San Rafael, CA - The Marin County Free Library (MCFL) is collaborating with the County of Marin African American Employees Association (COMAEA) in a joint effort to celebrate and commemorate Black History Month throughout February. The "Strength in Striving" theme encompasses a series of in-person special events scheduled across multiple locations in Marin County, including Marin City, San Rafael, Corte Madera, Stinson Beach, Novato, Fairfax, and Point Reyes starting February 1.
The events aim to foster awareness and appreciation through diverse mediums such as books, films, art, public discussions, and various programming, all dedicated to promoting community engagement and celebrating Black history and culture. Find a detailed list of events at marinlibrary.org/BHM.
“Our theme this year "Strength in Striving" highlights the countless contributions and achievements of Black individuals past and present through dance, music, film, and visual arts,” said Raemona Little Taylor, MCFL’s Assistant Director. “Through sharing history, culture, and lived experiences, some joyous and others challenging, we aim to advance equity and justice and foster a deeper connection and understanding among our communities. We invite the community to engage with MCFL year-round in celebrating Black History and Culture in Marin County.”
Here are a few upcoming events:
Civic Center Library - 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 427, San Rafael
- 11 AM, Thursday, February 8: Civic Center Morning Mystery Book Club: ‘Down the River Unto the Sea’ by Walter Mosley.
Marin City Library - 164 Donahue Street, Marin City
- 6 PM, Thursday, February 1: Film Screening: Hitsville: The Making of Motown.
- 6 PM, Tuesday, February 6: Film Screening: The Last Dragon.
Corte Madera Library - 707 Meadowsweet Drive, Corte Madera
- All day, Sunday, February 11, to March 14: Exhibit of Marin-based artist: “OBSIDIAN: New Artworks by Doctor Orin Carpenter Mixed Media Artist.” Carpenter will discuss his work and process on Saturday, February 17, at 3 PM.
- 6 PM, Thursday, February 15: Film Screening: One Voice: The Story of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. Members of the choir will be present for a Q&A after the film.
Stinson Beach Library - 3521 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach
- 2 PM, Saturday, February 24: Film Screening and Discussion: EARTH MAMA in collaboration with SURJ Marin (Showing up for Racial Justice Marin Chapter).
Fairfax Library - 2097 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax
- 3 PM, Wednesday, February 28: Stories and Crafts: Gee’s Bend Quilts (quilt patching activity with cloth scraps and paper).
- 5 PM, Thursday, February 29: Film Screening: Against All Odds: The Fight for the Black Middle Class.
Novato Library - 1720 Novato Boulevard, Novato
- 3 PM, Saturday, February 24: Black banjo and fiddle performance.
- 5 PM, Thursday, February 29: Film Screening: Against All Odds: The Fight for the Black Middle Class.
Point Reyes Library – 11431 State Route 1, Point Reyes Station
- 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 17: Music Listening Party (playing a variety of music that celebrates Black history and culture).
- 5 PM, Thursday, February 29: Film Screening: Against All Odds: The Fight for the Black Middle Class.
For those unable to attend the County's events in-person, an online screening of the documentary "Against All Odds: The Fight for the Black Middle Class" is scheduled for Thursday, February 29, at 5 PM. Writer Bob Herbert and producer Sally Roy will participate in a Q&A session following the film. Access is available online.
The County of Marin African American Employees Association (COMAEA) is also hosting two virtual events beginning at noon that are open to the public, including a Black History Month trivia on February 7 featuring special prizes, and a Selfcare & Wellness event on February 14 centered around techniques for managing stress in work and personal life.
Furthermore, the COMAEA extends an invitation to the community to join the Board of Supervisors in-person at the Civic Center (Board chamber, Suite 330) on February 6 at 9 AM to observe the adoption of the 2024 Black History Month resolution.
For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail library@marincounty.org at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.
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