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].

--

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.  

--

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.  

--

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

It’s week four of Summer Break! Hopefully you’ve been logging your reading time and activities, but if you haven’t, it’s not too late to enroll in the program and join in on the fun. You can even backdate your reading time to the start of the program, June 7. Keep reading, learning and exploring through the end of the program on August 14, 2021.

Library staff have been working hard preparing for Summer Break since October 2020 – developing recommended reading lists, engaging programs, and fun incentives.

One of the biggest tasks for the team that manages the Summer Break program is choosing, ordering and sorting all the cool prizes you receive upon completion of the program. This year:

• babies and children earn a new, popular book;
• teens earn either a new, popular book OR a doodle notebook;
• and adults earn a tote bag in the color of their choice.

Once incentives are chosen, the team members then order what feels like an ocean of books for babies, children and teens. Each box must be opened, organized and sorted so that every Library location has just the right selection of books for participants to choose from when they complete Summer Break.

Staff also sort notebooks and tote bags so that teen and adult completers have a variety of prizes to choose from at their Library location. Check out the beautiful blue!

The Summer Break team works with the Marketing and Communications Department to create and order lots of flyers, posters, and other print materials to help us tell you all about the program. Printed pieces are sorted and distributed to all 20 Library locations.

Once boxes are sorted and labeled, they are taken to the dock to be delivered to Library locations.

A lot of hard work is put into Summer Break with the goal of participants enjoying the program and having fun reading and learning all summer long.

To learn more about how the Summer Break program works and how you can sign up to participate, visit summerbreak.cmlibrary.org.

Learn more

REMINDER: all libraries are closed on July 4 and 5.

Comments? Questions?

Are you having problems with the Summer Break 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, stop by your local library, or email us at [email protected].

The 2021 Summer Break program is brought to you by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Additional support comes from Wendy’s and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation with Spanish translations sponsored by Norsan Media.

--

This blog was written by Larisa Martin, Summer Break team member at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Mira tras las bambalinas del programa de vacaciones de verano

¡Es la cuarta semana del programa de vacaciones de verano! Esperamos que hayas registrado tu tiempo de lectura y de actividades, pero, si no lo has hecho, no es demasiado tarde para inscribirte en el programa y unirte a la diversión. Incluso puedes retrotraer tu tiempo de lectura al comienzo del programa, el 7 de junio. Sigue leyendo, aprendiendo y explorando hasta el final del programa, el 14 de agosto de 2021.

El personal de la biblioteca ha trabajado mucho para prepararse para el programa de vacaciones de verano desde octubre de 2021, elaborando listas de lecturas recomendadas, atractivos programas y divertidos incentivos.

Una de las tareas más importantes del equipo que administra el programa de vacaciones de verano es elegir, ordenar y clasificar todos los fabulosos premios que recibes al completar el programa. Este año:

• los bebés y los niños reciben un libro nuevo popular;
• los adolescentes reciben un libro nuevo popular O un anotador;
• y los adultos reciben una bolsa de la biblioteca del color de su elección.

​

Una vez que se eligen los incentivos, los miembros del equipo ordenan lo que parece un océano de libros para bebés, niños y adolescentes. Cada caja se debe abrir, organizar y clasificar de manera que todas las bibliotecas tengan la selección correcta de libros para que los participantes elijan al completar el programa de vacaciones de verano.

El personal también clasifica los anotadores y las bolsas para que los adolescentes y los adultos que completen el programa tengan varios premios para elegir en la biblioteca. ¡Mira qué hermoso el azul!

El equipo del programa de vacaciones de verano trabaja con el Departamento de Marketing y Comunicaciones para crear y pedir muchos volantes, afiches y demás materiales impresos; así, nos ayudan a contarte todo sobre el programa. Los materiales impresos se clasifican y distribuyen a las 20 bibliotecas.

Una vez que las cajas están clasificadas y rotuladas, se llevan al muelle para que se distribuyan a las bibliotecas.

Se trabaja mucho en el programa de vacaciones de verano para que los participantes disfruten del programa y se diviertan leyendo y aprendiendo todo el verano.

Para saber más sobre cómo funciona el programa de vacaciones de verano y cómo puedes registrarte para participar, visita summerbreak.cmlibrary.org.

aprende más

RECORDATORIO: Todas las bibliotecas cierran el 4 y 5 de julio.

¿Tienes comentarios o preguntas?

¿Tienes problemas con el sitio web del programa de vacaciones de verano o con 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, pasar por tu biblioteca local o enviarnos un correo electrónico a [email protected].

El programa de vacaciones de verano 2021 llega a ti gracias a la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg. Contamos con respaldo adicional de Wendy’s y de la fundación de la biblioteca Charlotte Mecklenburg, con traducciones al español patrocinados por Norsan Media.

