Written by Paul Wellington, Social Media Specialist, Downtown Main Library
Throughout February, the Library is celebrating Black History Month with unique events for all ages, curated material lists celebrating culture and achievement, and resources to help you research Black history.
Celebrating Black Icons
Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Jackson graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1996 and served in various U.S. Courts before entering private practice. Prior to her taking her seat as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court in 2022, Jackson served on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (2013-2021) before appointment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in 2021.
Hattie Walker is considered the first Black Public Librarian in Cincinnati. In 1923, she became the first head Librarian at the Stowe Branch Library in the West End, which was located in the Harriet Beecher Stowe School for Colored Children. Before becoming a Librarian at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Mrs. Walker taught night classes at Stowe and was a school attendance officer.
William De Hart Hubbard was the first African-American to win an individual gold medal in the Olympics. He attended Walnut Hills High School and excelled both athletically and academically. After high school, Hubbard attended the University of Michigan and broke the running broad jump record with a leap of 24 feet, 3 ½ inches, leading to a spot on the Olympic team in 1924.
Black History Month Events
- On February 1, the Downtown Main Library is hosting an African American Read-In. Meet and hear from African American authors, visit literary-based and African American culture organizations, buy a book, get an autograph, and make a craft.
- Join us at the Forest Park Branch on February 10, 17, and 24 for a three-part Eckstein School History Series. The program will take an in-depth look at the past, present, and future of the Historically Black Eckstein School in Glendale, Ohio.
- Explore the African American Archive Collection at the North Central Branch on February 17. Dive into two archives of primary source documents, along with the papers of the founders of the Southern Negro Youth Congress. Registration is required!
- If you love films, then visit the Forest Park Branch on February 27 for our second Black Film Series program. Experience films from four local Black filmmakers and actors, followed by a Q&A session.
Explore all Black History Month events at the Library.
Special Exhibit
Experience artist Jimi Jones' exhibit at the Forest Park Branch throughout the month of February. Jones communicates his ideas, feelings, and beliefs through his paintings, many of which explore the tensions of social injustice through war, racism, religious differences, and slavery.
The exhibit kicks off with an artist talk at the Forest Park Branch on February 1!
Recommended Reading and Viewing
Explore these books and films curated by Library staff that highlight the joy, resilience, and rich history of Black culture:
For Adults:
For Teens:
For Kids:
Featured Collection
In 1938, Althea Hurst, Laura Knight, Margaret Duncan, and Martha Bush traveled to Canada, Northern Europe, Nazi Germany, Eastern Europe, and France. The four Black Cincinnati school teachers wanted to give authenticity to what they had read and compare their findings to information provided in textbooks, as a way to inspire African American children to travel and broaden their world view.
Explore photos from their travels in the Althea Hurst Scrapbook in CHPL's Digital Library.
How do you plan on celebrating Black History Month? Let us know in the comments below!
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