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.

A year ago, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library launched our Black Lives Matter program initiative in response to the critical need to address racial inequity in our community through learning, growing and communicating with others around us. Since its launch, this initiative has evolved in its offerings, growing from booklists, learning circles, and book clubs to include community panel discussions, author talks, storytimes, equity impact circles and so much more.  

Engagement from the community and from our Library team has been incredible to see. Library customers made the commitment to engage not only in single programs, but in ongoing work that requires people to be present and vulnerable. We heard stories from people who made real changes in the businesses they frequent or the words they use based on the things they learned in Library programs. Library staff members stepped up to tackle difficult conversations, plan new programs, and publish blogs that dive deep into both Library and community aspects of racial equity.  

We are a year into this initiative and the work is nowhere near done. Black Lives Matter programs will remain an integral part of our regular programming portfolio as we move forward. The Library will continue to identify ways to support the diverse people within our community through collections, programming, and services. While we work to meet these different needs, we will continue to tell Black stories and share opportunities for all to learn about Black lives and racial inequity. 

I would be remiss if I did not extend a thank you. Thank you to all who are willing to engage with us in this work. Thank you to everyone who presented with us, all who attended programs, and all who read and listened to new perspectives in this last year. Thank you to the many staff members who contributed so much effort to a difficult endeavor. Thank you, especially, to our two team leaders for the Black Lives Matter initiative: Jasmine McNeil and Chantez Neymoss. This is truly important work, and you are so appreciated.   

The Library’s mission is to improve lives and build a stronger community. Programs like Black Lives Matter help us build that stronger community by drawing people together, building community dialogue, working to ensure that every voice is present, and every life is valued. We cannot build that community alone, and we are proud to partner with others as we continue to move this work forward.  

View the first year Black Lives Matter program initiative recap video below:

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This blog was written by Caitlin Moen, library director and chief customer officer for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

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.

Historically, the Black Lives Matter movement has always seen a rise in student activism. Ever since the movement started in 2013 after the death of Trayvon Martin, students have formed branches of the movement to raise awareness with notable examples including the Black Lives Matter Youth Coalition and The Youth Vanguard. In 2016, fatal police encounters involving Alton Sterling and Philando Castile caused an eruption of protests, and during this time, a spike in student activism in matters related to racial justice occurred. Later, in 2020 following the death of George Floyd, student activism reached levels that hadn’t been seen since the 2016 Black Lives Matter protests. However, student activism regarding racial justice can be traced to events preceding the Black Lives Matter movement to the beginnings of the civil rights movement.

In 1925, students at Fisk University protested for ten weeks to speak out against the school president who had refused to start a chapter of the NAACP. In 1940, nearly 2000 students protested New York University after pulling a Black player from the football roster. These two events spurred a series of student-led protests regarding civil rights in the ’60s. In 1960, four Black students organized the Greensboro sit-ins, which continued for six months. Similar actions also took place during the Brown vs. Board Supreme Court Case wherein students protested in favor of school integration. In 1963, one of the most significant civil rights actions in history took place. Nearly 250,000 students staged a boycott in Chicago protesting segregation in schools. Of those involved, 20,000 students marched to the Chicago Board of Education demanding equal resources for Black children. During the following year, in 1964, 450,000 Black and Puerto-Rican students refused to attend school for a day, boycotting racial imbalance and lobbying in public schools. Although the movement failed in forcing the school board to take immediate reform, it remained one of the largest demonstrations of the civil rights movement and eventually put an end to de facto segregation.

Nearly 50 years later, student activism plays a large part in racial justice initiatives and Black Lives Matter. Student-led groups such as the Youth in Chicago Education (VOYCE) were formed to create a youth alliance surrounding issues such as equal education and racism. In 2015, the Illinois Senate passed a VOYCE Senate Bill regarding school discipline practices, eliminating zero-tolerance punishment, minimizing suspension and expulsion and more. Furthermore, many students have been calling attention to racist environments in school and college campuses in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. School newspapers have been created to inform peers about racial injustices on campus and nationwide. By spreading information about inequality, students have organized protests with over 1,000 students and speak with large news organizations about their goals for justice.