--

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

Independence Regional Library can be found at the corner of Conference Drive and Monroe Road. We are proud to serve a diverse community, with many nearby schools including East Mecklenburg High School, Idlewild Elementary School, McClintock Middle School, Greenway Elementary School, Rama Road Elementary. We also serve families with young children and individuals from around the world who call Charlotte home. Visit us and you will discover a wide range of programs offered to people of all ages. We have a diverse staff who offer a variety of language learning programs,  an excellent group of children’s storytellers doing amazing work with babies and school age children, and we have many skill-building programs offered to teens to help them prepare for their future. Come and meet our library staff members who care very much about their work and the people they serve.   

If you like the outdoors, you will surely enjoy getting off the beaten path to stroll down local Greenways, McAlpine Creek and Campbell Creek. Experience wildlife and a fishpond available with stocked fish and accessible with a fishing permit. McAlpine Creek Park’s entrance is on Monroe Road near Village Lake Drive. Another fun outing for families with young children is at Grier Park. StoryWalks, provided by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, is a unique storybook adventure for children and their families found within the park’s natural setting. This encounter is a lively story outside the pages of a traditional book. 

Near our branch is the Time Out Youth Center who welcome all who enter. It’s a special place for young people to feel a sense of belonging and community whether they identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, a straight ally – or just dislike being labeled at all. They offer a safe space and always respect the journey of each individual youth and young adult. Time Out Youth works to teach, lead discussions and workshops and gives resources to schools in the Charlotte area and surrounding counties.

Another wonderful organization making a difference in our community are the Monroe Road Advocates (MORA). They are a huge source of support in creating public art, hosting community workshops and so much more. MORA is fueled and supported by a group of neighbors and stakeholders that operate in volunteer roles. You are encouraged to visit this area and enjoy the sights, sounds, food and experiences!

Our community also has a lot of resources and organizations that serve refugees and immigrant families. The staff at Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency embrace refugees and recognize their troubling experiences. The goal is to ease the transition into a new country while respecting people’s need to remember their roots, cultures and traditions left behind back home. At Refugee Support Services, they provide a multitude of programs to help refugees who’ve chosen to settle in Charlotte. Families and individuals can come and partake in workshops, learn about nutrition, cooking, home-buying, voting clinics, financial literacy, family first-aid, personal hygiene, college prep/admissions and more.

The Hindu Center of Charlotte is a temple that has served the Hindu Indian community in Charlotte for many decades, and they have a very active member base. The entire year is filled with traditional and colorful events seeped in the Hindu religion. If you love Indian cuisine, don’t miss out on their take-out services which help support the Center’s year-round activities.

And of course, if you are looking for a more diverse selection of groceries, we have the Super-G International Market. If you love food (and who doesn’t), please make time to visit Super-G International Market for a grocery store visit like no other. While their main emphasis is Asian foods, they have an abundance of products from South America, Europe, and Africa just to name of few. Think of it as an amusement park for food enthusiasts. One prominent place is their food court where the Korean soups, kimchi, Vietnamese hot steam buns and Chinese bakery treats will take your tastebuds to far-away places with no required passport.

The staff at Independence Regional Branch has many local suggestions as well. Patchwork is a montage of colorful street art designed and created by local artists and trailblazers, MyLoan Dinh and Bunny Gregory. It’s art that adds a curiosity and playfulness to this region. You’ll find the colorful quilt-like inspired displays at several intersections along Monroe Road.  Another staff favorite is Thursdays Live, a seasonal and free concert series allowing people and families to gather and enjoy local musicians — great for the whole family to connect with neighbors in an exciting atmosphere. Pictured here is a 16-foot-high sculpture project that was led by Lee Baumgarten. Public artist Leslie Scott is the designer/creator of this landmark that is a beacon in our area where we live, shop and explore.  One of many ethnic restaurants is Halal Street Food. Specializing in traditional Middle Eastern dishes like kebabs, shawarma, platters, doner kebab, wraps and gyros, they also have many delicious options for vegetarians. A new restaurant, but with recipes from olden times.

New to Charlotte? Explore other neighborhoods through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library blog and WelcomeCLT, a digital space created for newcomers to Charlotte.

Resources:

• Independence Regional Branch – 6000 Conference Drive Charlotte, NC 28212 | 704-416-4800
• McCalpine Creek and Campbell Creek Greenway
• Grier Heights Memorial Park Storywalk - 3110 Leroy Street Charlotte, NC 28205
• Time Out Youth Center - 3800 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205 | 704-344-8335
• Monroe Road Advocates
• Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency - 5009 Monroe Rd Ste 100, Charlotte, NC 28205 | 704-535-8803
• Refugee Support Services - 3601 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205 | 704-458-3245
• Hindu Center of Charlotte - 7400 City View Dr, Charlotte, NC 28212 | 704-535-3440
• Super-G International Market - 7323 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227 | 980-321-4048
• Halal Street Food - 4044 Connection Point Blvd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28212 | 704-595-3876

---

This blog post was written by Alice Araiza, library assistant 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.

