By VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
The San Diego Public Library (SDPL) has a full schedule of all-ages programming planned for Black History Month. During February, SDPL is hosting several free programs, including an author discussion, storytimes and craft projects featuring freedom quilts and traditional African masks.
“The San Diego Public Library’s Black History Month programming explores the richness and diversity of the Black experience and identity,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “Working with our community partners, SDPL staff has created unique opportunities for people to connect through stories and shared experiences.”
Black History Month events at SDPL include:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir San Diego Performance
Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Rancho San Diego Library
Enjoy an afternoon of traditional and contemporary gospel music with the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir San Diego (MLKCCSD). Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Rancho San Diego Library.
- Create it! Tuesdays (Ages 5-11)
Tuesdays, February 13, 20, & 27 2024 | 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
February 13: Create a Freedom Quilt Square
February 20: Freedom Quilt Mosaic with Toshwerks
February 27: Design a Kente Cloth
- Black History Celebration and Author Talk
Saturday, February 17, 2024 | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Logan Heights Library
Everyone is welcome for a fun afternoon with face painting, music by DJ Charles Egypt, soul food from Mad’m Chef with Kitchen Magician and a presentation by author and America’s first African American to win the city title of Miss America, Dr. Catherine Grace Pope. Dr. Pope will be discussing her recent memoir, In Search of the Crown, and copies will be available for purchase.
- Black History Drag Queen Storytime
Saturday, February 17, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30am | Skyline Hills Library
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a very special PRIDE storytime featuring Friidae! PRIDE Storytime is a family-friendly way of recognizing and celebrating our diversity and individuality through age-appropriate stories & songs. This is a safe space, all families are welcome.
- Black History Pride Storytime
Feb. 20, 2024. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Skyline Hills Library.
Celebrate Black History Month with a special Pride storytime. The library will celebrate diversity and individuality through age-appropriate stories and songs.
- Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia with Dr. Sabrina Strings
Feb. 25, 2024. 1 – 3 p.m. at Central Library. Presented by University of San Diego and San Diego Public Library.
Author talk and book signing by author and professor Dr. Sabrina Strings. She will discuss the idea that the contemporary ideal of thinness is, at its core, radicalized and racist.
- Afro-Mexicanos: Mexico Finally Recognizes Its Black Citizens
Feb. 26, 2024. 6:30 p.m. at Central Library.
WorldBeat Cultural Center’s Jorge Gonzalez will lead a discussion on the presence and history of people of African descent in Mexico and the omission of Afro-Mexican from Mexican history, governmental rights and society.
- Freedom Quilt Fabric Mosaic
Thursday, February 22, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Skyline Hills Library
Participants will have the opportunity to create a meaningful art project inspired by Freedom Quilts from the 1800’s. Using up-cycled fabric and an 8”x8″ framed canvas, they will emulate design motifs and patterns that pay homage to Freedom Advocates and supporters of the Underground Railroad.
- Create-it Thursday: Black History Month: Rocketship Craft
Thursday, February 29, 2024 | 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Skyline Hills Library
February is Black History Month! Join us to learn about some pioneers in Space and create a cool STEAM Rocketship craft! Register online or call if you need assistance registering at 619-527-3485.
Registration required.
SDPL will also host several lectures, discussions and storytimes at its library locations throughout the month. For a full list of programs, registration information and Black History Month book lists, visit the library’s Black History Month webpage at https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/culture/blackhistory .
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