The Ferguson Library Celebrates Black History Month

The Ferguson Library will host a variety of special events to mark Black History Month (BHM) in February.

Exploring this year’s theme of African Americans and the Arts, the library’s BHM programming begins February 1 at 5:30 p.m. with an opening reception at the Main Library for the art exhibit Symphony of Colors, on view through March 21. The exhibit, curated by Isabella Montenegro in partnership with the Stamford Art Association, focuses on harmony and features works by local and regional artists of color. Author Kelly Walters will read excerpts from her book Black, Brown + Latinx Design Educators: Conversations on Design and Race during the reception.

Starting February 2 at 3 p.m., the Harry Bennett Branch will present a Digital Scavenger Hunt, where participants will learn how to use library resources and databases to find information on Black historical figures. The weekly series continues on subsequent Fridays. The Harry Bennett Branch will also screen the culturally significant family films The Princess and the Frog and Black Panther at 4 p.m. on February 2 and 16, respectively.

Highlights of the library’s BHM programming include two author presentations: Dr. Tanisha C. Ford will discuss her book, Our Secret Society, on February 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library, and Professor Justene Hill Edwards, who wrote Unfree Markets: The Slaves’ Economy and the Rise of Capitalism in South Carolina, will deliver her virtual lecture The History of Slavery in New England on February 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The South End Branch will host family events, among them the annual National African American Read-In storytime February 10 at 10:30 a.m., part of a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to come together to read books about the African American experience. Movies for Kids on February 20 at 12:30 p.m. will feature the screenings of the animated videos March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World, Garrett’s Gift and The Journey of Henry “Box” Brown.

The Blues and Beyond, a cross-cultural program that tells the story of African Americans from slavery to the present day through music and narration, will present a program at the Main Library February 18 at 2 p.m. with a performance by a trio of musicians and a presentation by the program’s Director of Narration and Masterclass Artists, Adam Taylor. This program is made possible by a generous donation by Louise Stern in memory of her brother, Harry Bloch.

Rounding out the library’s BHM events are two book discussions at the Harry Bennett Branch: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander on February 21 at 5:30 p.m. and the picture book Harriet’s Dinner Party by Yvette Cole on February 24 at 10 a.m.

Registration is required for the author presentations. To register, visit fergusonlibrary.org/events.

These programs are generously supported by the Friends of the Ferguson Library.

For more information, call 203 351-8221.