Black History Month at MCPL
February is Black History Month, and MCPL has free online resources, books, and events to help you learn and celebrate!
If you’re looking to explore and research online we’ve got some wonderful, authoritative resources for you.
The Oxford African-American Studies Center contains over 6,000 biographies, more than 10,000 articles, and hundreds of maps, documents, images, timelines, and charts and tables of African-American life, history, and culture.
The African American Times, later the Montgomery Times, archives cover seven years of the first Prince Georges and later Montgomery County-based newspaper that covered subjects of interest to the county’s Black community. The paper ceased publication in 2002. Read the archives here.
Black History Month 2021 Events
Join us online for several events celebrating Black History Month, featuring local experts and community gatherings discussing Black history, civil rights, social justice, and some STEM fun.
In honor of Library Lovers Month and Black History Month we are showing The Loving Story.
2/13, Historical Perspectives on Slavery in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
James H. Johnston from Montgomery History discusses how slavery in the Washington D.C. area evolved differently from other areas, due to the crops being grown, and the diverse nature of Washington.
2/16, Social Justice Author Talk with Michelle H. Hall
What significant event occurred in America in 1968? Michelle H. Hall, author of “1968 Riots Through the Eyes of an Eight-Year-Old-Girl” will discuss her experiences and her book about the riots.
2/17, Lecture: Separate but Unequal – History of School Segregation in Montgomery County
Montgomery County Historical Society on the history of segregation in public schools.
2/18, The Reported Lynchings in Montgomery County
Based on the recent compilation of hundreds of digitized newspaper accounts, researcher Sarah Hedlund presents comprehensive narratives on the three documented cases of lynching in Montgomery County. Each man’s story is supported by quotes, in-person reporting, period maps, photographs, and genealogical research, in remembrance and recognition of this darker side of Montgomery County’s history.
2/22, George Crum, a Potato Chip STEM Challenge
Learn about the man who invented one of America’s favorite snack foods and join us for a potato chip themed STEM challenge!
2/25, Black History Month Trivia
Come join us and honor Black History Month by putting your knowledge to the test and celebrating African American achievements! We will cover important events as well as notable figures that impacted history as we know it.
Yarrow Mamout was a Fulani Muslim who came to Maryland on a slave ship in 1752. Jim’s book follows later generations of the family through Robert Turner Ford, who graduated from Harvard in 1923.
2/28, No Pressure Social Justice Discussion Group
For 4th-8th grade and their adult. Read a book, watch a movie, or use our digital resources to do research about your favorite Black leader or role model. We will discuss their role in social justice and play a game of Black History trivia! Join us as we learn from each other and celebrate the diversity and inclusiveness in our own community!