Celebrate Black History Month with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
January 25, 2021
Celebrate Black History Month this February with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library! Join us and explore themed online programs for all ages. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter programming initiative has a variety of discussions, storytimes, book groups, speaker series and more to explore the and celebrate Black History this month and every month. Take a look below to see highlighted selection of our upcoming programs and check our online calendar for registration information and a full listing of events. Download a PDF of our calendar here.
Get Inspired
Join us for engaging speakers on a variety of topics
Meet Black Creatives, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Connect with Black Creatives in our community every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. during Black History Month. We will have different Black Creatives talk about their unique businesses and services. Be inspired and learn how you can live out your creative dreams.
Author Talk: Derrick Barners and Gordon C. James, Thursday, February 11 at 6 p.m. (Facebook Live & YouTube Live)
Join us for A Conversation with Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James, author and illustrator of The New York Times bestseller, I Am Every Good Thing. We will be streaming on Facebook and YouTube.
I can Celebrate National African American Read-In, Thursday, February 18 at 6 p.m.
The National African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. Join us as we celebrate this event with a VIRTUAL READ-IN featuring local authors and students from Westerly Hills Academy.
Meet the Podcasters, Saturday, February 20 at 3 p.m.
Meet the Podcasters: There're Back! The Black Guy Who Tips podcasters, Rod and Karen will join us to discuss current events, books and upcoming projects. We will wrap up with some Black History Trivia.
Learn Something New
Explore Black history, culture, and more
Story Explorers: Rocket Like Mae Jemison, Saturday, February 8 at 3 p.m.
Kids ages 5 to 11 are invited to this special Black History Month literacy program celebrating Mae Jemison! Together, we'll learn about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to enter space, though interactive activities including math, science, games and more.
Harlem Unbound (Call of Cthulhu 7E), Wednesday, February 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Participate in a Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game set in early 20th century Harlem, NY. The players will put themselves in the shoes of Harlemites navigating day-to-day issues including racism, community, politics, nightlife and Cosmic Horror.
Esports and Gaming in the Black Community, Saturday, February 20 at 12 p.m.
Meet the founders, Dr. Lawson Williams and Professor Cash, of the 1st HBCU Esports and Gaming program at Johnson C. Smith University. Plus, meet local entrepreneur Rick Suarez, who took his love of sports to create Stay Plugged IN, a virtual gaming company.
The Impact of Gentrification on the Black Community, Saturday, February 20 at 1 p.m.
The ongoing housing crisis and the displacement of residents due to neighborhoods' changing demographics continue to be of great concern in Black communities. This program will address the impact of gentrification happening in historically Black neighborhoods in the Charlotte area.
Parent Lunch & Learn: i can read Black stories, Wednesday, February 24 at 12 p.m.
Parents and Caregivers will learn about the importance of children's literature that center characters who are Black or people of color, as well as tips for selecting books to foster conversations about equity and inclusivity.
Join a Discussion
Discuss books, films, and more with community members and library staff
Graphic Novel Book Club, Wednesday, February 3 at 6 p.m.
What We'll Be Discussing: Black History In Its Own Words, by Ronald Wimberly.
Ted Talk Discussion Group, multiple dates
What We'll Be Discussing:
- 2/5 at 11 a.m.: Black Lives Matter and Say Her Name
- 2/19 at 11 a.m.: Systemic Racism
Steele Creek Readers Book Club, Tuesday, February 9 10:30 a.m.
What We'll Be Discussing: A Kind of Freedom by Margaret Wikerson Sexton
Black Women + Democracy, a virtual film and discussion series, multiple dates
What We’ll Be Discussing:
- 2/14 at 2 p.m.: Knock Down the House Film screening starts at 2 p.m., discussion at 3:15 p.m.
- 2/15 at 6 p.m.: Chisholm ‘72 - Unbought & Unbossed, Watch the film on your own then join for the discussion at 6pm.
Social Justice Book Club, Thursday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. or Saturday, February 20 at 2 p.m.
What We'll Be Discussing: Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi or Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi (your choice)
Teen Book Talk, Monday February 22 at 5:30 p.m.
What We'll Be Discussing: This is My America by Kim Johnson
Let's Get Graphic! Saturday, February 27 at 10 a.m.
What We'll Be Discussing: People of Color and Minority Representation in Graphic Novels & Comic Books
6pm Film Discussion: Black Men in White Coats Saturday, February 27th at 6 p.m.
What We’ll Be Discussing: This documentary that dissects the systemic barriers preventing black men from becoming medical doctors and the consequences on society at large. Upon registration, a link to the film will be shared.
Attend a Storytime
Enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support empathy and understanding of issues affecting Black children and families.
I can read Black stories storytime, every Saturday at 11 a.m.
This storytime features books that center characters who are Black or people of color, offers strategies to foster conversations about equity and inclusivity, and encourages early literacy skill development and a love of books and reading in your child.
SouthPark Branch Family Storytime, Thursday, February 18 at 10 a.m.
This program will be provided by SouthPark library staff.
Your whole family can enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate. This week's stories will center around Black History Month and Black Lives Matter.
Research History
The Library offers a variety of digital resources to aid in performing historical and biographical research.
HistoryMakers Digital Archive
The HistoryMakers is an oral history collection highlighting the accomplishments of individual African Americans and African-American-led groups and movements. It is unique among collections of African American heritage because of its large and varied scope, with interviewees from across the United States, from a variety of fields, and with memories stretching from the 1890s to the present.
Daily Life Through History
Daily Life Through History is a collection of e-books about life during different periods of history. These historical period includes Ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt, the middle ages, the Renaissance, colonial times, the Civil War and World War I and II. In additions topics such as the role of women and children, food and clothing, and work conditions are covered, as well as a time line of major events.