WATCH Black Magic - March 16/17th - ESPN

Tune to:
ESPN- Sunday March 16 & Monday March 17th - 9PM ET

"Black Magic": Only the lines were white
from TVBarn.com

We have two major sports museums in Kansas City. One is dedicated to the memory of those countless black athletes who were excluded from Major League Baseball in the first half of the 20th century. The other, just built next to the Sprint Center, is the new National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

It is impossible these days to think about baseball without remembering its ugly segregationist past. But I'd be surprised if many fans passing through the College Basketball Experience during this Big XII tournament weekend think college hoops had any kind of racial baggage -- an impression reinforced by the ubiquity of African-Americans in basketball today.
That's what makes “Black Magic,” the documentary event beginning Sunday on ESPN, such an important corrective. Airing at 9 p.m ET, with part two at 9 p.m. Monday, the four-hour film brings long-delayed recognition to two generations of black athletes who were systematically excluded from competing with whites and fought rumors of their inadequacy for years after, until the watershed triumph of Texas Western in the 1966 NCAA tournament.

Like the Negro Leaguers, black college basketball players used their separateness to develop a game that was, in some ways, superior to that being played at white schools. Filmmaker Dan Klores, who interviewed dozens of greats for “Black Magic,” persuasively argues that basketball in the 1940s and 1950s at what we now call historically black colleges and universities -- programs like Tennessee State, Winston-Salem and Bethune-Cookman -- was faster-paced on offense and more determined on defense.

Black basketball players have gotten credit for being tall and brawny. What they've failed to get is recognition for their creative as opposed to biological prowess. And as we see in “Black Magic,” the breakthroughs made in African-American basketball helped turn the game into the high-scoring, crowd-pleasing entertainment that it became in the 1960s.

And no one, the film contends, broke more ground than John McLendon. Born in Hiawatha, Kansas, in 1915, part black, part Delaware Indian and all confidence, he strolled into James Naismith's coaching office at KU one day and on the spot made himself the protégé of the inventor of basketball. Through interviews with McLendon's widow Joanna and his biographer, Kansas City Art Institute professor Milton Katz, Klores reveals that Naismith was unhappy with the slow, deliberate version of basketball being played in all-white programs in Depression-era America.

McLendon would learn from his mentor and -- though prohibited from playing at KU because of his race -- would go on to develop the up-tempo motion offense that soon became dominant at African-American schools.

“His teams were averaging 96 (points) a game in the 1950s,” Klores said recently. “It was no accident. It was design.”

A design that called for a shot to be taken every 30 seconds was complemented by a defense that gave no quarter to its opponents and left many a player bent over at time outs, trying to catch his breath.

“McLendon invented a game that was vigorous, lively, at top speed,” says Harold Hunter, the first African-American NBAer and one of those astonishing where-did-he-come-from witnesses that make documentary watching an endless pleasure. (On a similar note, the film reminds us that John Chaney, the sweaty Temple basketball coach now known mostly for his on-camera meltdowns, was in his prime one of the greatest players never to make the NBA.)
Though McLendon perfected his ideas away from white influence, he was no segregationist. He arranged a scrimmage against a talented all-white intramural squad at Duke Medical School in 1944, the so-called “secret game” where no spectators were allowed for fear of reprisals from the Durham KKK.

As hard as he pushed his teams, McLendon pushed the sport to accept and reward African-American players. A wonderful moment is hearing Hunter talks, still with a little awe, about learning that McLendon had arranged a contract for him with the Washington Capitols at the princely salary (in 1950) of $4,000.

There are many amazing film clips Klores has unearthed in “Black Magic,” but perhaps none better displays the cultural impact of McLendon's up-tempo approach than one of Elgin Baylor, playing a high school game in Washington, D.C., circa 1955. In one fluid motion, No. 22 grabs a rebound under the opponents' rim and immediately pirouettes into a perfect over-the-shoulder court-length pass to a white teammate, who scores easily.

“Black Magic's” soundtrack is dominated by R&B classics like “What'd I Say” and “Green Onions.” The nonstop parade of crossover hits proves the ideal accompaniment to the film, as we see NBA Hall of Famers like Baylor, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and Willis Reed develop their styles in the black culture and bring them into the American mainstream, much as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin did.