With youth activism being on the rise, they are not without critics. Many adults struggle to see younger activists as equals, claiming that their lack of experience makes them less impactful. Despite such setbacks, young activists and students have played an important part throughout history in racial justice initiatives. The number of groups and protests created by youth continues to increase. In modern days, youth activists have cultivated mass followings on social media, calling attention to racism and police brutality and creating events to help victims of such situations. With their knowledge of technology, social media, and the historical legacy of the civil rights movement, student activism continues to be at the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement.

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This blog was written by Medha Kowndinya, a sixteen-year-old rising Junior at Ardrey Kell High school.

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.

The National Black Child Development Institute (NCBDI) is a nonprofit organization that works to advance and improve the quality of life for Black and Brown children and their families. NCBDI has been committed to its mission: “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black and Brown children and families through education and advocacy” for 50 years. NBCDI’s Charlotte affiliate, BCDI Charlotte, is one of the twenty-seven affiliates organizations in the United States.

The six focus areas of BCDI are:

• Family Engagement
• Literacy
• Early Childhood Education
• Policy and Advocacy
• Health and Wellness

Did you know that children could be suspended or even expelled as early as preschool? These events can have adverse effects on a child’s future that can last far beyond the time spent out of school.

One tenet of NBCDI is advocating to secure equitable access to education for all young children by eliminating suspensions and expulsions during early childhood. NBCDI authored a white paper, “Delivering on the Promise of Effective Early Childhood Education” which explores the rising rates of suspensions and expulsions in early childhood education. The white paper prompted a national campaign to address this alarming trend. Being suspended and/or expelled are both recognized as forms of structural racism which becomes obvious when one explores how these “consequences” are applied to young children. According to their research, more than 250 preschoolers are suspended or expelled daily, and in childcare centers, expulsion rates are 13 times higher than they are in kindergarten through 12th grade. Black children disproportionately experience widespread injustice and racial inequality in our early childhood education system.

BCDI Charlotte launched its awareness campaign on January 1, 2021. Through a matrix of virtual info sessions, parking lot talks and canvassing efforts using social and conventional media, BCDI is capturing the attention of lawmakers, teachers, parents, community leaders, clergy, education practitioners and collective nonprofit organizations who are understanding the importance of this work.

This month, BCDI will partner with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to continue to promote awareness and to expand its programming reach. Join us on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. for a panel discussion to learn how you can help prevent suspension and expulsion in early childhood.

Register

Featured panelists include:

• Dr. Devonya Govan-Hunt: President of BCDI-Charlotte
• Kenneth Flamer: BCDI-Charlotte Board Member
• Gregory "Dee" Rankin: Founder/Executive Director of Future L.E.A.D.E.R.S.
• Cemeré James: Interim President & CEO of NBCDI and Author of Delivering on the Promise

BCDI supports its mission by providing strength-based, culturally relevant, and evidence-based programs throughout the community. At the center of BCDI’s work, is the commitment to ensure inclusivity and equity as it relates to quality care and education for children.

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This blog was written by Alesha Lackey, children's services manager at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library

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.

Since the death of George Floyd, all Americans have been waking up to the reality of the police brutality that Black Americans experience. There have been thousands of protests, demanding change all over the world, including those here in Charlotte. Since last May, artist Sabrina Robinson has been taking photos of Black Lives Matter speeches and protests. Jordan Anne Johnson, a volunteer writer for West Boulevard Library’s Teen Circular had the opportunity to interview Sabrina whom shared her experience and thoughts about the protests she has attended.

Jordan: How did you become a photographer?

Sabrina: I started taking photos in church as a hobby. It became fun for me and I started studying it in college, but it never occurred to me to think about being a photographer as a profession. It only got serious when I met a Washington Post photographer. He took me under his wing, and I really started thinking about photography as a career.

Jordan: What do you remember seeing at every protest?

Sabrina: I remember seeing passion at every protest. There were all kinds of people from unique demographics, backgrounds, social and economic status, etc. participating and cheering for the same thing. I saw skaters, bikers, photographers, people playing basketball, speech givers, everyone had such a passionate role that they took seriously in the movement. I can only describe it as passion.

