Library to honor African American culture
Madison Public Library and other branches across Madison County have scheduled special activities to observe Black History Month. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – In observance of Black History Month, Madison Public Library has special activities planned for Feb. 25.
“Join Madison Public Library for another celebration of Black History Month. We’ll start the afternoon with a speaker presentation event with Mr. Justin McFarland with WAAY-TV — Channel 31 and others,” Youth Services Librarian Maggie Allen said.
The event will start at 1 p.m. and run to 4 p.m. in the library’s meeting room.
Librarians will host special activities and crafts that children, teenagers and adults can enjoy. “We’ll have demonstrations of African dance, rhythm and musical experiences,” Allen said.
This year for Black History Month, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is intersecting cultural education with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics programming.
“We give kids the tools, skills and knowledge to have great potential out in the world as educated people. But many times, we fall short of inspiring them to use the education they’ve attained to leave a positive and influential mark on society,” Courtney Braggs said. Braggs is chairperson of the Black History Month committee.
With the “Raise the BAR (Black American Renaissance)” theme, librarians hope to promote better literacy and education for area youth through STEAM-inspired activities, in relation to African-American innovators, thought-leaders and pioneers in history, Braggs said.
Rosie’s International Services Inc. of Huntsville is sponsoring the event at Madison Public Library. For more information, email rosdougl@hotmail.com or madison@hmcpl.org.
The Madison library also is recommending books especially pertinent this month, as referenced on the forharriet.com website:
* “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” – The late Maya Angelou’s famous account explains her life from childhood through teenage years as a resident of the South.
* “Their Eyes Were Watching God” — Zora Neale Hurston’s novel portrays the life of Janie Crawford during three marriages.
* “Purple Hibiscus” – This novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie focuses on the abusive life of Kambili in Nigeria.
* “The Summer We Got Free” — Mia McKenzie’s book describes Ava Delaney’s roller-coaster adventures during the late 1900s.
Madison Public Library’s address is 130 Plaza Blvd. For information, call 256-461-0046, email mallen@hmcpl.org or visit hmcpl.org/branches/Madison or Facebook/Madison Public Library.