The year after Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color line, McLendon began his efforts to bring black teams to a major college basketball tournament. The rebuff from the NCAA came in the form of a letter noteworthy for its reliance on white-supremacist canards. Not only was the quality of the black college teams “not equal to tournament caliber” (based on a scout's observation of one team), but, the letter continued, each district sent only one winner to the Big Dance, so if “a colored team were selected from a district, there could be no other representation.” By that logic, the commissioner of baseball should've kept the Brooklyn Dodgers from signing Robinson because it made him the starting first baseman instead of Ed Stevens.
The NAIA agreed to take in the black colleges, but first made them undergo a battle royal in their own bracket, the sole winner of which got to come to Kansas City to play the white teams. According to Katz, author of a 2007 biography of McLendon, when North Carolina College for Negroes arrived in 1950, Coach McLendon got Converse Rubber, the Nike of its day, to pressure the hosts to let his team integrate the hotel as well as the tournament.
“He was not militant, but he did militant things,” says his widow Joanna McLendon in the film.
His teams would win three straight title, a decade before John Wooden's UCLA teams did. They did it here, a few blocks from the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, where you can find John B. McLendon, 1915-1999, in the founding class of inductees. And now he's immortalized in “Black Magic,” a valuable addition to our racial history and one that leaves no doubt that any overdue honors bestowed on McLendon are as a coach first, innovator second and civil-rights pioneer third.

Posted by Aaron Barnhart on March 14, 2008 at 12:38 AM

Dateline Feb 25, 2008

Black History is made everyday

Look Ma - Black people on TV - Set the DVR!!

Here is what I could compile for Television Programming for Black History Month 2008 - I could not find an original program for at least each day of the shortest month. Perhaps the election coverage will fill in.

From EUR - TV One kicks off "Our History Month."
Key highlights include original primetime specials:

Sunday, Feb. 10 from 10-11 PM
Lessons from Little Rock: A National Report Card
In this all-new documentary hosted and co-executive produced by actor/author Hill Harper, TV One revisits the story of the Little Rock 9 – the nine African American students who first integrated an all-white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957 with government troops by their side – and explores the state of education for black Americans 50 years later. An encore play is scheduled for 1 AM, Friday, Feb. 15 at 10 AM, and Saturday, Feb. 23 at 6 AM. “Lessons from Little Rock” is produced for TV One by Big Chief Productions.

Sunday, February 17 from 10-11 PM
Ebony Fashion Fair: 50 Years of Style
TV One pays homage to the iconic Ebony Fashion Fair, celebrating 50 years of fashion and style. Before Black became in vogue, the Ebony Fashion Fair traveling show brought haute couture from Paris runways into the realm of African Americans, redefining and revolutionizing the international image of black style and beauty. Fifty years later, the iconic fashion phenomenon remains one of the scant venues where models of African descent can find work with an appreciative audience, underscoring its importance in an industry that still doesn't encompass a broad range of beauty. The special repeats at 2 AM later that night, as well as on Friday, Feb. 22 at 11 AM and Saturday, March 1 at 6 AM.


Sunday February 10 at 2 PM
In Conversation: Justice Clarence Thomas
A special edition of TV One’s “In Conversation” series of specials features an hour interview with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who talks about his recent autobiography, his career and personal story. “In Conversation” host Roland Martin introduces commentator Armstrong Williams, who conducts the interview with Thomas with special insights based on his personal history as someone who had once worked for Justice Thomas.

Thursday, Feb. 7 at 11 AM and Saturday, Feb. 16 at noon
MLK: A Dream Deferred (DVD Available)
This special, which premiered on the Martin Luther King birthday holiday, compares the state of race relations in America forty years after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. against the words and dreams that the legendary civil rights leader wrote and spoke many years ago. Hosted and narrated by award-winning actor Isaiah Washington, MLK: A Dream Deferred explores the issues of race, education, and poverty through the lives and stories of individuals that move beyond the biographical stories about Dr. King, and into the microcosm of ordinary human relations today, where the film discovers Dr. King’s heroic spirit often endures. Noted celebrities, including Academy Award winning actress HalleBerry, Sanaa Lathan, Regina King and Hill Harper speak excerpts from Dr. King’s most famous speeches throughout the special.

