Tagged Black History Month
Afrofuturism: Still Moving Black to the Future
Modern media can leave the impression that the African American experience, as depicted primarily in television and film, functions on a timeline illustrated as a backward-moving ray. Many of the stories are either contemporary,…
Black Independent Comic Books and Philadelphia's Impact
Comic books and graphic novels are a dynamic and significant presence in the mainstream media. The number of films, television, and other media centered on and inspired by the illustrated pages and fantastic stories of comics…
Philadelphia and the African American Stage
Theater plays a significant role in our society. Beyond entertaining us, it promotes education and literacy, and it promotes different perspectives on issues and historical events, as well as discussion, social change, and…
Black Histories of Philadelphia: An Exhibition from Special Collections
The exhibition Black Histories of Philadelphia observes the stories of people and places that make up Philadelphia’s countless histories. Some stories are kept, some fade over time, and others are misrepresented or…
Join the Entrepreneur Book Club
Most CEOs read four to five books a month — join their ranks! Every Fourth Saturday of the month, the Entrepreneur Book Club will discuss books focusing on starting, running, and enhancing business success,…
Celebrating Black Authors From Around the Globe
The commonalities connecting our African heritage, which is our Blackness, our resistance, and our resilience are well represented in writers from around the world. Within the history of African-American descent, our familial,…
Nothing Less Than What We’ve Earned: Black Voices in the Labor Movement
For centuries Black free labor was simply a guarantee. However, there was always an awareness that we were entitled to equity in the profits from the country we worked hard to create. 1850 ushered in the first attempt at a Black labor…
African American History in the Fleisher Collection
Lately, there has been a resurgence of interest in African Americans' contributions to the classical music genre. Boston Conservatory is set to have a Florence Price Birthday Celebration Concert ; the film Chevalier (released…
Compelling Black Stories from the Free Library Podcast
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…
Mini Jawns: Black History in Philadelphia
In honor of Black History Month, the Free Library released another Mini Jawns series exploring important moments in Philadelphia's Black History. Check out more Mini Jawns episodes on the Audioboom platform, including an…
Collection Spotlight: A Visual History of Reconstruction
In celebration of Black History Month, the Free Library's Social Science and History Department is displaying books from the collection that tell a visual history of Reconstruction — the period from 1865 to 1877 that saw some…
Pam's Picks: Favorite Books of Legendary Actress Pam Grier
It’s the 50 Anniversary of the blaxploitation film Foxy Brown starring Pam Grier . The film is credited for revolutionizing the way women were portrayed in cinema. To celebrate this milestone, the legendary actress did a special…
The Year of James Baldwin: Kick-Off Event and Programming
Join the Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department on Saturday, February 17 at 11 a.m. for Inaugurating the Year of James Baldwin: God’s Revolutionary Voice . The event will take place in the Skyline Room on the Fourth…
Black History Month at the Business Resource and Innovation Center
This month, the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) is celebrating and uplifting Black entrepreneurs and their groundbreaking achievements. Join us for one or both of our Black History Month programs in person on the Ground…
Advancing African-American Education: The Helen Adele Whiting Collection
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…
James E. Dupree: Stolen Dreams Exhibit and Film Screening
Join the Art Department on Saturday, February 3 at 2 p.m. , for a free screening of the documentary film Broken Dreams . The feature documentary Broken Dreams highlights artist James E. Dupree, his massive art studio in West…
"La femme noir" by Philadelphia's Youth Poet Laureate, Telicia Darius
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…
Celebrating Black Voices with the Free Library Podcast
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.…
Picture Book Highlights | Black History Month
This February as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recommend some pictures books published in 2022 that were written and/or illustrated by Black creators. In the following list, you’ll find books about self-love and…
Six Upcoming Black History Month Author Events at the Free Library
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…
Independent Black Comic Books and Graphic Novels
Black independent comic books are crucial in ensuring that the comic book industry reflects the diversity of its audience. They provide a platform for authentic, innovative, and impactful stories that celebrate Black culture and offer…
African American Theater
From Shuffling Along to A Strange Loop, African American theater has not only shaped the arts but has also served as a critical tool for social change. Its impact is far-reaching, offering powerful narratives that reflect the African…
Culturally Affirming Books for Black Children
Not only do Free Library staff work diligently to ensure libraries are welcoming and inclusive spaces, but they create visual displays, public art exhibitions, and book displays based on the interests of patrons. This year we would like…
Black LGBTQ+ Culture
From the early 20th century today, leaders, artists, civil rights activists, and everyday people have all played a part in this cultural history. This list includes powerful memoirs, influential novels, personal recollections of ballroom…
Rebels, Renegades, and Revolutionaries - BHM 2025 for Teens
When the world sees your personhood as a political statement, it seems like everyone has an opinion on who you are (or who you should be)! These stories feature young Black protagonists who find ways to stand tall in who they are despite…
Black Writers of Philadelphia
Andrea L. compiled a list of contemporary Black authors from the area and their published works of poetry and fiction.
