San Rafael, CA – Throughout Black History Month, the Marin County Free Library (MCFL) is working to create awareness of the rich and complex Black experience in the United States and beyond. A variety of special events are being held online through February, including through books, films, art, public discussions, and other programming.
“Food for the Soul: Celebrate Black History at MCFL” can be found on the MCFL calendar of events, which was created in conjunction with County of Marin African American Employees Association (COMAEA).
“Black history is reflected in every aspect of our society and culture,” said MCFL Assistant Director Chantel Walker, one of COMAEA’s leaders. “There exists simultaneously great pain, great joy, and every feeling in between. By sharing stories, we grow together.”
Here are some of the online events coming up:
Children’s Programs with Amber Hines
- February 6 – Soul Soup, 10:30 a.m. Family-style music ritual with drumming, stories, and song.
- February 13 – Diaspora Dance, 10:30 a.m. An empowering restorative movement experience for the whole family.
- February 20 – Embody Rhythm, 10:30 a.m. Bring awareness to the body through rhythm and repetition. Explore your groove!
Adult Programs
- February 10 – Influential Women, noon. A conversation with Novato resident Dr. Lois Merriweather Moore, author, educator community leader and recipient of the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Gates Millennium Scholarship Award.
- February 18 – Protest and Civil Unrest, noon. An enlightening discussion on civil rights and advocacy with Play Marin Founder & CEO Paul Austin.
- February 19 – The film “Amazing Grace,” 7 p.m. Aretha Franklin’s triumphant return to her gospel roots.
- February 24 – Fellowship, Noon. Join us for a virtual interactive activity on The Black Identity.
- February 24 – Artist Presentation: Orin Carpenter, 7 p.m. Mixed media artist Orin Carpenter will discuss his process and commitment to creating socially conscious work.
- February 25 – Panelist Presentation: Black Experience in Marin, 7 p.m. A cross-generational panel includes COMAEA leader Meloni Page, singer/actor/speaker/author Noah Griffin, Marin County Chief Assistant District Attorney Otis Bruce, youth activist Sophia Martin, Tam Wellness Coordinator and activist Amber Allen-Pierson, and Executive Director of PLAY Marin Paul Austin.
MCFL’s streaming service, Kanopy, has an extensive collection of documentaries and films to entertain and educate. Search for “Black History Month” “Black Lives Matter” or “African American” to bring up a selection.
Searching for great books that address Black history? The MCFL staff recommends these:
- Black Joy: Titles that celebrate and give voice to the Black experience
- #ownvoices New young adult works by Black creators