Jordan: What is one word you would use to describe the experience of the protest?

Sabrina: The first word that comes to my mind is "Unique”. I have seen popular organizations like the NAACP organize protests with lots of people. But I have also seen what it is like when a small group of young people get together wondering what to do. The smaller ones are the most intriguing to me because you must motivate and inspire yourself a bit more than if you were surrounded by hundreds of people.

Jordan: Were the protests different from the way the news described them? If yes, how were they different?

Sabrina: The protests that I went to were different than the way that the news described them. The news makes it seem more dramatic, negative and does not tell everyone's story. Being a photographer, I can tell everyone's story and different points of view.

Jordan: What is one thing that you learned from the speeches that were made at the protests?

Sabrina: I learned a lot of things from the protest and speeches that I went to. One of the things that I did learn is what defund the police really means and how most of Charlotte city funding goes to the CMPD for rubber bullets, illegal teargas and militarized police.

Image Source: The photos used were captured by artist Sabrina Robinson and were provided by her with permission to use in this blog post.

Sabrina Robinson is an accomplished artist who uses multiple mediums, such as photography and graphic arts, to tell stories, bring awareness and normalcy to conversations around activism, civic and social change, and mental health. In her current role, Sabrina continues to use art to give voice and agency to her community by capturing various events around Charlotte like protests, frontline workers, and displaced families and channeling it into programs that provide insight, depth, and encouragement to audiences in hopes that they use their gift to amplify their voice. More of Ms. Robinson's work can be found on her Instagram page: @signedspkr.

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This blog was written by twelve-year-old Jordan Anne Johnson, a volunteer writer for West Boulevard Library’s Teen Circular. Link to the full publication: https://bit.ly/3nMNqof

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library encourages reading and learning all year long. The summer months, when students take a break from school, are critical to expanded learning. In fact, summertime poses the most academic risk because students without access to summer learning opportunities can fall behind their peers, creating an achievement gap that is hard to close.

To keep kids on track with important matters such as literacy and physical activity, the Library offers Summer Break, its annual summer learning program that encourages children to read, learn and explore.

Learn more about Summer Break at the Library

As part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Summer Break, Stories of Summer are online live programs for the whole family to learn, move, and have fun. From Japanese Folktales to Mad Science experiments to Zoo Animals, we have all the summer educational excitement and movement planned for 9 weeks of Summer!

Join us on Thursdays at 2 p.m. EST on our ImaginOn Facebook Page starting June 10 for the Stories and Fun as we kick off summer 2021 with Sigmond Theatre!

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This blog was written by Jesse Isley, children's services leader for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Participate in Habitat Charlotte Region’s Women Build movement by joining our first book club in partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

We have selected The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation in which writer and scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs celebrates Black motherhood by telling the story of the three women who raised and shaped some of America's most pivotal heroes.

Check out the book here

The virtual book discussion will take place from 6-7 p.m. over a series of three Thursday evenings:

• Thursday, June 24 at 6 p.m. Register here
• Thursday, July 22 at 6 p.m. Register here
• Thursday, August 26 at 6 p.m. Register here

We encourage you to sign up for all three so you don’t miss any of the wonderful discussion that is sure to take place.

Once you register for a session, you will receive a Zoom link to join the program via email just before the event date. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

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This blog was written by Chantez Neymoss, adult services leader for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Did you know that there are now three gardens at Myers Park Library? Branch volunteers have lovingly maintained the gardens for over a decade and their support inspired their restoration and expansion.   

The original garden, known as the McKnight Reading Garden was created after the branch renovation in 2008. It was named in memory of library benefactor Mrs. Gayle McKnight and was designed by (then) student Murray Corbett, a project which earned her the Girl Scout Gold Award. 

In 2015, Myers Park Library Services Specialist, Laura Cavette, and volunteer, Mary Lee created the branch's Children’s Garden.   

 While the Library was in Level I of the re-opening plan during the COVID-19 closure, Library staff were sitting outside greeting customers. As they looked around, they thought of expanding the existing garden space to allow for more seating to read, paint, sketch and enjoy nature. 

