Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
This year will mark a century of commemorating Black History nationwide. The recognition began as a week in 1926, spearheaded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the second African American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University.
Set in February, the week was picked to coincide with the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln with the goal to integrate Black history into the United States’ educational curriculum, public libraries, and other community institutions.
It wasn’t until 1976 that the week was expanded into a full month.
You can connect with Black history, culture, and contributions with the Library by reading about the notable people featured on the Library’s Black History Month book displays, attending featured events, and checking out recommended reading.
We invite you to stop by a CHPL location this month to explore and learn more.
Notable People
Marie Selika Williams, also known as the “Queen of Staccato” and “Madame Selika,” was the most recognized and lauded African American woman singer of the late-19th Century. Born in Natchez, Mississippi, Selika’s family later moved to Cincinnati, where she studied music. In her 20s, Selika moved to San Francisco, where she made her debut as a concert soprano in 1876. On Nov. 13, 1878, she became the first African American individual to perform at the White House. After the White House performance, she toured nationally for all-Black audiences. She also toured Europe twice.
Born in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Virginia Hamilton wrote 40 books for children and young adults, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and Newbery Medal-winning M.C. Higgins, the Great. In 1992, she was bestowed with the Han Christian Anderson Award in celebration of her life’s work. She now has an award presented in her honor: the Coretta King Virigina Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement.
She wrote everything from biographies to African folklore to science fiction for children and young adults. Her work largely explored the African American experience, or what she called “Liberation Literature.”
Regarded as the “Father of Distance Running,” Theodore “Ted” Corbitt grew up in Cincinnati, where he graduated from Woodward High School and later from the University of Cincinnati. During the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, Finland, Corbitt became the first Black man to represent the United States in an Olympic marathon. He was the co-founder and first president of the New York Road Runners, which formed in 1958. Starting with 47 members, it has since grown to include over 60,000.
Featured Events at the Library
Celebrate Black History Month by attending a Library program, including Archival Silence: Researching Your Family History at the Forest Park Branch on Monday, Feb. 9 from 6-8 p.m. The event will feature Bill & Kevin Parrish, who will uncover their family history and legacy through a three-part series of conversations. The series' other dates are Feb. 16 and Feb. 23.
Also at the Forest Park Branch is STEM Club: Furniture Design Challenge on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m. Aimed at ages 8-12, the event will feature a design challenge based on Ohio native Sarah E. Goode, the first Black American woman to receive a U.S. patent for her invention of the folding cabinet bed.
Head to the West End Branch on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 2-4 p.m. for West End Stories Day. Liz Virgo, director of education at the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, will explore the history of the West End neighborhood, from early settlement challenges in the 1800s to its rise as a thriving Black community, and the lasting impact of highways and stadiums on housing and neighborhood life.
Featured Books at CHPL
Celebrate Black History Month by checking out books from the Library. Our staff has curated lists for all ages, so everyone in the family can join in!
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