Blog: Posts in “black-lives-matter”

George Washington Carver: Inventor, Environmentalist, Mentor, and Role Model

George Washington Carver as a teenager, circa 1880

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in… continue reading George Washington Carver: Inventor, Environmentalist, Mentor, and Role Model

By written by Sharyl O. June 24, 2020 2

Juneteenth Matters

Juneteenth was first celebrated in 1860s Texas, shortly after the Civil War.

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, and he had an announcement to make. More than two years before, President Abraham Lincoln had signed… continue reading Juneteenth Matters

By written by Kalela W. June 18, 2020 1

Picture ebook Highlights | Celebrating Juneteenth!

These three picture ebooks can help you share the importance of Juneteenth with your little ones.

Philadelphia's Mayor Kenney has declared Friday, June 19, 2020 a City holiday in recognition of Juneteenth! Juneteenth is the most popular annual celebration of Emancipation, and commemorates… continue reading Picture ebook Highlights | Celebrating Juneteenth!

By written by Monica C. June 18, 2020

Pride, Black Lives Matter, and Solidarity

Marsha P. Johnson (left) and Sylvia Rivera march in New York City in 1973, three years after the first Pride March.

by Kalela W. and Andrew N. Celebrate Pride by standing up against racism. Black lives Matter. freelibrary.org/pride Fifty years ago, in June 1970, LGBTQ+ people in cities across the United States… continue reading Pride, Black Lives Matter, and Solidarity

By written by Kalela W. June 4, 2020 3

The Free Library Stands Against Racism

The Free Library of Philadelphia remains steadfast in our commitment to our users and our communities. We will not accept hate, racism, or intolerance of any kind.

Dear Free Library community, We are enraged and heartbroken. The murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police—and the senseless murders of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, among… continue reading The Free Library Stands Against Racism

By written by Siobhan Reardon June 3, 2020 6

MLK Day of Service | When the Youth Lead

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a strongly celebrated day in Philadelphia. People of all ages come together to support their communities and uplift the values of MLK’s civil rights leadership… continue reading MLK Day of Service | When the Youth Lead

By written by Gennifer R. January 15, 2020

Brought To You In Living Color

<i>Homey Don't Play That! The Story of In Living Color and the Black Comedy Revolution</i> by David Peisner

For Baby Boomers, the words “Land Shark”, “Samurai Delicatessen”, “Coneheads”, and “The Blues Brothers” conjures up adventures on the wild frontier… continue reading Brought To You In Living Color

By written by Violet L. August 23, 2018

QUEST : Our City, Our Times, and a Family Bound by Love

This intimate, critically acclaimed documentary captures eight years in the life of an African-American family living in North Philadelphia.

I’m a transplant from The West—the Great Plains to be more specific: A vast under-watered area covering parts of 10 states. Picture a lonely landscape of farms, ranches, and open skies… continue reading QUEST : Our City, Our Times, and a Family Bound by Love

By written by David N. July 6, 2018

Second Annual Social Justice Symposium Wrap Up

Keynot speaker and author Angie Thomas at the second annual Social Justice Symposium for Teens at Philadelphia City Institute, Saturday, August 12, 2017

A little over a week ago, on the same day that a hate-fueled gathering was taking place in Charlottesville, Virginia, a group of teenagers was gathering at a small library in Philadelphia to talk… continue reading Second Annual Social Justice Symposium Wrap Up

By written by Erin H. August 23, 2017 1

Talking about Racism with Middle Schoolers

<i>Let's Talk About Race</i> by Julius Lester

Children will be returning to school in a few weeks. For middle schoolers, this means new teachers (and possibly new schools), new backpacks, and new school supplies. It also opens up the… continue reading Talking about Racism with Middle Schoolers

By written by Chris B. August 18, 2017

Resources for Responding to Hate

As adults, it’s our job to help the children in our lives make sense of the world around them. After the events in Charlottesville this past weekend, and events around the country in recent… continue reading Resources for Responding to Hate

By written by Rachel F. August 17, 2017

Reflections on Education and Race

Dr. Sheena C. Howard, Associate Professor of Communication at Rider University

Earlier this year, J. Matthew Catron, a Library Assistant in Phibrick Hall at Parkway Central Library came to the Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department with a pitch: to bring Dr.… continue reading Reflections on Education and Race

By written by Sarah M. February 16, 2017

Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin

Every parent's worst nightmare is something bad happening to their child. For Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, that nightmare became a reality when their 17-year-old son, Trayvon Martin, was… continue reading Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin

By written by Author Events January 30, 2017 8

Tackling Tough Topics in Classroom Conversation

Classroom Conversation: How can literacy be used for social change?

How can literacy be used for social change? At the recent International Literacy Association conference in Boston, this question was addressed at an impromptu session for literacy specialists and… continue reading Tackling Tough Topics in Classroom Conversation

By written by Carrie K. July 21, 2016 2