A plan was developed to update and expand the gardens.  The goal was to create a sustainable, environmentally friendly habitat that encourages Library use, volunteerism, exploration and inspires learning. Currently, the new garden is referred to as The Pollinator Garden and has been registered as an official stop on the NC Butterfly Highway. The Pollinator Garden will be dedicated to the memory of the late Doris Ann Bradley who passed away in November 2020. Doris Ann was a former Librarian and was one of the branch's beloved volunteers. She was instrumental in the creation of the garden and put forth many of the garden’s goals.    

While the gardens are a work in progress, it is used as a learning garden or demonstration garden. They are designed to be an outdoor teaching and learning area on topics such as horticulture, the natural environment and land water or wildlife conservation. It provides the perfect accommodation for groups like our community partner Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to conduct on-site learning and education.  

The Read to Seed Garden series is a spin-off from the in-person program that was conducted by Matthews Library.  Read to Seed - Gardening with the Myers Park Library Garden Club is a gathering where guests can learn about environmentally-friendly gardening practices from experienced gardeners. Here one can share their gardening experiences, ask questions and discuss their favorite books or other media about gardens and gardening.   

Read to Seed welcomes all gardeners – from beginner to experienced. Come learn something new and create something wonderful in your garden. 

Join us for the next upcoming 3 events in the series: 

Monday, June 28 at 12 p.m.-1 p.m. 

Master Gardener Margaret Genkins - virtual presentation of Blooms, Bees, and Birds 

Native plants that create healthy, beautiful Carolina gardens that host and attract birds and pollinators. 

Margaret Genkins is an Emeritus Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with Mecklenburg County, NC. Her passion for gardening, nature, and ecology is anchored in over 30 years of gardening on 2 acres in south Charlotte and in her ongoing pursuit of horticulture and ecology education such as completing the Native Plant Studies Program at UNCC. Margaret's approach to gardening education is focused on simple, effective gardening and environmental stewardship practices to help each of us create healthy, beautiful gardens and green spaces that enhance and support our local ecosystems. Register here. 

Monday, August 9 at 12 p.m.-1 p.m. 

Master Gardener Margaret Genkins - virtual presentation of Native Secrets for Your Shady Garden 

Tips and techniques for gardening in the shade with a selection of shade-loving Carolina native plants. Register here. 

Monday, August 23 at 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. 

Dr. Larry Mellichamp, author of The Southeast Native Plant Primer, presenting Gardening in Charlotte Year-round 

Those of you who are relatively new to Charlotte may not know what a great place it is to garden: mild winters, long spring and fall; geographically close to mountains and coast; near several public gardens and good nurseries. You may also not be aware of our problems: hot, humid summers with high night temperatures; lots of red clay soil; variable rainfall. This talk will introduce gardeners to these factors and offer insight and solutions including specific plants for the four seasons of Charlotte gardening. And you can ask lots of questions. 

Dr. Larry Mellichamp is a retired Professor of Botany and Horticulture and was director of the Botanical Gardens at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Larry is a world traveler and expert on native plants of all kinds. He has received several teaching awards and written several books, including the recent Native Plants of the Southeast…the best species for the garden (Timber Press, 2014); and Bizarre Botanicals (2010) and The Southeast Native Plant Primer (2020) with Paula Gross. He is the 2016 recipient of the Tom Dodd, Jr. Plantsman Award of Excellence from the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference. He gardens at home in Charlotte where he lives with his wife Audrey. Register here. 

Tiff Massey is a visionary creative who expresses herself through large-scale and wearable sculptures, music and performance.

But before she creates a permanent expression for Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents, visitors and especially library patrons to enjoy, she wants to hear from you.

The award-winning interdisciplinary artist will talk about her creative practice and process and engage in a conversation that will inform her concept for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s new Main Library branch at a virtual Community Engagement Meeting hosted by the Arts & Science Council (ASC) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 14.

Click here - Advance registration is needed to participate in the free event.

Massey is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, as well as a 2015 Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship awardee and a two-time John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge winner. She holds an MFA in metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art and creates work inspired by African standards of economic vitality.