For up-to-the-minute information, footage and photos, please visit www.bet.com

ABC
Monday, Feb 25, 2008 8:00 PM EST
A Raisin in the Sun
This screen adaption of Lorraine Hansberry's famous play, centers on a black family in Chicago who anxiously await an inheritance of ten thousand dollars. Executive produced by Sean Combs, the movie reunited the recent Broadway cast - Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, John Stamos and Sanaa Lathan. The origianl movie starred Sidney Poitier. http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/araisininthesun/

PBS
Monday, February 4, 2008, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET
*PRINCE AMONG SLAVES*
This special tells the forgotten true story of an African prince who was enslaved in Mississippi for 40 years before finally achieving freedom and becoming one of the most famous men in America. Mos Def narrates. In HD where available.

Wednesdays, February 6-13, 2008, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET
*AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2*
AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES again journeys deep into the African-American experience to unearth the triumphs and tragedies within the family histories of an all-new group of renowned participants. Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. returns as series host. In HD where available.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008, 10:00-11:30 p.m. ET
*INDEPENDENT LENS "Banished"*
This is the story of three counties that forcefully banished African American families from their towns 100 years ago - and the descendents who return to learn a shocking history. Co-production of ITVS in association with NBPC. By Marco Williams. http://www.pbs.org/independentlens

February 2008 (check local listings)
*AN EVENING WITH QUINCY JONES*
A rare look into the life of music mogul Quincy Jones, this one-hour interview was taped in Washington, DC, in front of an audience. Gwen Ifill interviews and hosts the star-studded evening, which features live performances by Lesley Gore, BeBe Winans, James Ingram, Bobby McFerrin and Herbie Hancock.

February 2008 (check local listings)
*LEGACY: BEING BLACK IN AMERICA*
In January 2007, a special tribute dinner was held in Washington, DC, to honor the Civil Rights generation. Attended by 18 celebrated African Americans from business, politics, academia, media and the arts, the dinner proved to be an intriguing discussion of race consciousness, integration and equity in the U.S. today.

February 2008 (check local listings)
*RED TAIL REBORN*
RED TAIL REBORN is the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American fighter pilots of World War II, and of those who sacrificed to tell the Airmen's forgotten tale.
ENCORE PROGRAMMING
Fridays, January 11-February 1, 2008, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET
*SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA* (Repeat)
This groundbreaking series chronicles the institution of American slavery from its origins in 1619 - when English settlers in Virginia purchased 20 Africans from Dutch traders - through the arrival of the first 11 slaves in the northern colonies (in Dutch New Amsterdam), the American Revolution, the Civil War, the adoption of the 13th Amendment and Reconstruction. Morgan Freeman narrates. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/

Saturday, February 9, 2008, 9:00-10:00 p.m . ET
*AUSTIN CITY LIMITS
"Etta James"* (Repeat) The Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award winner continues to be one of the most respected R&B singers in America. Highlights include "All the Way Down" and "At Last." http://www.pbs.org/klru/austin/

Saturday, February 23, 2008, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET
*AUSTIN CITY LIMITS "Tribute to Bluesman Jimmy Reed"* (Repeat)
Joined by blues luminaries James Cotton, Delbert McClinton, Lou Ann Barton and others, guitarist Jimmie Vaughan pays tribute to Jimmy Reed, composer of blues classics "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby," "Big Boss Man" and "Baby What You Want Me to Do." In HD where available.
http://www.pbs.org/klru/austin/

February 2008 (check local listings)
*AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES* (Repeat)
Renowned scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. takes Alex Haley's Roots saga to a whole new level. Using genealogy and DNA science, Dr. Gates tells the personal stories of eight accomplished African Americans.