As February 2022 and Black History Month comes to an end, the NFL, a pro sport dominated by Black athletes, is still making headlines. The NFL celebrated its Super Bowl contest on February 13 and ended its season but the news for aspiring coaches is not over.  

This month began with former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores filing a lawsuit against the NFL, and   three NFL teams including the Dolphins, claiming racial discrimination in hiring practices. NPR reported in a Monday sports article that Flores said in his lawsuit “that the NFL is ‘managed much like a plantation’ and that its 32 owners, none of whom is Black, profit from the labor of its players — 70% of whom are Black. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the league's other Black head coaches, offensive and defensive coordinators and quarterback coaches and general managers, as well as African American candidates for those positions.”

For weeks, Flores continued to job-hunt and recently accepted a new job last week with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team announced he will become its senior defensive assistant and linebacker coach.  Flores’ lawsuit, however, is still ongoing.

The NFL initially disagreed with the lawsuit claims but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is reversing its stance by saying the league’s existing efforts to hire minority coaches are “unacceptable.”

This subject is addressed in the fourth chapter of the new John Feinstein book, Raise a Fist, Take a Knee: Race and the Illusion of Progress in Modern Sports. Entitled “Still Climbing the Wall,” the chapter includes discussions with former Black head coach Tony Dungy about Blacks and coaching. He can ignore limited hiring cycles for Black candidates in coaching but bemoans the results. “Two of the last twenty head-coaching coaching hires in the NFL have been African Americans,” he said. “That’s not a good number.” And Flores was one of the two hires.

Discrimination in sports has been a large historical topic whether looking at the stories of the determined Jackie Robinson integrating Major League Baseball during the 1940s or the flamboyant boxer Jack Johnson in the 1900s fighting white boxers. Serving as a forebear, Robinson had many to follow with dreams of opportunities and success. But the path for the Black athlete in the United States is not surefooted with the simple focus of sports and family. As a microcosm of greater society, the sports world was surrounded by the one-time Jim Crow era along with still present racist attitudes. When facing those situations, some Black athletes turned to different methods including activism to confront racism.     

In 2016, then NFL player Colin Kaepernick began silent protests of police brutality and racial inequality by taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem at the start of those football games. For a period, some followed his lead—intended as an act of peaceful protest—until criticism grew when others called the act unpatriotic. The football season ended and Kaepernick was released from his team to never play in the NFL again. The following year, he filed a lawsuit against the NFL that he was blackballed for his protests. In 2019, Kaepernick withdrew the lawsuit after a confidential settlement was reached. 

This month, another challenge to discrimination is playing out with the NFL being a direct participant. Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL loomed as another Black head coach, Lovie Smith, joined the Houston Texans and Mike McDaniel, of biracial descent, replaced Flores at Miami. To date, the NFL can claim to have five head coaches of color, three of whom are African American including McDaniel.   

Want to learn more about this topic? Black athletes are involved multiple sports including basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, among others. The disturbing conclusion is that these life stories include talented Black people being ignored, marginalized or feared. It is a cycle they confront with some major wins.

The Library has multiple titles about this subject for adults, teenagers and children readers including e-books, streaming videos and more.  Check the separate booklists for additional readings.

This blog was written by Lawrence Turner, adult services librarian at South County Regional Library.

Thank you to everyone that was able to join our Second Annual Celebration of the National African American Read-In. Our panelists did a wonderful job at discussing the lack of representation and diversity in children’s literature. Our authors also provided a read-aloud of their books.

Check out their titles below:

1. Harrison Martin: I want a Pet; The Bacon Tree; B is For Bacon Tree: Bacon A to Z
2. Shaketa Richardson: I am! I can! And I will!
3. Shirell Bates: Woolly Bully
4. Serenity Rankin: What Will I Be…?
5. Richye Porter: Big Brother Big Shoes; The NO that Meant GO! Go Harder!!!!
6. Charlitta Hatch: Black Boy Joy; Black Boy Joy Christmas Countdown
7. Dr. Janaka Lewis: Brown All Over; Freedom Narratives of African American Women; Bold Nia Maria Passes the Test; Dr. King is Tired Too!!

If you missed the celebration, don’t worry, you can get all caught up HERE and stay tuned to the Reading in Color Playlist on our YouTube channel for additional resources, and recommended black reads.

Download the accompanying PDF from this year's event with more reading recommendations, author bios, activities and more.