Influenced by the iconic material culture of 1980s hip-hop, Massey uses contemporary observances of class and race through the lens of an African Diaspora, combined with inspiration drawn from her experience in Detroit.

“How does the context and placement of an object influence an individual’s perception of self?” Massey said in her artist statement. “The work first seduces the viewer, creating a desire to take, touch, and activate.”

She will create an impactful artwork that responds to the parameters, aesthetics and themes of the new Main Library, which will be located at the existing Main Library location in Uptown Charlotte. You can learn more about the plans for the new Main Library here.

Funding for the public art is in accordance with Mecklenburg County’s Public Art Ordinance, which allocates one percent of the total construction budgets for eligible capital projects for public art. ASC manages the public art programs for the county and the City of Charlotte.

This blog was written by Bernie Petit, communications manager with the Arts & Science Council.

Desplácese hacia abajo para ver la versión en español

Welcome to Week 3 of Summer Break: Read, Learn, Explore! Did you know that people of all ages can participate in the Summer Break program? We hope that all the members of your family are having a great time participating and logging reading time and activities. The Summer Break challenge will run until August 14. If you have any questions about Summer Break, check out how the program works and sign up here.

If you’re looking for even more fun learning activities to do this summer, we have lots of suggestions! Check out our Digital Branch, Read Charlotte’s Reading Checkup or our online programs.

Digital Branch

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but if you are ready to beat the heat, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has you covered. Stay in the cool air conditioning and access our Digital Branch any time! Available 24/7 here, the Digital Branch has a variety of offerings for all ages. Find fabulous reads, literacy extension activities and Active Reading tips on the Storytime Train, or tune in and try out one of our three podcasts. You can also view Library programs or learn about Library resources. The Digital Branch has something for everyone to enjoy, no matter the time or location.

Reading Checkup with Read Charlotte

Curious about your child’s reading level? It’s time for a Reading Checkup. Visit Read Charlotte’s new page for more information. This quick, free assessment tool will provide you with resources and activities specifically geared for your child’s reading level.

Exciting Programs

This summer, the Library is hosting some wonderful programs online. Check out the available programming on our calendar. 

Thursdays at 2 p.m., the Library will host fun presenters on the ImaginOn Facebook page such as Mad Science, NC Zoo and Unicorns Break the Cage by Talewise. Here is a full listing of events in the Summer of Stories series.

Comments? Questions?

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 2021 website or your account? Do you have questions about the program? Do you have a wonderful story about the Library and Summer Break? Feel free to chat with us online, call your local branch, or email us at [email protected] for help or feedback.  

The 2021 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library with additional support from Wendy’s, Norsan Media and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.  

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This blog was written by Whitney Lebron, Summer Break team member at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Bienvenido a la semana 3 del programa de vacaciones de verano: ¡leer, aprender y explorar! ¿Sabías que personas de todas las edades pueden participar en el programa de vacaciones de verano? Esperamos que todos los miembros de tu familia disfruten de participar y registrar el tiempo de lectura y de actividades. El reto del programa de vacaciones de verano se extenderá hasta el 14 de agosto. Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre el programa de vacaciones de verano, revisa cómo funciona el programa y regístrate aquí.

Si buscas actividades de aprendizaje todavía más divertidas para hacer este verano, ¡tenemos muchas sugerencias! Échale un vistazo a nuestra sucursal virtual, a la verificación de lectura de Read Charlotte o a nuestros programas en línea.

Sucursal virtual

El verano es un momento genial para disfrutar del aire libre, pero, si estás listo para ganarle el calor, la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg puede ayudarte. ¡Quédate bajo el fresco aire acondicionado y accede a nuestra sucursal virtual en cualquier momento! La sucursal virtual, disponible las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana aquí, tiene una variedad de ofertas para todas las edades. Encuentra fabulosas lecturas, actividades de extensión de alfabetización y consejos de lectura activa en Storytime Train, o sintoniza y escucha uno de nuestros tres podcasts. También puedes ver programas de la biblioteca o conocer sus recursos. La sucursal virtual tiene algo para que todos disfruten sin importar el momento o el lugar.