February 2008 (check local listings)
*AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: EYES ON THE PRIZE* (Repeat) The groundbreaking documentary series examining America's civil rights years returns to public television as part of AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. Covering the period from the murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Money, Mississippi, and the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott through school desegregation, the march from Selma to Montgomery and the Voting Rights Act, EYES ON THE PRIZE is considered the definitive history of this formative time in the nation's life. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/eyesontheprize/

*EYES ON THE PRIZE II, A SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF AMERICAN EXPERIENCE *(Repeat) February 2008 (check local listings)
Nearly two decades after its 1990 premiere, the groundbreaking second season of EYES ON THE PRIZE returns to PBS as a special presentation of AMERICAN EXPERIENCE in February 2008 in honor of Black History Month. The series documents the journey of black Americans seeking justice, power and identity, from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, and shows the profound effect this movement had on all Americans. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/eyesontheprize/

*FANNIE LOU HAMER: COURAGE AND FAITH* (Repeat) February 2008 (check local listings )
Using archival footage and interviews with those who knew her well and were affected by her actions, this program chronicles the extraordinary life of Fannie Lou Hamer and introduces her to a new, younger generation. Mrs. Hamer attended the 1964 Democratic National Convention as a member of the Mississippi Democratic Freedom Party and challenged the all-white Mississippi delegation.

*INDEPENDENT LENS "Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes"* (Repeat)
February 2008 (check local listings )
This film takes an in-depth look at machismo in rap music and hip-hop culture - where creative genius, poetic beauty and mad beats collide with misogyny, violence and homophobia. By Byron Hurt. http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/hiphop/

*SHARED HISTORY* (Repeat) February 2008 (check local listings)
SHARED HISTORY is the intimate story of the relationship between two families whose connection was forged in slavery and has endured to the present. The filmmaker, the great-great-granddaughter of a slave owner, and Rhonda Kearse, a descendant of one of the enslaved families, seek to understand and reconcile the reality of slavery with the shared lives and affections between the families.

*SISTERS OF SELMA: BEARING WITNESS FOR CHANGE* (Repeat)
This program is an unabashedly spiritual take on the Selma, Alabama, voting rights marches of 1965 from some of its unsung foot soldiers - Catholic nuns. Following the violence of "Bloody Sunday," sisters from around the country answered Dr. Martin Luther King's call to join the protests in Selma.

*THE STORY OF OSCAR BROWN JR.* (Repeat) February 2008 (check local listings)
This documentary focuses on Chicago native Oscar Brown Jr.'s work as a writer and performer for more than half a century.

Monday-Friday, 11:00-11:30 p.m. ET (check local listings)
*TAVIS SMILEY*
Tavis Smiley, the first African American to have his own signature talk show on NPR, hosts a late-night television talk show - a hybrid of news, issues and entertainment, featuring interviews with newsmakers, politicians, celebrities and everyday people. http://www.pbs.org/tavissmiley

*TONY BROWN'S JOURNAL Weekly* (check local listings)
Tony Brown continues to delve into today's hottest headlines with contemporary newsmakers. In its 29th season of providing commentary, discussion and timely documentaries, the series examines issues of special interest to the African-American community. Other series that regularly cover topics and profile guests and performers of interest to African Americans include FRONTLINE, GREAT PERFORMANCES, THE NEWSHOUR WITH JIM LEHRER, NOW ON PBS, P.O.V. and WASHINGTON WEEK WITH GWEN IFILL among many others

