Africa and the African Diaspora
Celebrate Black History Month 2020 at the Library!
These events took place in February 2020. For upcoming events, please see Black History Month 2021.
February is Black History Month and the New York Public Library has an abundance of events in store to celebrate! Book discussions, author talks, film screenings, trivia night, genealogy instruction, a birthday bash in honor of Langston Hughes and much, much more. We've listed events below—click through to those that interest you for the full listing. Wondering how to keep up with Library events near you? Bookmark our calendar search tool for all the happenings near you (use the "narrow your search" field to choose a branch library).
Events:
Saturday Cinema: Good Hair
In this film, comedian Chris Rock examines the role of hair in the African American community and its far-reaching effect on cultural identity. Starring Chris Rock, Maya Angelou,. ©Lionsgate Films 2009 Rated PG-13 Run Time 94min. Directed by Jeff Stilson.
Saturday, February 1 | 2 P
Black History Month Movie: Mr. Civil Rights
In celebration of African American History Month, join us for a screening of Mr. Civil Rights: Thurgood Marshall @ NAACP. Thurgood Marshall was an American lawyer who won more Supreme Court Cases than any lawyer in American History.
Saturday, February 1 | 3-6:30 PM
Classic Movie Monday: The Jackie Robinson Story
Biography of Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player in the 20th century. 1 hour 17 minutes, 1950 Starring: Jackie Robinson, Ruby Dee, and Minor Watson.
Monday, February 3 | 2 PM
African American Genealogy Workshop
This class aims to provide introductory historical context and recommend basic research methods in the pursuit of African American family history.
Tuesday, February 4 | 10 AM
Contemporary Classics Book Discussion: The Nickel Boys
Date/Time: Tuesday, 4 February 2020 at 6 pm. Location: Room 67, Conference Room A flyer_-contemporary_classics_book_discussion_jan-mar_2020.pdf In this bravura follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize–and National Book Award–winning #1 New York Times bestseller The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school in Jim Crow–era Florida.
Tuesday, February 4 | 6 PM
Black History Month Scavenger Hunt
Search the library for famous historical figures and learn more about their work. Find them all and win a prize.
Wednesday, February 5 |3-5 PM
Book Discussion: Red At The Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Black History Month As the book opens in 2001, it is the evening of sixteen-year-old Melody's coming of age ceremony in her grandparents' Brooklyn brownstone. An extraordinary new novel about the influence of history on a contemporary family, from the New York Times-bestselling and National Book Award-winning author of Another Brooklyn and Brown Girl Dreaming. ADULTS 18+ REGISTER BY PHONE OR IN PERSON
Thursday, February 6 | 5:30-6:45 PM
Housing Discrimination in the Jim Crow North and the Case for Reparations
The case for reparations is often made in reference to the long legacy of slavery in the United States. But after emancipation, black people continued to face systematic violence and institutional racism—lack of access to safe, affordable and decent housing is one of the most egregious examples. Join historians Beryl Satter, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, and Nathan Connolly in this discussion of the ways in which housing policy, over the course of the 20th and into the 21st century, created and re-created inequality.
Thursday, February 6 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Film: Glory
The famous account of one of the first Black regiments in the Union army during the Civil War. The 54th Mass. made history by sacrificing itself nobly on the battlefield. This is their story. Directed by Edward Zwick. Starring: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington. Color. 1989. 2 hrs.
Friday, February 7 | 2 PM
Crafty Afternoons: Peaceful Doves
Doves are a universal symbol of peace and make for a great reminder of peace and unity during Black History Month! Join us in making these paper doves Children ages 3+ are welcomed to attend.
Friday, February 7 | 3 PM
Langston Hughes Birthday Bash Edition
Join us for a special First Fridays Edition to celebrate the 119th birthday of poet, longtime Harlem resident, and friend of the Schomburg Center, Langston Hughes. Enjoy the throwback, Harlem Renaissance style vibe, with beautiful people, hip shakin' music, and creative libations. Come dressed in your best Harlem Renaissance inspired fashions. Prizes will be awarded for the best sartorial splendor! Dance the night away, speakeasy, and party hard. There is an admission charge for this event.
Friday, February 7 | 6-10 PM
Remember. Educate. Celebrate: African-Americans Trailblazing in STEM!
