February marks the time when we celebrate Black History month and all the contributions African Americans have made and are continuing to make in the US. Check out some of the events happening around Cincinnati in honor of Black History Month:
Black History Hall of Fame- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Reading Branch
When: Feb 11 from 1:00 p.m. – 2 p.m.
What: Join in on the fast-paced adventure through the Black History Hall of Fame, presented by Bright Star Theatre! Learn about groundbreakers and hall-of-famers who have largely contributed to shaping our nation’s past, present and future.
Harlem Renaissance- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Main Library
When: Feb 11 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What: Join Omope Carter Daboiku and the librarians in the Children’s Learning Center for storytelling, poetry, crafts and more for our own Harlem Renaissance in honor of Black History Month!
Masterpieces in the Making: Faith Gringgold- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- North Central Branch
When: Feb 11 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What: Children ages 5-12 are invited to celebrate Black History Month by learning about the artist Faith Gringgold and will complete a hands-on art activity inspired by the artist.
Photo from The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County’s website.
Black History Hall of Fame- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Price Hill Branch
When: Feb 11 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What: Join in on the fast-paced adventure through the Black History Hall of Fame, presented by Bright Star Theatre! Learn about groundbreakers and hall-of-famers who have largely contributed to shaping our nation’s past, present and future.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center- Boone County Library- Scheben Branch
When: Feb 12 at 2:00 p.m.
What: Historical interpreter, Novella Nimmo, will share African American history through games, storytelling, and hands-on interactions with artifacts.
Photography Portrait Paintings- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Deer Park Branch
When: Feb 13 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What: Teens will use green-screen technology to make a fantastic and imaginative piece of art using their own portrait and paint! Learn about the heroic and powerful art of Kehinde Wiley and then create a self-portrait in the style of his paintings.
Black History Month Storytime – The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Corryville Branch
When: Feb 15 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
What: Celebrate black history month with stories, songs, and a craft.
Black History Trivia Race- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Miami Township Branch
When: Feb 15 at 3:00 p.m.
What: Enjoy a game of trivia and learn more about Black History Month and the historic figures that contribute to it.
Masterpieces in the Making- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Avondale Branch
When: Feb 15 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What: Young adult participants will explore and mimic the works of Kehinde Wiley a New York-based portrait painter who is known for his highly naturalistic paintings of people with brown skin in heroic poses.
Freedom Center Presents: African American History- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Clifton Branch
When: Feb 18 at 2:00 p.m.
What: Celebrate African American History Month with Novella Nimmo of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Masterpieces in the Making: Romare Bearden- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Bond Hill Branch
When: Feb 20 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What: Kennedy Heights Arts Center will be presenting a Black History Month program highlighting artist Romare Bearden and allowing participants to recreate their interpretation of his artwork.
Design Kente Cloth- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Cheviot Branch
When: Feb 21 from 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
What: Learn the history of African Kente Cloth and create your own Kente Cloth placemat to take home.
Black History Month Family Storytime- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Harrison Branch
When: Feb 22 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
What: This special storytime will focus on jazz and participants will make their own music while enjoying books and music created by talented black authors and artists.
Black History Month Storytime- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Corryville Branch
When: Feb 22 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
What: Celebrate Black History Month with stories, songs, and a craft.
Artrageous Fun!- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Corryville Branch
When: Feb 22 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What: Learn about famous African-American illustrators such as Kadir Nelson and Donald Crews and experiment with mediums like water color, acrylics and colored pencils to make your own illustration.
Celebrate Black History Month with the Cincinnati Reds- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Walnut Hills Branch
When: Feb 23 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What: Come learn about the rich history of African American baseball players while playing fun and interactive games!
Teen Thursday: Potato Chip Taste-Off!- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Norwood Branch
When: Feb 23 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What: Celebrate Black History Month as we honor George Crum, inventor of the potato chip!
Masterpieces in the Making: Kehinde Wiley- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- Anderson Branch
When: Feb 25 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
What: Kennedy Heights Art Center explores and creates original art work inspired by the famous African American artist, Kehinde Wiley.
Photo from The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s website.
11th Annual African American History Quiz Bowl- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
When: Feb 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What: The Delta Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. offers the region’s youth an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of African Americans over the history of our country. Young people from schools, churches, and community groups are encouraged to join the tournament.
Black History Month Bookclub- The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County- West End Branch
When: Feb 28 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
What: Join in for a discussion of Sharon Draper’s novel Copper Sun. Light refreshments will be provided. Open for teens and adults.
For more information on any of these events, visit http://cincinnatilibrary.org, http://www.bcpl.org, or http://www.freedomcenter.org.
