Black History Month 2024
Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, and endorsed a specific theme. The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts” acknowledges that African American artists — poets, writers, visual artists, and dancers - have historically served as change agents through their crafts. It recognizes the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more.
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration holds a wealth of material documenting the African American experience, and highlights these resources online, in public programs and online exhibits, and through traditional and social media. Find the Archives here and see more selected exhibits & collections here, such as African American Women in the Military and at War (the photo here was taken in 1944 and shows the "first contingent of Negro nurses assigned to the European Theater of Operations").
Celebrating Black lives and history is something we can do all year long, but if you are interested in reading and listening during Black History Month, check out San Mateo County Libraries' reading lists for adults, teens, children, and families at smcl.org/explore! In a variety of genres, these titles are written by Black authors and include diverse characters or stories. Click here for a staff-created list of children's books for Black History Month which are full of information about notable figures and moments in Black history! The Brisbane Library is open Mondays - Thursdays, 10AM - 8 PM and Friday - Sunday, 10 AM - 5PM.
San Mateo County Libraries will be hosting a number of events throughout February and March in celebration of Black History Month. Click here for more information. The Brisbane Library will be hosting 3 events for Black History Month:
Onye Onyemaechi, MBA, a globally acclaimed master percussionist, educator, author and performing musician, immerses children and families in an interactive exploration of African Village life through engaging activities such as drumming, dancing, songs and village stories, fostering a cultural appreciation that encourages individuals to integrate their heritages into their learning and living experiences. Catch Onye and the African Village Celebration at the Brisbane Library on Monday, February 12 at 3:30 PM.
Create art inspired by the colorful masterpieces of Nellie Mae Rowe, an African-American artist known for her joyful expressions of Black beauty and culture. This is open to students afterschool. Join the Brisbane Library for Power Up Afternoon: Paint like Nelie Mae Rowe on Wednesday, February 21 at 2:30 PM.
Design and craft your own 12”x12” artwork inspired by the art collaborative community of Gee’s Bend Quilters. Learn more about the long history of African-American quilting through these generations of artists and craftswomen in Gee Bend, Alabama. In the 1960s the Gee's Bend Quilters established the Freedom Quilting Bee, to sell their quilt designs throughout the United States and gaining nationwide recognition for their contribution to art history. All ages welcome. This event will take place on Friday, February 23, at 3:30 PM. Register for your spot.
At their meeting of February 1, 2024, the Brisbane City Council proclaimed February 2024 as Black History Month, calling on the larger community to study Black life, history, and culture, which can be easily accessed at asalh.org (Association for the Study of African American Life and History), and to acknowledge the value African American residents add to the strength, fortitude, and resilience of our City. Click here (or within the Supporting Documents section below) to read the Black History Month 2024 Proclamation. Brisbane Resident Dawn David, Creator of the Collective Camp for fitness, Co-President of the Friends of the Brisbane Library, and Vice President of Brisbane Dance Workshop accepted the proclamation.
Lastly, we wanted to highlight that Senator Becker's office recently presented a $2M check to the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center, located at 890 Jefferson Avenue in Redwood City. Senator Becker negotiated the funds in the state Senate to ensure the museum can establish an interim location while a permanent location is determined. The museum is open from noon to 6 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets for the exhibit are $10 for adults, and $5 for children under 12 or seniors over 65. For more information, please visit https://hoskinsblackhistorymuseum.org.