The Bronx New York chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. presents a Black History celebration featuring STEM activities, Black History Jeopardy, music and appearances by Sasha Ariel Alston, author of Sasha Savvy Loves to Code and Langston Masingale, executive director of E-STEAM.
Saturday, February 8 | 2-5 PM
Saturday Movie: The Learning Tree
The story, set in Kansas during the 1920s, covers less than a year in the life of a black teenager, and documents the veritable deluge of events which force him into sudden manhood. The family relationships and enmities, the fears, frustrations and ambitions of the black teenager in small-town America are explored with a strong statement about human values.
Saturday, February 8 | 1 PM
Riverdale Cinema: Green Book
A white bouncer bonds with a black musician while chauffeuring him around the Jim Crow South. Rated PG-13 Runtime: 130 Mins.
Saturday, February 8 | 2:30 PM
Black History Month Movie: Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson: Join us in the Teen Zone as we watch a movie about the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson. Jackie Robinson was an American professional baseball player and the first African American to play in Major League Baseball.
Saturday, February 8 | 3-6:30 PM
2020 Black Lives Matter Teen Conference + Teen Night Open Mic
The Schomburg Center's fourth annual Black Lives Matter Teen Conference (BLMTC) centers young people and engages them as key leaders and influencers within their communities. The BLMTC convenes young people (ages 11-18) from across New York City and the Tri-State area to celebrate and affirm their voices, build community, and provide today and tomorrow's leaders with the tools and knowledge to responsibly make the world a better place.
Saturday, February 8 |10 AM-10 PM
The Hate U Give Movie
Starr Carter is constantly switching between two worlds —the poor, mostly black neighborhood where she lives and the wealthy, mostly white prep school that she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is soon shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and decide to stand up for.67th Street Library
Monday, February 10 | 3 PM
Introduction to African American Genealogy
From 1565 to 1790, Africans comprised over a third of the roughly one million newcomers to what would become the United States. A majority of these nearly 360,000 men and women crossed in bondage. Centuries of local and federal laws related to the livelihood of black Americans have created a complex paper trail of genealogical resources. This class aims to provide introductory historical context and recommend basic research methods in the pursuit of African-American family history. First come, first served
Tuesday, February 11 | 2 PM
The Ottendorfer Book Club: Jazz by Toni Morrison
For February, we will read Toni Morrison's novel, Jazz. In the winter of 1926, when everybody everywhere sees nothing but good things ahead, Joe Trace, middle-aged door-to-door salesman of Cleopatra beauty products, shoots his teenage lover to death. At the funeral, Joe's wife, Violet, attacks the girl's corpse. This passionate, profound story of love and obsession brings us back and forth in time, as a narrative is assembled from the emotions, hopes, fears, and deep realities of black urban life.
Tuesday, February 11 | 5:30 PM
The Real Green Book: Using NYPL Collections to Bridge the Past
Join us as we explore the origins of the "Green Book" travel guide, an annual publication of the Jim Crow-era once used by African-American travelers. Learn about the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s work to digitize and continue the important discussion of this historical survival guide. Green Book Join the conversation at Grand Central Library RSVP: GREGORYSTALL@NYPL.ORG
Tuesday, February 11 | 6 PM
Human Rights Law: Race and Color Discrimination
The New York City Commission on Human Rights will present a Human Rights Law workshop on race and color discrimination, which focuses on the history of systemic and institutional discrimination based on race and color in New York City, as well as the protections that the Human Rights Law provides against these forms of discrimination.
Bronx Library Center
Wednesday, February 12 | 5 PM
Wednesday, February 12 | 5 PM
Black History Month Trivia
How well do you know the history of the African-Americans that shaped our lives? From Thurgood Marshall to Rosa Parks, we’ll discuss them here at Trivia Night. Join us and show your skills.
Thursday, February 13 | 4 - 5 PM
Harlem Chamber Players Annual Black History Month Program
The 12th annual Black History Month Celebration by the Harlem Chamber Players is a celebration #HarlemRen100 with music by Florence Price and George Walker, and poetry by Langston Hughes. The program, hosted by Terrance McKnight of WQXR, features virtuoso pianist Joseph Joubert, soprano Renay Joubert, and members of The Harlem Chamber Players.
Thursday, February 13 | 6:30-8 PM
Film: BlacKkKlansman
Ron Stallworth, an African American police officer from Colorado Springs, CO, successfully manages to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan branch with the help of a Jewish surrogate who eventually becomes its leader. Based on actual events. Starring: John David Washington, Adam Driver. Directed by Spike Lee. Color. 2018. 2 hrs. 15 min.
