February is Black History Month and San Diego County Library is celebrating the heritage and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
Libraries across the county are celebrating throughout the month with special community events, including:
La Presa Jazz Ensemble Concert
Spring Valley Library • February 12 • 6 p.m.
In celebration of Black History Month, please join us for a free 30-minute concert performed by the La Presa Jazz Ensemble. The band is made up of students from La Presa Middle School, led by Music Director Aaron Irwin.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir San Diego Concert
Lemon Grove Library • February 16 • 2-3 p.m.
Enjoy the musical talents of this inspiring gospel choir. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir San Diego is well known in San Diego for its concerts and committment to funding educational grants for high school students in San Diego to pursue college degrees in the visual and performing arts.
History of African-American Mountain Men
Valley Center Library • February 20 • 4-5 p.m.
Take a journey into the lives of the African-American Mountain Men and the history of the 1800s Western fur trade and culture, with lots of artifacts and interactive fun.
Soul Food Cooking Demonstration
Bonita Library • February 23 • 2 p.m.
Featuring Lance and Robin Croom, owners of Crooms' Catering & BBQ restaurant in Chula Vista. All are welcome.
American Girls and the Harlem Renaissance
San Marcos Library • February 27 • 4-5 p.m.
American Girl fans will participate in a performance experience with scripts prepared by Jonna Harrison especially for the occasion.
Black History Month Origins
Black History Month evolved from Negro History Week, which was initiated February 12, 1926, by historian Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History). Its purpose was to educate the public about the true history of African Americans. Negro History Week was scheduled to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14), both considered key contributors to African American history.
The observance was established as Black History Month in 1976, and since then has been celebrated every February.
[ Read more about the origins of Black History Month... ]
Resources
Book Lists
- San Diego County Library's Black History Month Book List (PDF)
- National Education Association African American Book List
Biographies
San Diego County/California Black History
- San Diego Black History Links (San Diego Historical Society)
- History of African-Americans in Downtown San Diego 1860-1960 (CCDC)
- The California Underground Railroad (CSU Sacramento Library)
- A History of Black Americans in California (National Park Service)
- African Americans in California (Bancroft Library)
Online Exhibits
- African American World (PBS)
- African American History Month
- Black History Month (History Channel)