NYPL Events, Africa and the African Diaspora

Black History Month 2019 Upcoming Events

Malcolm X speaking at a Marcus Garvey Day Celebration
Malcolm X speaking at Marcus Garvey Day 1958


How are you celebrating Black History Month this year? Why not celebrate it with NYPL! Our branches will be holding events and workshops throughout February that honor the growth of African Americans and recognize the people who took part in this change.  People from backgrounds including writing, film, and music have had a large influence in this growth so help us honor them and others with our abundance of activities throughout the month. 

If you don't see any events that interest you here, be sure to check out our events calendar search tool to find one near you!

Events

Black History Month Screening: Hidden Figure 
The Allerton Library is screening the film Hidden Figures, where three brilliant African American women at NASA serve as the brains to the launching of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, considered by many to be one of the greatest operations in history.
Allerton Library, Children’s Room
Tuesday, February 19 | 3:30 PM


Researching African American Historical Newspapers with NYPL’s E-Resource
In this e-resource training workshop, atendees will learn how to navigate through the vast collection of digitized African-American newspapers, some no longer in print and others still popular today. Patrons will get an overview of these collections of newspapers and will also learn how to expertly navigate all the features of the database. Come find out about the history that is just waiting to be uncovered.
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, South Court Classroom B
Wednesday, February 20 | 11 AM

Thursday, February 21 | 3 PM

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt
This Black History Month inspired scavenger hunt will have children and teens exploring the library to find photos of African American icons. There are prizes to be won and plenty of history to be learned.
Riverside Library
Thursday, February 21 | 3 PM


Black History Month Jeopardy!
What is Black History Month Jeopardy? Just the Bronx Library Center's rendition of the popular trivia show. Test your knowledge for a chance at winning some prizes.
Bronx Library Center, Teen Center
Thursday, February 21 | 4 - 5:30 PM


AUTHOR TALK: THE AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND W/ Andrea Frohne
See Andrea E. Frohne, Associate Professor of African Art History at Ohio University discuss the political battle for the respectful treatment of the largest burial space of African decendants She will also discuss her book on the African American burial ground within the context of the history of enslaved Africans in New York.
Grand Central Library
Thursday, February 21 | 6 PM

Talks at the Schomburg: Revisiting Alex Haley’s Autobiography of Malcolm X
Join the Schomburg Center as a collection of intellectuals and scholars sit down to discuss the impact Malcolm X's autobiography and its manuscripts have on society and how they shape the understanding of Malcolm X.
Schomburg Center for the Research in Black Culture, Langston Hughes Auditorium
Thursday, February 21 | 6:30 PM

Mott Haven Movie Matinee- “Black History Month” Double Feature
It's double feature day at the Mott Haven Library! Join us for our showings of Marshall, the story of Thurgood Marshall defending a black chauffeur accused of rape and Dreamgirls, which depicts the ups and downs of a 1960's girl group.
Mott Haven Library
Friday, February 22 | 11:30 AM

Black History Month Bingo
This Black History Month come have some fun playing Bingo with the West New Brighton Library, all while learning about the most influential African-Americans throughout history.
West New Brighton Library
Friday, February 22 | 2 PM


Tinkershop: Celebrating Black Inventors
Join us for Tinkershop, where children get a chance to experiment, create, and play with our hands-on activities, as we highlight the achievements the most notable Black inventors and scientists.
Hamilton Grange Library, Children’s Room
Monday, February 25 | 4 PM


Adult Book Discussion: The Color Purple
Join Mosholu's book discussion on The Color Purple, a riveting story about a girl gradually finding the power and joy of her own spirit, freeing herself from her past and reuniting her with those she loves.
Mosholu Library, Auditorium
Monday, February 25 | 6 PM

Dear Martin- Book Discussion
For this Black History Month, read Dear Martin then join our book discussion on 2/28 as we discuss the social signifigance of Nic Stone's novel. We will look into the life of Justyce McAllister, a seventeen-year old college bound boy struggling to face the reality of race relations and finds guidance by writing letters to the late Dr. Martin Luther King.
Bronx Library Center, Teen Center
Thursday, February 28 | 4 PM

Classics Book Discussion - Claude McKay’s ‘Home to Harlem’
Claude Mckay's Home to Harlem  was a controversial novel during it's initial publication for the raw depiction of Black street life in 1920's New York. Join us as we discuss how this book asks questions about black identy, and how we may relate these questions to some issues of today.
Thursday, February 28 | 6:30 PM

The Harlem Chamber Players’ Black History Month Celebration

The Schomburg Center presents the Harlem Chamber Player's 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration which will feature two world premieres by the noted African American composer Adolphus Hailstork. Baritone Kenneth Overton, violinists Ashley Horne and Orlando Wells, violist Amadi Azikiwe, and cellist Seth Woods will perform works commemorating the 400th anniversary of the importation of the first black slaves to America. The concert will conclude with Dvořák's String Quartet in F Major "American."
Schomburg Center for the Research in Black Culture, Langston Hughes Auditorium
Thursday, February 28 | 6:30 PM

African American Heritage Month Film Series
To finish off this months film series, Westchester Square Library will be showing Black Panther,  the enthralling story of T'Challa, king of utopian society Wakanda fighting to protect his nation's resources from exploitation.
Westchester Square Library
Thursday, February 28 | 1 PM