BET/BETJ

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET
BET NEWS SPECIAL: STIGMA -- THE SILENT KILLER -- BET News partners with BET's Emmy Award winning Rap-It-Up HIV/AIDS Campaign and the Kaiser Family Foundation for the half-hour special examining the complex issue of stigma: from understanding what it is and its roots, to how it manifests and the challenge it presents to advocacy. Narrated by Antonio Neves, Stigma: The Silent Killer lifts the veil on the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and the role it plays in the spreading of the deadly epidemic in the African Diaspora.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 - 12:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET & 6:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET J
HISTORY MAKERS: SUCCESS -- This unique collection of oral history features interviews with prominent history makers such as Terry McMillan, Isaac Hayes, Horace Julian Bond, Ossie Davis and a host of many other influential African-Americans who have contributed to society and history.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - 12:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET & 6:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET J
HISTORY MAKERS: FAITH -- The inspirational stories from Susan L. Taylor, Reverend Al Sharpton, Kim Fields, BB King, along with many others serve to emphasize the power of believing in your dreams.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - 10:00 a.m. ET/PT on BET J
MASTERS OF AMERICAN MUSIC -- BLUESLAND: A PORTRAIT IN AMERICAN MUSIC -- The blues is a celebration of joyful, complex, and compelling music built on self-expression and entertainment. This film explores the blues-with all its poetic irony, sly humor, eroticism and timeless power. Hosted by actor David Keith, "Bluesland" travels the expansive landscape of the music, tracing its roots from the beginning of the twentieth century through the Mississippi Delta to Louisiana, Texas, Kansas City and Chicago. The film includes memorable footage of some of the blues' greatest players -- Son House, Bessie Smith, Jimmy Rushing, Big Bill Broonzy, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, Joe Turner, T-Bone Walker.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET J
THE BET HONORS -- BET celebrates the lives and achievements of AfricanAmerican luminaries, in this 2-hour special hosted by Cedric "TheEntertainer." Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, DannyGlover, Kerry Washington, Vivica A. Fox and Hill Harper pay tribute to AliciaKeys (Entertainment Award), Tyra Banks (Media Award), Dr. Cornel West,University Professor in the Center for African American Studies (Award forEducation), Richard Parsons (Corporate Citizen Award), The Honorable MaxineWaters (Public Service Award) and CEO Janice Bryant Howroyd (EntrepreneurAward).

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 12:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET & 6:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET J
HISTORY MAKERS: COURAGE -- Through the revealing personal stories ofinfluential African Americans such as Nikki Giovanni, Vernon Jordan, AngelaDavis, Harry Belafonte, and many others, viewers are shown the importance offollowing your own path and standing up for what you believe in despite theopposition or consequences.

7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET J
BLACK STORIES MARATHON -- Tune in for BET J's special marathon of BlackStories, an unmatched showcase of documentaries depicting ordinary BlackAmericans and their experiences through diverse and provocative stories.Black Stories profiled include: "Smart Black People", "The Journey of MargaretGarner", "They Had A Dream Too", "Ghetto Renaissance", "Bushwick Homecomings","New Growth" and "The Wedding Proposal".

10:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET J
OPERA NOIRE -- Catch the ultimate theatrical performance, Black opera.BET J celebrates African Americans and their significant contributions to theOpera in this informative documentary examining the issue of race in Opera andClassical music. This special focuses on the outstanding careers of suchgreat musicians like Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, JessyeNorman and Robert McFerrin, the first African American to appear at the Met.In addition, it will encompass a red carpet concert gala performance ofselections from celebrated composers including Gershwin and noted AfricanAmerican composers.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 12:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET & 6:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET J
HISTORY MAKERS: COURAGE -- Through the revealing personal stories of influential African Americans such as Nikki Giovanni, Vernon Jordan, Angela Davis, Harry Belafonte, and many others, viewers are shown the importance of following your own path and standing up for what you believe in despite the opposition or consequences.

Montgomery County, Maryland Black History Events - Feb 2008

In observance of Black History Month, Montgomery County Public Libraries pays tribute to African Americans and their culture with a variety of programs. Celebrations will feature storytellers, lectures, book discussions, performances, concerts and other events.

The African American Discussion Group of the Rockville Library presents a special display throughout February on Chimamanda Adiche, a Nigerian woman who is the youngest person ever to receive the British Orange Prize for Literature. Adiche earned the award for her “Half of a Yellow Sun.” The display will be located in the display case inside the main/lobby entrance off of the plaza.

Programs will be held according to the following schedule:
Saturday, February 2 --The Folk Music of African Americans, a musical history of the lives and music the African American people. Highlights include ancient songs of Africa, songs of freedom (Harriet Tubman), work songs, the blues and musical influences of this style on and by music of other cultures. Audience participation through singing, dance, rhythm and rhyme. Grades 3-12 and adults. 11a.m. Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave. Call 240-773-9490.

Tuesday, February 5 -- African American Book Discussion. Join a library discussion of "Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad" by Betty DeRamus. Registration required. 7-8 p.m. Fairland Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. Call 240-773-9460.