Black History Books for Teens
Fiction and nonfiction picks to honor Black History Month and to celebrate the lives, struggles, and achievements of Black Americans all year long.
#Ownvoices: Celebrating Black History Month and Picture Books
February is Black History Month -- Join us (and our younger readers!) as we recent highlight picture books written and/or illustrated by African-Americans authors and artists.
Biographies For Kids
Read biographies of famous and historical African Americans.
Barack Obama: The Making of an American President
Learn more about the life and achievement of President Obama.
African Americans Win the West
Pioneering African Americans of the Old West.
African Americans in the Cinema
Lights, Camera, Action! Dig into the world of Black filmmakers, actors and actresses.
Memoirs and Reminiscences by African American Authors
Autobiographical selections.
Award-Winning African American Authors
Books by prize-winning writers.
African American Revolutionaries and Inventors from Philadelphia
Inspiring stories and historical perspective of African American Revolutionaries and Inventors from Philadelphia through the years.
African American Quilts
Discover the beauty of these treasures of American folk art.
African American Celebrations
Explore the rich cultural traditions that are an integral part of the African American experience.
The Triumph and Tragedy of Octavius V. Catto
Octavius V. Catto (1839 – 1871) was an American educator, intellectual, and civil rights activist who was tragically killed during election day violence in Philadelphia.
The Philly Black History Syllabus: 13 Must-Read Books to Understand Our City
Experts share what books spotlighting Philadelphia you should be reading during Black History Month.
The Hundred-Seven: Promoting the Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Featuring the first and only searchable database of all academic programs offered by HBCUs
The Authorship and Activism of Alice Dunbar Nelson – I Am An American!
The Rosenbach’s exhibition, “I Am an American!” The Authorship and Activism of Alice Dunbar-Nelson , explores these questions through the lens of an under-studied local author, teacher, and advocate for social justice who changed…
The 1619 Project
The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. It aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of…
Teaching Your Child About Black History
Instead of shying away from hard truths, parents can explain that a long time ago, people were separated by the color of their skin. Some people did not think that was fair, and men and women of all races united to make a change. This is…
Notable African Americans
Short biographies of prominent African Americans from all walks of life
NAACP Resources
Access crucial resources from the NAACP that will help you understand your rights, fight for justice, start and strengthen your branch, and secure a better future for Black people in America.
Major African-American Office Holders Since 1641
This list represents the most significant of the thousands of African American elected officials from 1641 until today.
Black History Milestones
Black history in the United States is a rich and varied chronicle of slavery and liberty, oppression and progress, segregation and achievement. This timeline explores the milestones that got us where we are today.
Black Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database
This database serves as a starting point for relatives or researchers as they piece together the individual experiences of Black soldiers and sailors in the Civil War.
Behind The Veil - Documenting African American Life in the Jim Crow South
This selection of 100 recorded oral history interviews chronicles African-American life during the age of legal segregation in the American South, from the 1890s to the 1950s.
African American Museum in Philadelphia
This is the official website of the African American Museum, dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the culture of African Americans in Philadelphia and beyond.
African American History: Major Speeches
Speeches from outstanding African American orators
A Guide to Black History Month in Philadelphia
Celebrate with performances, exhibitions, special menus, historical tours, and more.
38 Black Scientists Who Made History
Learn more about some of the many African American scientists and engineers who have made important contributions to science history.
Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month and African American History as a whole, explore our history and culture resources including famous African Americans from Philadelphia, essential reading lists, information about the Harlem…