SPRINGFIELD LIBRARIES CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced that the Illinois State Library is joining Springfield's Lincoln Public Library, Brookens Library at the University of Illinois at Springfield and Lincoln Land Community College Library to present a series of programs commemorating Black History Month in February.
White said the theme of Black History Month in 2005 is "Libraries Celebrate the African Diaspora", and recognizes the impact and contributions African-Americans have made as they have settled in every corner of the world. The schedule of activities in Springfield, all of which are free and open to the public, is:
- February 2, 7:00 P.M, University of Illinois at Springfield Studio Theatre. Harriet Tubman: Her Life and the Underground Railroad. The Friends of Brookens Library sponsors this evening with Harriet Tubman, portrayed by Ms. Kathryn Harris, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Services Director.
- February 3, 7:00 P.M., Lincoln Library, Carnegie Room. Music In the Air: The Messengers. An evening of sweet gospel songs and African-American spirituals sung in harmony.
- February 7, 11:00 A.M., Lincoln Land Community College Library. African-American Readings. LLCC students will present readings from an anthology of African-American literary works; faculty and staff will also read from selected African American literature.
- February 7, 6:30 P.M., Lincoln Library. African-American Read-In-Chain. Join the Read-In-Chain and learn more about the culture and contributions of African-Americans. Children's books by or about African-Americans will create an atmosphere of wonder and understanding for all to share. Become a link the reading chain.
- February 18, 7:00 P.M. Lincoln Land Community College, Trutter Museum. Strange Fruit--Film and Discussion. The film Strange Fruit tells the story of this protest anthem of the 1940's, the Jewish author who penned the lyrics, and Billie Holiday, who risked everything to bring this anti-lynching song into the American consciousness. Virgil Rhodes and Janice Witt of LLCC will lead the discussion.
- February 19, 11:00 A.M., Lincoln Library. Fun with Swahili Story Hour. Learn new words from an African language. Kids and families will delight in using Swahili to express themselves in fun, creative, and imaginative ways.
- February 24, 7:00 P.M., Illinois State Library, Room 403-404. With All Deliberate Speed: The Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education--Film by "Hoop Dreams" producer Peter Gilbert. With All Deliberate Speed is a reflection on the state of civil rights in America 50 years after the May 17, 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision aimed at ending segregation in public schools, saying that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." Film participants include Thurgood Marshall, Jr., Reverend Joseph A. DeLaine, Barbara Johns, Vernon Jordan, and Julian Bond. The one-hour film will be followed by a discussion.
- February 27, 2:30 P.M., Lincoln Library. Fun Folk Tales with Author Linda Gorham. Dynamic and exciting, awarding-winning storyteller Linda Gorham inspires her audience by using movement, humor, and sometimes zaniness as she tells imaginative multicultural folktales updated with "attitude." Get ready to chant, to move, and to have fun.
For more information about any of the programs contact the presenting library or the Illinois State Library Diversity Program at 217-557-0136.
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