Celebrate Black History Month in February with the City of West Palm B
Published on January 24, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
dpapadakos@wpb.org
(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
Celebrate Black History Month in February with the City of West Palm Beach
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — In honor of Black History Month, the City of West Palm Beach is hosting a series of events at Mandel Public Library to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans.
The curated events at Mandel Public Library include:
ADULT PROGRAMS
DATE ORDER
Professor Fine Presents: I Am Not Your Negro
Friday, Feb. 2
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Join Dr. Africa Fine from Palm Beach State College as she discusses the film, I Am Not Your Negro. Narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson, I Am Not Your Negro envisions the book James Baldwin never finished, a radical narration about race in America that uses the writer’s original words. Alongside a flood of rich archival material, the film draws upon Baldwin’s notes on the lives and assassinations of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. to explore and bring a fresh and radical perspective to the current racial narrative in America.
It’s a Wrap: Hair Wrapping
Saturday, Feb. 10
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Join Kianga Jinaki and her daughter as they teach the art of hair wrapping. Each participant will leave with their own hair wrap. Registration required.
Kente Collage Art
Tuesday, Feb. 13
1 – 3 p.m. Studio 411, 2nd Floor
Join local Artist Trina Slade-Burks to learn about Kente cloth patterns and create your own unique and beautiful collage. This class is designed for adults 18 and over. Registration is required and begins one week before the session.
Professor Fine Presents: “The Sum of Us“
Friday, Feb. 16
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Join Professor Africa Fine, from Palm Beach State College, as she discusses “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper” by Heather McGhee. The book is a New York Times bestseller and Longlisted for the National Book Award. It offers a powerful exploration of inequality and the lesson that generations of Americans have failed to learn racism has a cost for everyone— not just for people of color.
Storm of ‘28 Coalition
Saturday, Feb. 17
3 – 4 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
The hurricane of 1928 changed South Florida forever. Approximately 3,000 people died. Many of them were black migrant farmers and pioneers. Come learn from Dorthy and Robert Hazard as they talk about their mission for the Storm of ‘28 Memorial Park Coalition, the history that led them to this memorial, and the progress they have made.
ONGOING
Seed Library All February Long 4th Floor
Get out your gardening equipment and fertilizer and come check out our Seed Library! Over 20 different varieties of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more are available for checkout. Try your green thumb at the new seeds this month: Bell Peppers, Collards, Lavender, and Chamomile! Plus, check out the special seed for Black History Month, Heirloom Tomatoes! These seeds will include a recipe for Ketchup from 1866, published by one of the first African American Cookbook authors, Malinda Russell. Just sign your name and seeds taken on the register and get to gardening! No registration is required. Please limit it to six seed packets per patron per month. New seeds will be available on the first Monday of each month.
TEEN PROGRAMS
DATE ORDER
Teen Paint-Along Celebrates Black History Month
Saturday, Feb. 3
2 – 4 p.m.
TeenSource, 2nd Floor
For teens and tweens in grades 6-12. Let’s learn about the art and life of Jean-Michel Basquiat and create portraits. This beginner-friendly class will leave you feeling inspired by the artist’s work and will unleash your creativity!
Teen Movie Club Celebrates Black History Month
Saturday, Feb. 17
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
TeenSource, 2nd Floor
For teens and tweens in grades 6-12. Let’s enjoy snacks and join us for a movie marathon! We’ll be showing “Black Panther and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. Stick around and receive a free book, Black Panther: Spellbound.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Grab & Go Book Giveaway: Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem
Throughout February (while supplies last)
Pickup in KidSpace, 3rd Floor
Families with children birth through – grade 5, celebrate Black History Month. Pick up a copy of Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem written by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loreen Long. Books are one per family and available on a first-come, first-served basis at the customer service desk in KidSpace.
DATE ORDER
Baby Storytime Celebrates Black History Month
Friday, Feb. 2
10 – 10:45 a.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor
For families with babies from birth to 18 months old. Join Children’s Librarian Ms. Jillian for a special story time celebrating Black authors and illustrators during Black History Month. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 9:30 a.m.
Crafternoon for Kids: Color Squares
Saturday, Feb. 10
2 – 3 p.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor
For families with children ages 5-11. Calling all young artists and crafters! Join Children’s Librarian Ms. Camila for a relaxing hour of crafting and creativity. In honor of Black History Month, we will be making color squares inspired by the art of famous African American artist, Alma Thomas! Space is limited, and in-person signup begins in KidSpace at 1:30 p.m.
African Drumming with Abasi
Saturday, Feb. 24
2 – 3 p.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor
For children and their families in grades K-5. In celebration of Black History Month, join Spoken Word Poet and African Percussionist Abasi “Manblack” Hanif in an exciting journey into the heart and soul of Africa through music. Children will explore basic drumming techniques while learning about the history of the instruments. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 1:30 p.m.
Family Storytime Celebrates Black History Month
Wednesday, Feb. 28
10 – 10:45 a.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor
For families with children up to 5 years old. Join Children’s Librarian Ms. Camila for special story time celebrating Black authors and illustrators during Black History Month. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 9:30 a.m.
To register for any of these events, or for more information, please visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call the Mandel Public Library at (561) 868-7703 (TTY: 800-955-8771). To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please call (561) 822-2222 (TTY: 800-955-8771). To learn more, please visit wpb.org.
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About the City of West Palm Beach:
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.