Friday, February 14 | 2 PM
Saturday Cinema: Southside With You
Docudrama about Barack Obama’s first date with Michelle Robinson, his future wife, during the summer of 1989 in Chicago. Starring Tika Sumpter, Parker Sawyers, © Miramax Pictures. 2016 Run Time 160mins Rated PG-13. Directed by Richard Tanne.
Saturday, February 15 | 2 PM
Black History Month Celebration
Hunts Point is celebrating Black History Month with a dedication to unsung heroes like Claudette Colvin, Garrett Morgan, and Eunice Carter. Join us on the Children's Floor for an afternoon of activities, music, events, and more!
Tuesday, February 18 | 3-5 PM
Black Superhereos Comic Book Discussion
In celebration of Black History, we will discuss black comics and how they have shaped the comic world.
Tuesday, February 18 | 4-5 PM
16mm Film Screening: Focus on Black Artists
The significance of Black American art is international in influence—our first documentary for this program is ambitious in its attempt to take account of the many strains of work and different artists who are responsible for the blossoming of African-American art. The second film takes a more personal approach in its examination of the life and work of Betye Saar in 1977.
Wednesday, February 19 | 6:30-8 PM
Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights with Gretchen Sorin, Ph.D.
How the automobile fundamentally changed African American life―the true history beyond the Best Picture–winning movie. Dr. Gretchen Sorin recovers a forgotten history of black motorists, and recounts their creation of a parallel, unseen world of travel guides, hotels, and informal communications networks that kept black drivers safe.
Thursday, February 20 | 6 PM
Article Discussion: W.E.B. Dubois' 'The Propaganda of History'
In this chapter from his landmark Black Reconstruction in America, DuBois challenges the dominant narratives surrounding reconstruction and the Civil War being taught in schools at the time of writing. How has DuBois insight aged? What can we learn upon reflection? Pick up a copy and let’s discuss!
Thursday, February 20 | 6:30-8 PM
Movie Night: Black Panther
Sit back and enjoy our monthly teen movie time. Popcorn provided!
Thursday, February 20 | 3 PM
Malcolm X Remembered
Curated from our archives, this pop-up exhibition will feature handwritten notes, rarely seen photos, and historic papers from the civil rights leader. Attendees are invited to take part in our oral history project, which includes sharing how Malcolm X’s words have made an impact on your life.
Friday, February 21 | 10 AM-5 PM
Saturday Cinema: Fences
Adaption of the Pulitzer Prize winning play about a black trash collector in 1950’s Pittsburgh name Troy Maxson. Bitter about his lot in life, Maxson frequently takes out his frustrations on his loved ones. Starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis. Directed by Denzel Washington. ©Paramount Pictures. 2016 Rated PG-13 Run Time 133min.
Saturday, February 22 | 2 PM
Phenomenal Black Women Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
The Schomburg Center, working with AfroCROWD, is proud to host Phenomenal Black Women Wikipedia Edit-a-thon, our sixth year in which we invite members of the community and the general public to edit and contribute content related to Black history and culture on Wikipedia for the national Black WikiHistory Month outreach campaign. This year we will focus especially on Black Women, past and present, adding notable figures whose content is incomplete or completely missing from Wikipedia.
Saturday, February 22 | 12-6 PM
Author Talk: Big Black: Stand at Attica
An author talk featuring the creators of the new graphic novel, Big Black: Stand at Attica. We will have co-writer Jared D. Reinmuth, Daniel Meyers (one of Frank "Big Black" Smith's lawyers) and Pearl Smith (Frank's widow), all on hand to discuss the life and times of Frank "Big Black" Smith and the Attica Prison uprising.
Saturday, February 22 | 3 PM
Movie Screening: Green Book
A white bouncer bonds with a black musician while chauffering him around the Jim Crow South. Rated : PG-13 Running time: 130 Minutes. First come, first served.
Saturday, February 22 | 2:30 PM
Monday Mix-Up: Lois Mailou Jones
A children's painting program inspired by the works of Lois Mailou Jones.Stapleton Library
Monday, February 24 |4 PM
Monday Explorations: Black History Month: Clothespin Dolls
Did you know that clothespins are used for other things besides keeping clothes neat? They can also be used to make dolls that you can play with. During this Monday Explorations session, you will learn about how, long ago, people used this everyday object to make something fun. Using fabric, paint, and yarn, you can custimize your own clothespin doll however you would like. Make one who looks like you, or make a whole family. Invite a friend. All materials are provided.
