GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — February is Black History Month, and the Grand Rapids Public Library is recognizing it with a variety of free, family-friendly events.
Throughout the first half of the month, Black History Month Storytimes will highlight Black stories through books, songs, fingerplays and more. The storytimes are for children five years and younger.
The location and times differ for each event. To see a full list of storytimes, click here.
In addition, the library is offering Black History Month events for adults, including lectures, artist talks and even painting classes!
On Sunday, Feb. 4, local artist Olivia Ink will be discussing artwork behind book covers in her artist talk, "Always Judge a Book By the Cover." Ink has designed nearly a dozen book covers, including some bestsellers. Anyone interested in attending should register in advance.
Ink will also be holding a printmaking workshop for teens on Monday, Feb. 19. Participants can follow along and take home their own piece of art. Supplies will be provided. To register, click here.
Dr. Julian Chambliss will be holding a lecture called "The Black Panther and Beyond | The World of Afrofuturism," where he will discuss Afrofuturism in comics and movies. There will be a screening of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" immediately after the discussion. The lecture takes place Saturday, Feb. 17. You can register to attend the event here.
On March 27, Dr. Charmeka Newton and Dr. Janeé Steele will be sharing more about their workbook, "Black Lives Are Beautiful." The workbook aims to build self-esteem and community while healing trauma caused by racism. To learn more, click here.
Along with "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever", the library will be screening "Soul" on Saturday, March 9.
To see a full list of the library's Black History Month events, click here.
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