Black History Month honors the achievements, rich culture and history of African Americans and recognizes the important contributions of Black individuals in our society. Celebrate Black History Month with these staff-created booklists. Explore movies and music, books by Black authors, African American history, novels, mysteries, biographies, memoirs and more by checking out our list of featured titles for February:
- Black History for Kids
- Black Authors for Tweens
- Black Voices - Novels
- Black Voices - Cinema
- Black Voices - Romance
- Black Voices - Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Black Voices - Biographies & Memoirs
- Black Voices - Mystery
- Black Voices - Music
Black History Month Programming
Celebrate Black Joy with Nanny Nikki
Saturday, February 22, 11-11:45 a.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Celebrate Black History Month with stories and songs shared by children's performer Nanny Nikki. For families with children ages 0-6. Siblings welcome. Caregiver required. Presented in celebration of Black History Month.
Our Time Celebration: Sing and Soar with Nanny Nikki (Supported Show)
Saturday, February 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Get ready for a high energy, fun and active musical show. Sing, dance and enjoy puppets, followed by a 30-minute musical playtime to celebrate inclusion and connection. This supported show is presented as part of We Love Our C.I.T.Y. month, and any child that could benefit from a more controlled environment. Special supports like lap weights and fidget toys are available to make children feel successful. For families with children ages 0-6. Siblings welcome. Caregiver required.
I Am More Than You Think I Am: Cooking Demo with Chef Tony Cannon
Tuesday, March 6, 6:30-8 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Join us for a cooking demonstration featuring Chef Tony Cannon, followed by a discussion on the African American experience. Chef Tony has worked in restaurants for over 15 years, attended culinary school at The Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville and owns three local food companies: Aunt Tina's Kitchen, Aunt Tina's Sound Bites Food Truck and That Rub seasoning company. He will be demonstrating a three-course meal, including samples for the audience. Presented in celebration of Black History Month. Arlington Heights cardholders only.
Page Turners Book Discussion: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Monday, February 10, 7-8 p.m. / Cardinal Room / Register
Thursday, February 27, 10-11 a.m. / Conference Room H / Register
McBride's tale of Black and Jewish Americans uniting against prejudice in the 1930s is an uplifting story of kindness and community. A unique blend of literary fiction, historical fiction and mystery, and a testament to a time when communities came together, helped each other and cared about neighbors. Presented in celebration of Black History Month.