Black History Month is this February, marking a time to come together to recognize and celebrate the innumerable achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans. You're invited to celebrate with us at San Mateo County Libraries!
All month long, we will host programs, performances, crafts, films, and more for all ages. Highlights include musical performances with award-winning artists, a special storytime for families with Dr. Khalid White, civil rights inspired music listening parties and screen printing crafts for teens, and art workshops and documentary screenings for adults.
East Palo Alto Library will host a Black History Month kickoff event, The Soul of EPA, opens a new window, on Saturday, Feb. 1. From 12-3 PM, all are invited to experience African American history through food, books, art, creative expression and music, which includes a performance from Grammy-nominated musician Andre Thierry.
Music
Funk and Soul with Quinn DeVeaux
Bay Area musician Quinn DeVeaux, opens a new window will share his "blue beat" musical style that combines R&B, funk, and soul. Quinn (pictured above) will also share stories about African American artists.
- February 25 at 6:30 PM - Millbrae Library, opens a new window
- February 26 at 7 PM - East Palo Alto Library, opens a new window
- February 27 at 6:30 PM - Foster City Library, opens a new window
Are You Ready To Learn by Andre Thierry
Join Grammy-nominated artist Andre Thierry, opens a new window as he shares his creole culture in "Are You Ready to Learn." Enjoy Andre's musical story through a journey of mix African, Native American Blues, French dance melodies and elements of Afro-Caribbean music.
- February 11 at 5 PM at Millbrae Library, opens a new window
- February 25 at 5 PM at Half Moon Bay Library, opens a new window
Crafts
Fabric Painting With Asual Aswad
With artist educator Asual Aswad, participants will utilize ancient Adinkra symbols to create and print their own fabric designs. Transform a blank piece of fabric into your own original artwork while learning about the concepts of color, design, symmetry, pattern and balance.
- February 1 at 10 AM - Half Moon Bay Library, opens a new window
- February 3 at 4 PM - Brisbane Library, opens a new window
- February 5 at 1 PM - Portola Valley Library, opens a new window
- February 7 at 1 PM - Millbrae Library, opens a new window
- February 15 at 2 PM - Belmont Library, opens a new window
- February 22 at 3:30 PM - San Carlos Library, opens a new window
- February 24 at 3:30 PM - Woodside Library, opens a new window
Teen Screen Printing and Listening Party
Come and screen print your own poster or tote with a special design inspired by the art of Jean-Michael Basquiat. Basquiat's art used social commentary to criticize power structures and systems of racism. While creating your work, participants will listen to famous music inspired by the civil rights movement and modern songs inspired by Black Lives Matter.
- February 3 at 3:30 PM - Belmont Library, opens a new window
- February 10 at 4 PM - Brisbane Library, opens a new window
- February 11 at 3:30 PM - San Carlos Library, opens a new window
- February 19 at 3 PM - Millbrae Library, opens a new window
- February 26 at 3:30 PM - East Palo Alto Library, opens a new window
Film and Art
Documentary Club: Always in Season
Jacqueline Olive’s award-winning documentary film "Always in Season" explores the lingering impact of more than a century of lynching African Americans and connects this form of historic racial terrorism to racial violence today.
- February 11 at 3:30 PM - Belmont Library, opens a new window
- February 25 at 5 PM - Portola Valley Library, opens a new window
- February 26 at 6:30 PM - Foster City Library, opens a new window
Art Docent Talk: Soul of a Nation - Art in the Age of Black Power
Organized by the Tate Modern art gallery, Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power, is a powerful and provocative presentation focusing on art made in the pivotal decades between 1963 and 1983. The works were forged in a crucible of institutionalized racism and codified prejudice that has pervaded America for centuries.
- February 16 at 2 PM - Belmont Library, opens a new window
- February 29 at 2 PM - Pacifica Sharp Park Library, opens a new window
Storytime
Storytime with Guest Author Khalid White
Join us as we welcome local author Khalid White as our special guest during our preschool storytime. Khalid will read one of his books, which features an Afro Latinx family. Children will be able to take home a book, while supplies last, and can stay after the storytime to meet the author.
You can find our full list of Black History Month events here, opens a new window. Which event are you most excited to attend? Let us know in the comments below!
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