Verificación de lectura con Read Charlotte

¿Sientes curiosidad acerca del nivel de lectura de tu hijo? Es hora de una verificación de lectura. Visita la nueva página de Read Charlotte para obtener más información. Esta herramienta de evaluación rápida y gratuita te brindará recursos y actividades específicamente orientados al nivel de lectura de tu hijo.

Programas emocionantes

Este verano, la biblioteca tiene unos fascinantes programas en línea. Échale un vistazo a la programación disponible en nuestro calendario. 

Los jueves a las 2 p. m., la biblioteca será anfitriona de divertidos presentadores en la página de Facebook de ImaginOn, como Mad Science, NC Zoo y Unicorns Break the Cage de Talewise. Aquí hay una lista completa de eventos de la serie Cuentos de verano.

¿Tienes comentarios o preguntas?

¿Tienes problemas con el sitio web del programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 o tu cuenta? ¿Tienes preguntas sobre el programa? ¿Tienes una fascinante historia sobre la biblioteca y el programa de vacaciones de verano? No dudes en chatear con nosotros en línea, llamar a tu sucursal local o enviarnos un correo electrónico a [email protected] para recibir ayuda o comentarios.  

El programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 llega a ti gracias a la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg y el respaldo adicional de Wendy’s, Norsan Media y la fundación de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg.  

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Este blog lo escribió Whitney Lebron, miembro del equipo del programa de vacaciones de verano de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg.

Written by Asha Ellison, interim chief marketing  officer at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is celebrated annually on June 19 across the United States. The date has immense historical importance as it signifies the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the former Confederate States of America on June 19, 1865. The date, mostly celebrated by African Americans, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the U.S.

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers to Galveston, Texas where he read historic General Order Number 3 which granted African Americans freedom, equality of rights, including rights to property. The significance of this order is that it was read two years after President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation. It would be many more years, however, before formerly enslaved African Americans and their descendants received the human rights and civil liberties due to them through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Cultivators and curators of art, folklore, literature, music, food, fashion, policy, agriculture, science, technology, medicine, sports and more, African Americans have contributed to American culture for many centuries. Juneteenth celebrations focused on that! As mentioned on Juneteenth.com, festivities surrounding Juneteenth include coming together in prayer, jubilee and enjoying popular cultural foods and drinks centered around barbecues. Celebrations also include rodeos, fishing, baseball games, speakers and discussions focused on education, self-development and more. Modern Juneteeth celebrations continue with many of the same elements.

Additionally, Juneteeth is celebrated through sharing heritage through literature. During slavery, it was illegal to teach slaves how to read or write, though many did learn and secretly taught others how to do so, jeopardizing their wellbeing and often their lives.

Interested in learning more about the history of Juneteeth or African American culture and heritage? Check out the “Juneteenth & African American Literature”, "Celebrating Juneteenth for Children", and "Learn about Juneteenth" book lists compiled by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library that features books, ebooks and audiobooks highlighting the beauty and joy of African American culture.

2022 Programs

While Americans celebrate 1776 as the year our country was founded, when did it actually begin? What are the defining characteristics of American history? What are our origins? We invite you to join us as we explore these questions and more through The 1619 Project. Over seven (7) weeks, we’ll read and discuss this illuminating book created by the New York Times and edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones. Join in person at the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library or over Zoom for this special hybrid program series. This learning circle begins July 7, 2022. 

Register

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.

Register

Social justice book clubs are hosted by Davidson, University City and West Boulevard Libraries, including options for adults and teens. Click the link below to see which titles are being read and to register for a group that interests you.

Find a book club

Juneteenth Resources

Rewatch videos and programs centered on themes and important topics of race, diversity, equity, inclusion and progress below.

• Juneteenth Lunch & Learn (2020) - Viviette (Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library) moderated presentation and discussion
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Rj4hmqaBw
    
     
• From Here to Equality (2021) - moderated by Braxton Winston
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiySZ9UX7gI
    
     
• Full Black Lives Matter Program playlist
  • https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0t__OhPEBo_TOtdPRCnK9Mee4D_iCb8h