This February the New Haven Free Public Library is honoring the historical achievements of Black Americans and recognizing their central role in our nation’s history, as well as celebrating the ongoing history that is being created every day. Join us for book discussions, film screenings, community gatherings, and much more. We hope to see you there!
Black History Month Events at NHFPL
Young Minds and Teens
Ruth and the Green Book
Saturday, February 4, 11 am-12 pm | Fair Haven
Join New Haven author, playwright, and photographer Calvin Ramsey as he discusses his book Ruth and the Green Book in honor of Black History Month.
Puppeteer – Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
Saturday, February 4, 12-3 pm | Stetson
Join us for a puppet show and create your own puppets with Iyaba Ibo Mandingo.
Celebrate Alma Thomas
Wednesday, February 8, 4pm | Mitchell
Alma Thomas was one of America’s most important black painters. Learn about her life and make your own painting inspired by her amazing work! For ages 5 and up.
Black History Month Concert
Saturday, February 11, 11 am-12 pm | Ives
Come join the Haven String Quartet for a family-friendly concert celebrating music by Black composers! Stick around afterward for a chance to try a violin, viola, or cello in our “instrument petting zoo!”
SC Presents Black History Month Celebration
Saturday, February 11, 2-3 pm | Wilson
A fun celebration of power and purpose through the art of storytelling with Sweet to the Soul and S.C. Poetry, drums, singing for all to enjoy!
I Am Every Good Thing
Wednesday, February 22, 4-5 pm | Mitchell
Join us for a story and activity celebrating what makes each of us amazing. We’ll read I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and create our own “I am” statements to display in the library (or to take home!)
Black History: Healing and Resistance
Thursday, February 23, 4-6 pm | Ives
We welcome teens to join the Students for Educational Justice and NHFPL as we celebrate Black History through the lens of healing and resistance!
Ujamaa Market
Saturday, February 25, 1-5 pm | The Lab at ConnCORP, 496 Newhall St
Presented in partnership between Stetson Branch and ConnCORP. Come show your support and shop with over 25 Black vendors. Featuring Iyaba Ibo Mandingo of Iyaba Arts, Donald Carter Couture, Winter Carson of Blush Beauty and Wellness, Lillian “Elle” Pearson, and Shari Caldwell.
Adults
Black History Community Conversation led by Probate Judge Clifton Graves
Wednesday, February 1, 6-8 pm | Stetson
Come learn and share some interesting facts about Black History.
Black History Film Screening
Join us for a film series celebrating great African American music icons!
Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things
Saturday, February 4, 2-4 pm | Mitchell
Quincy
Saturday, February 11, 2-4 pm | Mitchell
ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke
Saturday, February 25, 2-4 pm | Mitchell
Black Entrepreneurship with former EIR, Sammi Williams
Tuesday, February 7, 12-1 pm | Ives
Join Sammi Williams as she discusses her experiences as an entrepreneur in the greater New Haven area. She will also discuss the plethora of resources available for BIPOC entrepreneurs.
Author Talk with New Haven Author C. White
Wednesday, February 8, 6-8 pm | Stetson
Join us as C. White, presents his book, C. White in Black Ink.
A Century of Black Filmmaking Milestones
Within Our Gates
Thursday, February 9, 6-8 pm | Fair Haven
Oscar Micheaux’s silent classic from 1920 is the oldest surviving “race film”. The term was used to describe movies produced for Black audiences and with predominantly Black casts.
Carmen Jones
Thursday, February 16, 6-8 pm | Fair Haven
An interpretation of Bizet’s 1875 opera Carmen by an all-Black cast. It was the second movie to be filmed with Cinescope lens for widescreen.
Black Panther
Thursday, February 23, 5:30-8 pm | Fair Haven
A $200 million blockbuster and one of the best received action films of all time receiving seven Academy Award Nominations.
Ida B. Wells’ Truth Telling Campaign
Saturday, February 11, 2-3 pm | Ives
Writer and performer, Karima A. Robinson, PhD presents a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her play. Dr. Robinson tells the story of Ida B. Wells’ anti-lynching campaign at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
Animation Celebration: Jean-Michel Kibushi
Monday, February 13, 7 pm | Zoom
Join our online movie discussion club! This month we’ll be talking about a series of short films from pioneer African animator Jean-Michel Kibushi. Register
SWANA Presents Black History Month Celebration
Saturday, February 25, 12-4 pm | Wilson
Join Sisters with a New Attitude (SWANA) Women’s Support group to celebrate Black History Month with an art exhibit: From the Outhouse to the Whitehouse, African drumming, food and more!
Black History Film Screening: Mountains that Take Wing
Saturday, February 25, 2 pm | Ives
A conversation on life, struggles and liberation between Angela Davis & Yuri Kochiyama. Film by C.A. Griffith & H.L.T. Quan. Discussion to follow.
Humanist Association of Connecticut Book Discussion: The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
Saturday, February 25, 2:30-4:30 pm| Wilson
Originally published in 1908, The Souls of Black Folk, is a seminal work in the field of sociology that chronicles the life of Black Americans through essays.
Ujamaa Market
Saturday, February 25, 1-5 pm | The Lab at ConnCORP, 496 Newhall St
Presented in partnership between Stetson Branch and ConnCORP. Come show your support and shop with over 25 Black vendors. Featuring Iyaba Ibo Mandingo of Iyaba Arts, Donald Carter Couture, Winter Carson of Blush Beauty and Wellness, Lillian “Elle” Pearson, and Shari Caldwell.
Download a printable version of flier with all of the events in one place!
