Black History Month at MCPL
February is Black History Month, and MCPL has 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 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 2024 Events
Join us for several events celebrating Black History Month, featuring local experts and community gatherings discussing Black history, arts and culture, civil rights, and social justice.
Saturday, February 3:
11am-12pm
Art Studio for Kids – Alma Thomas Art Studio for Children 6-12 at White Oak Library
Help us celebrate Black History Month with an exciting opportunity to create original art in the style of Alma Thomas! REGISTER.
2-3pm
Kids Create! A Black History Month Celebration at Aspen Hill Library
Join us to create your own masterpiece in the style of Alma Woodsey Thomas.
Monday, February 5:
4-5pm
Discover Heroes of Black History – A Reading, Discussion and Learning Event at Connie Morella Library
Join us in commemorating Black History Month by learning about some exceptional African and African American historical figures from a wide range of fields of knowledge and expertise.
Tuesday, February 6:
6:30-7:30pm
Separate But Unequal – The History of School Segregation in Montgomery County – In Observance of Black History Month at Damascus Library
In observance of Black History Month, learn about the the history of segregation in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Saturday, February 10:
10:30-11:15am
Discovery Saturday: African American Story Quilts at Little Falls Library
In celebration of Black History Month, we will read about Story Quilts and make some of our own.
2-3:pm
Soul in Motion: African Drum and Dance – In-person – Black History Month Celebration at Kensington Park Library
African Drum and Dance performance by Soul in Motion Company celebrates Black History Month.
Sunday, February 11:
3-4pm
Get in the Groove – a Hand Dance Workshop at Aspen Hill Library
Enjoy a demo of D.C. hand dancing, a swing dance from the 1920’s that’s experiencing a revival in the local dance community. Then try your hand at the dance yourself! REGISTER.
Wednesday, February 14:
10:30-11:15am
Sing and Move with Culture Queen! – a special concert for Black History Month at Little Falls Library
“Black History Live with Culture Queen” is a fun performance for your royal children.
6:30-7:30pm
No Shelf Control (Grades 4-6 Book Club) – “Swim Team” by Johnnie Christmas at Connie Morella Library
Calling All Readers in Grades 4-6: Come join a Book Club just for you! For tonight’s discussion and activities, pick up “Swim Team” ahead of time at the Connie Morella Library.
Thursday, February 15:
6-8pm
African American Book Discussion Group at Rockville Memorial Library
The African American Book Discussion Group of Rockville Memorial Library discusses fiction, non-fiction or plays written by, or about people of African descent.
Saturday, February 17:
12-1:30pm
To commemorate Black History Month, join author James H. Johnston to learn about differing historical perspectives on slavery in Maryland and the District of Columbia
1-2pm
Join us as Ralph Buglass from Montgomery History’s Speakers Bureau presents, Separate but UNequal: the History of School Segregation in Montgomery County. REGISTER
Tuesday, February 20:
4:30-5:30pm
My First Book Club: Ty’s Travels: Lab Magic – at Gaithersburg Library
Join us for a book club for children who are learning to read.
Wednesday, February 21:
4-5pm
Anansi and the Magic Rock: A Trickster Tale – presented by Dramatic Play at Olney Library
Celebrate Black History Month at Olney Library with an Imagine and Play Storytime
5-6pm
Soulful Music by Electric Violinist Bliss Ananda- In celebration of Black History Month at Long Branch Library
Join us to hear the smooth sounds of Electric Violinist Bliss Ananda. This musical performance is in celebration of Black History Month.
6-7:30pm
Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement – In Celebration of Black History Month at Potomac Library
An evening of jazz and a discussion of its influence on the Civil Rights Movement
6:30-7:30pm
Tween Book Club: Some Places More Than Others – at Gaithersburg Library
Explore different genres of tween literature each month with games, activities and book discussions.
Thursday, Feb. 22:
7-8pm
Rockville Library Book Discussion – Hybrid at Rockville Memorial Library
The Rockville Library Book Discussion will read Becoming by Michelle Obama
Saturday, Feb. 24:
11am-12pm
Storytime with Momma B – at Potomac Library
Folktales, songs, and wisdom from a traditional griot storyteller.
11am-12pm
Bright Star Touring Theatre – African Folktales – at Marilyn J. Praisner Library
Join us and listen to different African Folktales presented by the Bright Star Touring Theatre.
Sunday, Feb. 25
11-11:45am
Black History Live with Culture Queen – At Germantown Library
Celebrate the Kings and Queens of African-American History with music, movement, and storytelling!
2-3pm
Songs of Freedom with Linda Harris and Main Street Blues -In Person – Black History Month Event at Wheaton Library
Follow us on a musical evolution to Freedom, from the ‘Code Songs’ of the Underground Railroad to Spirituals to Blues to Jazz and R’&’B.
African American Genealogy for Beginners at Rockville Memorial Library
Learn how to get started with your family research, where to access free research tools and how to organize your research findings.
2-3pm
Griot Storyteller: Renee Emanuel at Quince Orchard Library
Come celebrate Black History Month with interactive Griot storyteller Renee Emanuel!
6-8pm
Contemporary Conversations – Chlorine Skies and Chrome Valleys: The Work of Mahogany L. Browne – in Celebration of Black History Month at Marilyn J. Praisner Library
Celebrate Black History Month with the Lincoln Center’s first-ever poet-in-residence, renowned writer Mahogany L. Browne. REGISTER.