The Free Library's podcast archive dates back more than 25 years and features scores of author talks to help you commemorate, celebrate, and reflect on Black History Month . Even in just this last year, we’ve hosted an incredible variety of Black voices across a rich spectrum of genres and topics. Here are 13 (out of many more!)… continue reading Compelling Black Stories from the Free Library Podcast
By written by Jason F. February 21, 2024
Helen Adele Johnson Whiting (1885 – 1959) was a trailblazer in the education of African-American students, particularly those in rural areas of the South. Her education from Columbia University, Howard University, and several other institutions helped build a foundation as a teacher, supervisor, and mentor to those entering the field.… continue reading Advancing African-American Education: The Helen Adele Whiting Collection
By written by K. Michelle W. February 1, 2024
A Kwanzaa Keepsake by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, author of High on the Hog , is an invitation to honor, connect, create, and cook. Besides the cooking, it may move you to gather family recipes to pass down as gifts, collect food to donate to those in need, or hand-make cards and gifts for your people. A Kwanzaa Keepsake has recipes… continue reading A Kwanzaa Keepsake: Celebrating with New Traditions and Feasts
By written by Aurora S. December 11, 2023
August is National Black Business Month! Black business and non-profit professionals are integral to our economy and they contribute invaluable knowledge and skills to the companies for which they work. This Black Business Month, we honor Black professionals and the work that they do! Want to learn more from Black professionals? Consider… continue reading Black-Authored Books on Business and Non-Profit Work
By written by Birch M. August 15, 2023
The City of Philadelphia in conjunction with the Free Library administered the title of Youth Poet Laureate to Telicia Darius in September 2022. This civic position recognizes an exceptional poet who also demonstrates a commitment to the power of poetry to engage and inspire people throughout Philadelphia's neighborhoods. The City of… continue reading "La femme noir" by Philadelphia's Youth Poet Laureate, Telicia Darius
By written by Administrator February 27, 2023
It’s Black History Month and the Free Library has an extensive archive of podcasts and videos to help you celebrate a diverse range of writers working in politics, fiction, food, poetry, religion, memoirs, sports, and much more. Here’s curated list of eight author events that feature some leading Black voices and viewpoints —… continue reading Celebrating Black Voices with the Free Library Podcast
By written by Jason F. February 16, 2023
February is Black History Month and, as we do throughout the year, the Free Library’s Author Events series is excited to celebrate diverse voices, viewpoints, and topics. This includes the story of one Black Philadelphian family’s long fight for social justice and human rights, new fiction from two dynamic novelists, an exploration… continue reading Six Upcoming Black History Month Author Events at the Free Library
By written by Jason F. February 6, 2023
This February as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recommend some pictures books published in 2021 that were written and/or illustrated by Black creators. In the following list, you’ll find books about history, love of self and love of family, joy and resilience, bedtime stories, biographies, and so much more. Soul Food… continue reading Picture Book Highlights | Black History Month
By written by Monica C. February 15, 2022
You may know bell hooks for her innovative and tranformative works in literature, poetry, and feminist studies. Did you know she also wrote picture books? These titles are not to be missed! Homemade Love written by bell hooks; illustrated by Shane Evans Her Mama calls her Girlpie—a sweet treat, homemade with… continue reading bell hooks and picture books
By written by Monica C. December 16, 2021
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Jacqueline Woodson grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York, graduating from college with a B.A. in English. She is the author of dozens of award-winning books for young adults, middle graders, and children. Among her many accolades, she is a four-time Newbery Honor winner, a four-time National… continue reading Celebrating Jacqueline Woodson
By written by Jeff B. November 2, 2021
by Suzanna Urminska and Sam Perduta Our words carry power—whether as balm or as burnish, our words have the power to come together to form poetry that recalls and reconnects a range of human experiences both personal and political. This year’s presidential inauguration was made especially memorable when our country’s… continue reading Making Her Mark Spotlight: Poetry and Movement Building
By written by Sam P. April 5, 2021
What happens when you bring together five book-loving kids with the author of the book they just read? We found out on December 16, 2020, when five young readers met virtually with Philadelphia author Christine Kendall to interview her about her recent middle grade book, The True Definition of Neva Beane . Since last spring, when the pandemic… continue reading Philly Tweens Interview Middle Grade Author Christine Kendall
By written by Jane E. March 26, 2021
by Jena Harris and Suzanna Urminska "In every race, in every nation and in every clime in every period of history there is always an eager-eyed group of youthful patriots who seriously set themselves to right the wrongs done to their race, or nation or sect or sometimes to art of self-expression. No race or nation can advance without… continue reading Reimagining a Recipe for Radical Self Care
By written by Suzanna U. February 9, 2021
Today is the birthday of celebrated former First Lady and citizen of the world, Michelle Obama . A political figure in her own right, Michelle Obama is well known for her healthy eating campaign, Lets Move! The campaign targeted childhood obesity by focusing on nutrition and creating home-grown solutions to battle barriers of nutritional food… continue reading Michelle Obama Grows a Garden
By written by Gennifer R. January 17, 2020
If Blk Girl Soldier by Jamila Woods has been your anthem for the past few years... then you might be ready for the following booklist! Feeling telepathic? Step into this selection of *Black Girl Magic* featuring Black women authors and Black femme characters, who battle the supernatural and engage in their own magical abilities. Black… continue reading Black Girl Magic
By written by Gennifer R. October 23, 2019
