Black History Month

Black History Month is a celebration of the achievements and contributions of Black individuals and a reminder to us all that to learn from and about our history. Black Futures Month takes a forward-looking spin, focusing on uplifting contemporary Black creators and leaders and the ongoing work of racial justice. Both are observed in February. Throughout the month, the Library will highlight books in our collection by and about people in the African American community. Check a few of these out below and join us at one of our Kids and Teens programs, with themes and stories in celebration of Black History (and Black Futures) Month.

Black History Month (or African American History Month) is celebrated annually in February. It was first created by historian Carter G. Woodson as a week-long event in 1926. Encompassing the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, it highlighted the many achievements that had been made by Black Americans since emancipation. Whether you’re looking for fictional characters or real-life heroes who look like you or you want to learn more about history, the Library has some great options!

For Black History Month 2021, Kanopy has featured "11 Films to Watch." These included important films like Oscar-winner Moonlight, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, and Oscar-nominated documentary I Am Not Your Negro. Black history shouldn't be confined to just one month. So, even if you're starting late or you missed the celebration entirely, rest easy. There's really no deadline on this list. They are, however, a great addition to #theblackfriendchallenge and any other self-education you may be doing on anti-racism and social justice.

In the 1950s, the Duval County Recreation Program ran in the segregated African-American schools, the Jefferson Street Swimming Pool, and the Brewster Hospital during summer break. Activities included playground, library, homemaking, arts and crafts, movies, and music. These photos were originally kept in very large wood bound scrapbooks but can now be accessed online thanks to a recent digitization project.

As part of our African American History Month celebrations, we are spotlighting local Black authors who were either raised in Northeast Florida or make their homes and livelihoods here now. From two-time Emmy award-winning news producer Nikesha Elise Williams, to a book of short stories and poems by Spoken word/Hip-Hop artist KnightKrawler, to award-winning author Rodney Hurst—this outstanding list of local black authors belongs in your "TBR" pile!

As part of African American History Month the Jacksonville Public Library hosted Pathways to a People: Gullah Geechee Culture.  The event was in partnership with the the U.S. National Park Service and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission.