February is Black History Month, and the Mandel Public Library is hosting a mix of in-person and virtual events to honor and celebrate Black lives. All are free.
Throughout the month, the library is displaying “Kijana Heroes,” a poster exhibit for writer and artist Claire Salmon.
Bloody Streets and Crooked Lines
Feb. 11, 1 to 2 p.m.
Presented by the Pinellas County African American History Museum, editor and author James Abraham delves into voter suppression and its forms in Florida spanning over 100 years.
It’s a Wrap: Hair Wrapping
Feb. 11, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Artist Kianga Jinaki and her daughter teach the skill of hair wrapping. Participants finish with their own hair wraps.
Black Literature Lecture Series
Feb. 12 and 25, 2 to 3 p.m.
Professor Africa Fine addresses the evolution of Black literature.
African Folk Tales With Abasi
Feb. 12, 3 to 4 p.m.
Spoken-word poet and African percussionist Abasi “Manblack” Hanif presents African folk tales for pre-kindergartners through second-graders.
Palm Beach County Juneteenth Committee
Feb. 18, 1 to 2 p.m.
The intention of this event is to connect Black communities to economic, health and educational resources.
African Drumming With Abasi
Feb. 18, 3 to 4 p.m.
Abasi “Manblack” Hanif teaches third- to fifth-graders basic African drumming techniques.
Family Storytime and Baby Storytime
Feb. 22 and 24, respectively, 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Children’s librarian Ms. Jin reads stories from Black authors and illustrators to children 5 and under. Two days later, children’s librarian Ms. Jillian does the same for babies 18 months and younger.
KidSpace Book Club
Feb. 27, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Third- to fifth-graders read “Finding Langston” by Lesa Cline-Ransome, learn about American poet Langston Hughes, and study the Second Great Migration of the 1940s and what it entailed for African Americans. Readers can check out the book in advance to prepare for the discussion. Refreshments and an activity are provided.
Two remote events are ongoing.
“Grab & Go Kits: Black History Month Collage Art” recognizes Black artists including Faith Ringgold, Kehinde Wiley and Jacob Lawrence. Participants can pick up collage kits from the library while supplies last to work on the project at home.
“Grab & Go Kits: Cherry Tomatoes” involves learning the basics of gardening to grow cherry tomatoes at home. The kits are free while supplies last. They include a recipe by chef Edna Lewis.
To learn more about registration, Black History Month and the Mandel Public Library, visit wpbcitylibrary.org, or call 561-868-7701. The library is at 411 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach.
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