Library offers slate of observances for Black History Month

This photograph of a baptism at Big Spring in 1895 is part of “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture” digital archives, one of the features during Black History Month at Huntsville-Madison County Public Library. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is celebrating Black History Month with programs that highlight culture and contributions.

“Basic Genealogy” at the downtown library will focus on research. Class times are Feb. 12, 7-8 p.m.; Feb. 18, 10-11 a.m.; and Feb. 24, 2-3 p.m.

Also, individuals can check out “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture” at digitalarchives.hmcpl.org/cdm/landingpage/collection/p16458coll16.

“Spotlight on African-American Authors for Children” on Feb. 11, 18 and 25 at 10:30 a.m. will offer story times with picture books at the downtown library. Carl Parker Jr. will be in concert on Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Showers Center Library.

“‘Don’t Judge a Book by its Color’ will feature Horace Wilson, a master trainer and speaker, on Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Madison Public Library,” communications director Ann Marie Martin said.

Triana senior citizens will share their wisdom and memories on Feb. 17 at 10:15 a.m. at Triana Public Library, 357 Record St. Lunch will be served.

At Madison Public Library, Horace Wilson will present “Synergy and the Leader Within” on Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. At Bessie K. Russell Library, a discussion group will pursue “Impact of Racial Stereotypes in America” on Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.

The downtown library will host “Hertha Heller Forum: “Black U.S. Army Units 1907-1909” on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. with Bill Emerson exploring this historical era. Friends of the Library is sponsor.

“The Voices of Hope will present a program of civil rights songs and African-American spirituals on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. in the downtown library’s atrium,” Martin said. On Feb. 25, a health fair is planned for Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to noon at Oscar Mason Library.

At “Inventor Celebration Stations,” attendees will learn about African-American inventors with hands-on activities and crafts on Feb. 25 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the downtown library. On Feb. 28, families can create landscapes and animals at “African Sunset Plains Art Class” at 11 a.m. at Bessie K. Russell Library.

For more information, visit guides.hmcpl.org/blackhistorymonth.