The Origins of Black History Month
First celebrated in 1926 for a week in February, and later expanded to the entire month of February, Black History month was established by Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson and the organization he helped to create, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and the sponsors of Black History Month.
In 1976, the celebration was expanded to a month when President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Listening Party Celebrating Black History Month - Wednesdays in February, 4pm, Corte Madera Library
Join us at Corte Madera Library on Wednesday afternoons in February for a music listening party to celebrate Black History Month!
Create! Celebrate Black History Month all February in the Novato Library Children's Room
Kids, explore activities in the Novato Library Children's Room throughout February. The library has a craft cart set up in the room for patrons to use at any time and at their own pace.
Make a mosaic collage and read about artist Alma Woodsey Thomas all month long.
The following weeks will include these additional projects:
- Feb 13th Create poetry inspired by Langston Hughes
- Feb 21st Design your own political poster and learn about Shirley Chisholm
- Feb 27th Thurgood Marshall word search
Saturday, February 25, 2023
The Roots of Black Music in America Presented Live on Zoom by Karlus Trapp
Learn about the music of America’s black musical greats! This joyful and informative program is a 100 year journey back through time that comes alive through songs and stories. Please be warned: you may find yourself uncontrollably smiling, singing or humming for hours afterward. Perfect for adults, teens and school aged children. To register for this free online event click HERE., opens a new window
Veteran troubadour, songwriter, producer, music educator, and native New Yorker Karlus Trapp has been playing music since the age of five. For the past thirty years he has been spreading joy through his music with solo and band performances. His original music has been used for both network TV and international television markets. Karlus has been performing his “Roots of Black Music” show with Staten Island’s Universal Temple of the Arts Ensemble for over 10 years, entertaining and educating thousands of school children and adults alike with this wonderful production.
This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Marin County Free Library
Carry on in March at a Book Group Discussing Works by Black Authors
The Civic Center Library's Morning Mystery Book Club will meet virtually on Zoom on Thursday, March 9th from 11:00-12:00n to discuss Land of Shadows by Rachel Howzell Hall.
Gives voice to a rare figure in crime fiction: a highly complex, fully imagined black female detective. Kirkus Reviews, starred review on Trail of Echoes (3rd in the Elouise "Lou" Norton series)
Registration is required! Register for event here.
Thursday, March 16, 1 - 2 pm, Online
The Civic Center Library's Afternoon Book Club will meet virtually on Zoom on Thursday, March 16th from 1:00-2:00pm to discuss Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.
One of the most important and enduring books of the twentieth century, Their Eyes Were Watching God brings to life a Southern love story with the wit and pathos found only in the writing of Zora Neale Hurston.
Registration is required! Register for event here.
Community Events
Thursday, February 16, 6 - 8 pm
Marin City Arts and Culture - Former Black Panthers Party Panel Discussion
The Black Panther Party was part of Marin City history. Come out and discuss with those who were a part of that history. After 57 years we can now ask is it possible to change a system that is characterized by the growing wealth gap between billionaires and families living on the street? The distinguished panel includes: Professor Walter Turner, Terrie Green, and Charles "Chuckie" Huff. Hosted at the MC Arts Gallery and moderated by Harold Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Marin City Health & Wellness Clinic and Rashida Skaar, Youth Services Librarian, Marin County S. Novato Library.
MC Arts Gallery, 100 Donahue Street, Suite 190 B, Marin City, CA 94965
Local Resources
African American Museum and Library at Oakland is dedicated to the discovery, preservation, interpretation, and sharing of historical and cultural experiences of African Americans in California and the West for present and future generations. Located at: 659 14th Street, Oakland
The Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco has a rich offering of events, programs, and exhibits all year round. Located at: 685 Mission Street in San Francisco
San Francisco African American Historical & Cultural Society's mission is to educate African Americans and others about the history and culture of San Francisco’s African American community. They have a library and host events. Located at: 762 Fulton Street,San Francisco
Online Events
There are many events to choose from. Here are two that represent the wide array of topics.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 7:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Free! A screening of Afrofuturism: The Origin Story followed by a panel discussion.
National Archives Museum Online--View on YouTube
A panel will discuss the life of African American explorer Matthew Henson, who spent years exploring the Arctic with Robert E. Peary. Henson was the first one to reach the North Pole in 1909, yet he was not given the same honors awarded to other members of the expedition. The panel will discuss Henson’s Arctic career using artifacts from the Berkshire Museum, the Explorers Club, and the National Archives and discuss recent research finds about Henson as well as the legacy he leaves us today.
Online Resources
These resources offer a treasure trove of information.
This Web portal is a collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
National Archives--African American History
The National Archives holds a wealth of material documenting the African American experience and highlights these resources online, in programs, and through traditional and social media.
National Park Service--Black History Month
This recently added library resource provides comprehensive coverage of the African American experience from the early 18th century to the present day as recorded by the news media. Easy to use and updated daily, this resource supports discussions around race, equity, diversity, and social justice.