Wednesday, February 6 –Book discussion by The Silver Spring African American Book Group of “Dear Senator” by Essie Mae Washington-Williams. The unacknowledged daughter of Strom Thurmond and one of his family's black maids reveals her complicated, yet devoted, relationship with a father who epitomized the staunchest Old Southern resistance to the struggle for racial equality. The book includes photographs of both of the senator’s families. 7 p.m. Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Rd. Call 240-773-9420.

Thursday, February 7 –Book discussion by the Quince Orchard African American Book Group of Aminatti Forna’s “Ancestor Stones,” a sweeping portrayal of the lives of five Sierra Leonean women, told through interrelated short stories. 7 p.m. Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg. Call 240-777-0200.

Saturday, February 9 -- African American Film Festival. Free showing of “Chisholm '72: Unbought and Unbossed.” 1 p.m. Fairland Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. Call 240-773-9460.

Saturday, February 9 -- Master storyteller Diane Macklin shares “Sankofa,” tales celebrating America's African roots. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, Silver Spring Chapter. For ages 5 and up. 2 p.m. Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Rd. Call 240-773-9420.

Saturday, February 9—Author discussion. David Matthews, author of “Ace of Spades,” reveals his struggles with identity as a young boy growing up with white skin being raised by an African-American father. Also sponsored as a Library Lovers Month event by Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, and Friends of the Library, Olney Chapter. 11 a.m. Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Rd. Call 240-773-9545.

Saturday, February 9 – Experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen by an original member, Retired Colonel Charles E. McGee, who will share his experiences as one of the first African American fighter pilots in World War II. Also a Library Lovers Month event sponsored by the Quince Orchard Library and the Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. 2 p.m. Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg. Call 240-777-0200.

Saturday, February 9 --Introduction to West African culture through games, stories, music and dance by Anansegromma. Native Ghanaians Kofi Dennis and Kwame Anash-Brew offer an engaging first-hand exploration of a typical Ghanaian village. All ages. 2 p.m. Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring. Call 240-777-0910.

Saturday, February 9 -- Author discussion. David Matthews, author of the memoir, "Ace of Spades,” and son of a white mother and a black father, discusses his struggles with identity while growing up in Baltimore’s inner-city. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, Montgomery County. 3 p.m. Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Rd. Call 240-773-9420.

Tuesday, February 12 –Book discussion by the White Oak African American Book Group of “Mirror to America” by John Hope Franklin. The dean of African American history and culture, Franklin shares personal and professional reminiscences of his life and work, including his contribution to landmark Civil Rights legislation, his youth in turn-of-the-century Oklahoma and the philosophy of his success in academia despite the Jim Crow-era environment. 7 p.m. White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring. Call 240-773-9555.

Thursday, February 14 –Book discussion by the Wheaton African American Book Group on Lawrence Otis Graham’s “The Senator and the Socialite.” A true story of America's first black dynasty follows the family of Blanche Kelso Bruce, born a Mississippi slave in 1841, who amassed a real estate fortune, became the first black to serve a full Senate term and break racial barriers. 7 p.m. Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Avenue. Call 240-777-0678.

Saturday, February 16 -- Author visit. Michael Twitty, author of “Fighting Old Nep: The Foodways of Enslaved Afro-Marylanders 1634-1864,” will talk about foodways of enslaved African Americans. 2 p.m. Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road. Call 240-773-9545.

Saturday, February 16 -- African American Film Festival. Free showing of "A Panther in Africa." 1 p.m. Fairland Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. Call 240-773-9460. Saturday, February 16, 2008 -- The Harlem Renaissance Movement: Its Art and Politics. “Harlem Renaissance,” named by philosopher Alain Locke, is the explosion of arts and political thought in New York City between 1910 and 1929. A discussion presented by Priscilla R. Ramsey, associate professor of Afro-American Studies at Howard University. Also a Library Lovers Month program sponsored by the Quince Orchard Library, the Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter, and the Maryland Humanities Council. 2 p.m. Quince Orchard Community Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg. Call 240-777-0200.

