Throughout the month of February, the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) will commemorate the legacy and history of Black culture through a plethora of interactive, virtual programs for customers of all ages.
In 1926, African American historian Carter G. Woodson implemented a week-long commemoration exploring the history and culture of the heritage. Over four decades later, in 1970, this event evolved into Black History Month.
Since 2018, thousands of Somerset County residents have joined SCLSNJ in celebrating the historical month. Now, in 2021, SCLSNJ will continue fostering these important discussions and historical explorations.
“This year SCLSNJ wanted to commemorate Black History Month by providing youth programs that come alive through virtual live theater,” said Christine Jansen, manager of youth services programming and collaborations, public services. “As children meet and hear stories from famous American groundbreakers like George Washington Carver and Thurgood Marshall, they will connect, discover, explore, and share a deeper understanding about these famous American figures and why they are an important part of American history as they talk about their achievements, integration, and equality.”
Children of all ages can virtually meet reenactors of noteworthy figures in Black history, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Madam C.J. Walker, and Jackie Robinson; discover the art of African storytelling; and learn about the American Civil Rights Movement.
Adult customers will have the opportunity to virtually connect with lectures on prominent figures including Frederick Douglass; explore virtual reenactments; and watch the documentary “Blacked Out,” with its director Professor John Hulme.
In addition to programs, SCLSNJ also offers a vast collection of media that celebrates the Black community.
“Through our diverse collections, youth and adult customers alike can discover the triumphs and stories of Black individuals throughout history,” said Yvonne Selander, collection development manager. “We hope that our customers of all ages will celebrate Black History Month with us during the month of February and beyond.”
#BeSafeAtHome and connect with virtual Black History Month programs:
Meet Dr. King (grades K-5)
- February 1, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4651445.
A Black News Service for America – Presented by Dr. Lawrence Hogan (adults)
- February 1, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4552168.
Fables, Folktales, and Stories – Celebration of African Storytelling (grades K-5)
- February 3, 5:30-6:15 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4613284.
Phillis Wheatley Slave Girl, Literary Genius – Portrayed by Dr. Daisy Century (adults)
- February 3, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4624283.
Frederick Douglass’s Relevance – For the 21st Century’s Black Lives Matter Protests (adults)
- February 4, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4519743.
Preschool Storytime – Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Books (ages 3-4)
- February 8, 2:30-3 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4672406.
The Civil Rights Movement and Organized Labor – Presented by The Labor Museum (adults)
- February 9, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4520804.
George Washington Carver and Friends (grades Pre-K to 5)
- February 12, 3-3:45 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4651449.
Harriet Hemmings and the Pursuit of Happiness – The Story of Thomas Jefferson’s Enslaved Daughter (adults)
- February 17, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4525813.
Tulsa 1921 Race and Power – Destruction of America’s Black Wall Street (adults)
- February 18, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4534246.
Explore the Documentary Movie “Blacked Out” – Questions and Answers with Director John Hulme (adults)
- February 22, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4643446.
Let It Shine – The American Civil Rights Movement 1955-1968 (grades 3 and up)
- February 23, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4651456.
Black Children and the Civil Rights Movement – Presented by Pr. Mekala Audain (adults)
- February 24, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4571778.
Representative John Lewis – Joins the Pantheon of Our Strong Black Ancestors (adults)
- February 25, 7-8 p.m. Register now: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4520339.
Explore librarian-curated Black History Month media selections for youth:
- “Black History: Kids Edition” Binge Box DVD collection
- “Martin Rising: Requiem for a King” by Andrea Davis Pinkney
- “A Place To Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation” by Barry Wittenstein
- “The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver” by Gene Barretta
- “The Teachers March!: How Selma’s Teachers Changed History” by Sandra Neil Wallace
- “This is Your Time” by Ruby Bridges
- “Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961” by Larry Dane Brimner
- “The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander
Discover historical biographies and nonfiction reads for adults:
- “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom” by David W. Blight
- “His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope” by Jon Meacham
- “Jefferson’s Daughters: Three Sisters, White and Black, in a Young America” by Catherine Kerrison
- “The Lost Education of Horace Tate: Uncovering the Hidden Heroes Who Fought for Justice in Schools” by Vanessa Siddle Walker
- “The Movement: The African American Struggle for Civil Rights” by Thomas C. Holt
- “The Trials of Phillis Wheatley: America’s First Black Poet and Her Encounters With the Founding Fathers” by Henry Louis Gates
- “Tulsa, 1921: Reporting a Massacre” by Randy Krehbiel
Celebrate Black History Month with your Library, everyday: SCLSNJ.org.