Celebrate Black love in all forms
February 10, 2021
This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn more about the program and corresponding events here.
February is the month of love! Just as we celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th, we celebrate Black Love Day on February 13th. This year Black Love Day and Valentine’s Day should not be exclusively celebrated by couples — we should all shower ourselves with some extra love this month. We are mindful to adhere to the safety measures set in place to protect our loved ones and us from COVID-19. The Library is here to ensure that you have the resources you need to celebrate safely at home. Below you will find a guide that can be used to design the perfect evening of love for yourself or that special someone in your life.
This guide features one of my favorite Charlotte Mecklenburg Library e-resources hoopla. This resource is a one-stop-shop that allows you to instantly check out e-books, audiobooks, movies, television shows, and new music. You can check out six items per month, and the materials you check out expire on their own so you do not have to worry about pesky due dates. Use this guide to set up your hoopla account and begin checking out materials today.
Set the vibe with the perfect playlist:
The perfect evening starts with the perfect playlist. Use this curated collection of music by Black artists to set the vibe for your special evening. Since this collection features the lovely sounds of new and classic artists, there is sure to be something there for everybody to enjoy.
hoopla’s Special Collection Music by Black Artist
Watch a riveting film on hoopla:
I love hoopla because they have a massive collection of movies featuring talented Black directors, writers, and actors. This month use hoopla’s “Maverick Black Cinema” collection to find the perfect film for your love filled evening.
Maverick Black Cinema Movie Collection on hoopla
Learn something new using lynda.com
One of the best self-care practices or ways to invest in your relationship is to learn a new skill. If you’re planning the perfect night just for yourself, taking an enrichment course can be fulfilling and fun. If you’re looking to invest in your partner and make the night impactful, taking an online course together can be a positive bonding activity that will strengthen your relationship.
Lynda.com is one of my favorite resources because it is filled with tutorials and courses. Many of the courses are brief, but they are filled with useful information. Look at the collection and plan your impactful and love-filled evening today.
Order to-go from one of these restaurants and feed your soul:
Below you’ll find some of my favorite Black owned restaurants in Charlotte. With their diverse menus and charismatic owners, you’ll know that without a doubt their food was made with love!
Location: Camp North End
“We interpret classic southern dishes, ingredients and techniques in a way that honors our heritage. We're inspired by Mississippi River Valley foodways. Think Memphis, Jackson, Mississippi and New Orleans.”
Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken and Seafood
Location: 2400 Tuckaseegee Road Charlotte, NC 28208
“The best and ONLY Maryland Style Crab Cake, Chicken and Seafood in Charlotte!”
Location: (Eastway) 3718 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205, (Pineville) 8328 Pineville-Matthews Rd. Suite 301 Charlotte, NC 28226
“Skrimp Shack has a fish “samwich” that’s as big as your face! Chaz Crenshaw, owner of the Eastway franchise, calls himself the Skrimp King.”
Location: 1540 West Blvd, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28208
“We started our business at the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market in 2016. We are a family owned and operated business with a focus on locally sourced fresh ingredients. Our commitment is to homemade, carefully prepared vegan comfort foods.”
Location: 214 N College St. Charlotte, NC 28202
“Husband-&-wife-run spot for Southern soul food, including Lowcountry dishes, in a colorful setting.”
Location: 3415 Tuckaseegee Rd. Charlotte, NC 28208
“Cuzzo's Cuisine is a Gourmet restaurant specializing in Southern Cuisines. Andarrio and Anglee are 1st cousins and were born and raised in South Carolina (Low Country). You will always receive the best customer service and the most delicious Southern Cuisine.”
I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect love filled weekend. Happy Black Love Day!
--
This blog post was written by Cearra Harris a teen services librarian at West Boulevard Library.