great-great-grandfather’s priceless Stradivarius violin;

  • Barbara Chase-Riboud, whose novel is based on the true story of Hannah Elias, one of the wealthiest Black women in early 20th century United States;

  • Jabari Asim, who tells the story of a group of enslaved Black people seeking love, friendship, and independence in the 19th century United States South;

  • Ben Okri, whose modern-day fairytale meant for adults and children alike tells the story of a young girl searching for a special flower that can cure her ill mother; and

  • Elie Mystal, who has written a guidebook for how the U.S. Constitution should be accurately interpreted.

• Become a better cook with the Culinary Literacy Center’s (CLC) The History of Soul Food by the Frazier Family Coalition event, as Chef Yuhnis Sydnor explores the humble history of soul food and creates a few traditional favorites with a healthy twist. Make sure to join the CLC’s The Journey of Lowcountry Rice, too, with Valerie Erwin, former owner of Geechee Girl Rice Cafe in Mount Airy. She will share the journey of rice from the African continent to the U.S. South and later to the Northeast, as well as share personal connections to Lowcountry cuisine while we sample a signature rice dish.

Whether you're attending an in-person or virtual event, make sure to also access the incredible databases, booklists, and digital resources available online to continue learning about and celebrating Black history.

To learn about these events and more happening at the Free Library, visit freelibrary.org/blackhistorymonth. Follow the Free Library on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and stay updated with events and programs happening all throughout Black History Month!