Monday, February 24 | 4:30 PM
Non-Fiction Book Discussion: "Letters From An Astrophysicist" by Neil Degrasse-Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson is arguably the most influential, acclaimed scientist on the planet. Every year, he receives thousands of letters – from students to prisoners, scientists to priests. His replies are by turns wise, funny, and mind-blowing. In this, his most personal book by far, he covers everything from God to the history of science, from aliens to death.
West New Brighton Library
Monday, February 24 | 11:30 AM-1 PM
Classic Movie Monday: The Great White Hope
A black champion boxer and his white female companion struggle to survive while the white boxing establishment looks for ways to knock him down Starring: James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, and Lou Gilbert. 1 hour 43 minutes, 1970.Epiphany Library
Monday, February 24 | 2 PM
Monday, February 24 | 2 PM
Adult Book Discussion: Underground Airlines
Come discuss with us the book Underground Airlines by Ben Winters. A young black man calling himself Victor has struck a bargain with federal law enforcement, working as a bounty hunter for the US Marshall Service in exchange for his freedom. He's got plenty of work. In this version of America, slavery continues in four states called "the Hard Four." On the trail of a runaway known as Jackdaw, Victor arrives in Indianapolis knowing that something isn't right—with the case file, with his work, and with the country itself.
Monday, February 24 | 6 PM
Jerome Park Book Club: The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother
Each month readers at Jerome Park Library come together to discuss new and classic books swap recommendations, and more. This month we are reading The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute To His White Mother by James McBride. Come into branch to pick up a copy of the book.
Monday, February 24 | 11 AM-12 PM
Advanced Steps in African American Genealogy
After exhausting basic introductory resources, discover some recommended next steps in the pursuit of genealogical and local history resources useful in African American research. First come, first served.
Tuesday, February 25 | 2 PM
Morning Book Discussion: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
Join us for our Morning Book Discussion Group. For the month of February we will be reading The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. At its center is the deaf-mute John Singer, who becomes the confidant for various types of misfits in a Georgia mill town during the 1930s.
Wednesday, February 26 | 10:30 AM
An Introduction to African American Genealogy
Are you curious about finding out about ancestors, but don’t know where to begin? Does the cost of genealogy databases scare you away from joining millions of researchers in America’s most favorite hobby? Join us to learn the basics of American black-diasporic genealogy and take advantage of word-class research tools at no cost to you! Registration Highly Recommended – email Andrew Fairweather at andrewfairweather@nypl.org or call 212-477-6770
Wednesday, February 26 | 6:30-8 PM
Feature Film Friday's: Free Angela and all Political Prisoners
Join Countee Cullen for a free, public screening of Free Angela and All Political Prisoners. Written and Directed by New York Public Library's Shola Lynch, Curator of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Cultures Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division. A documentary that chronicles the life of young college professor Angela Davis, and how her social activism implicates her in a botched kidnapping attempt that ends with a shootout, four dead, and her name on the FBI's 10 most wanted list.
Countee Cullen Library, Auditorium
Friday, February 28 | 12 PM
Friday, February 28 | 12 PM
Saturday Cinema: Loving
Interracial couple fight Virginia’s miscegenation laws, and their case reaches the Supreme Court. Starring Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga. Directed by Jeff Nicholls. © Focus Films. 2016, Rated PG-13 Run Time 123 min.
Westchester Square Library
Saturday, February 29 | 2 PM
Westchester Square Library
Saturday, February 29 | 2 PM
Saturday Afternoon Movie: Fences
Adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a black garbage collector in 1950s Pittsburgh named Troy Maxson. Bitter about his lot in life, Maxson frequently takes out his frustrations on his loved ones. Starring: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson, Mykelti Williamson, Russell Hornsby. Dir. Denzel Washington. PG-13, 133 min.
Saturday, February 29 | 2 PM
Movie Screening: Dear White People
A biracial college student hosts a controversial radio show that sparks an epic media frenzy at a predominately white university. Later elected president of an all-black residential hall, she becomes the subject of a racially charged reality program. Rated R. Running time: 100 Minutes.
Saturday, February 29 | 2:30 PM
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