Saturday, February 16 - Mother and daughter co-authors Celeste and Jennifer Norfleet will discuss their forthcoming book, "She Said, She Said." 2 p.m. White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring. Call 240-773-9555. Wednesday, February 20 -- Author discussion. Mary Kay Ricks will discuss her book, “Escape on the Pearl,” a history of the audacious attempt by 77 men and women to escape from slavery on a schooner docked at the Seventh Street wharf in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Chevy Chase Chapter. Adults. 7 p.m. Chevy Chase Library, 8005 Connecticut Ave. Call 240-773-9590.

Thursday, February 21 – Book discussion of “A Pride of African Tales,” by the African American Book Discussion Group of the Rockville Library. The book by Donna Washington features a collection of folk tales drawn from different parts of Africa 6 p.m. Rockville Library, 21 Maryland Ave. Call 240-777-0001.

Saturday, February 23—Musical presentation, “The Folk Music of African Americans,” by Devonna B. Rowe soprano. An evening of songs from the rich heritage of African Americans. 2 p.m. Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow Hall Dr., Rockville. Call 240-777-0240.

Saturday, February 23 – Raíces de Borinquen, a Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance group from Washington D.C. presents “Puerto Rican African Dance and Music.” Participants will enjoy the splendor of dance and culture. Family program. 2 p.m. Rockville Library, 21 Maryland Ave. Call 240-777-0001.

Saturday, February 23 -- African American Film Festival. Free showing of "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." No registration required. 1 p.m. Fairland Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. Call 240-773-9460. Sunday, February 24 – Civil rights double feature film showing highlights of critical turning points in the Civil Rights Movement. “Awakenings,” the first episode of the original “Eyes on the Prize” series aired on PBS. Its focus is two 1955 events that galvanized public opinion in favor of the rights of African Americans – the death of Mississippi teen Emmett Till and the Montgomery, AL bus boycott. “At the River I Stand” centers on the 1968 sanitation works’ strike in Memphis and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Showing begins at 2 p.m. Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave. Call 240-777-0678.

Tuesday, February 26 -- Film Showing. The Silver Spring African American Film Circle will screen Stanley Nelson’s film “Soldiers without Swords,” revealing the history of the Black Press in America and the critical role African-American newspapers and journalists have played in struggles against discrimination and governmental censorship. Includes commentary by historians, journalists, and photojournalists on key events during the mid-19th century through the 20th century. 6:30 p.m. Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Rd. Call 240-773-9420.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008 -- Book Discussion on "The Pursuit of Happyness" by Chris Gardner with Quincy Troupe. 11 a.m. Kensington Park Library, 4201 Knowles Ave. Call 240-773-9515. Wednesday, February 27 – Author visit. W. Ralph Eubanks will speak about his past and current work to adults and teens. 7 pm. Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Rd. Call 240-777-0970.

For a complete schedule of special events, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.
Unless otherwise noted, the programs are sponsored by either Montgomery County Public Libraries, the Multicultural Library Advisory Committee, or Friends of the Library, Montgomery County.

To request ADA accommodations, contact the library hosting the program at least five work days in advance.

Sister Coretta Scott King 1927 - 2006

As I listen to TV One's broadcast of the homegoing service of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, I marvel at the history that unfolds every day.

I saw the bright faces of her sisters-in-laws, her mentees now over 60 years old, in addition to the widely known legends like Dr. Maya Angelou. Wow!

Coretta Scott King was a woman of strength and character from birth. Trained as a classical concert singer, she met Martin Luther King, Jr when she studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She was already an activist and naturally she attracted an activist, to the nth power.

And she had a sense of humor.

Father Michael Pfleger said so aptly, "Thank you for teaching us that a single parent can raise a family and can raise a movement."

Talking to the Screen

There is a phenomenon that Black people talk to the screen while watching TV. We are one with all things I guess or it the call and response gene!

Regardless of the reasoning behind it, I felt odd last month when I screened an 11 minute version of my documentary and the 30 person audience was silent. Why weren't they making grunts or sighs? Was it boring or did they not get it.

As part if the Black Collective on DC History, I took full advantage of the membership and screened my work in progress. Held at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the event was fabulous. I had never watched it with more than one person. The energy in the room and the information exchange that occurred, without words, reaffirmed that I am doing the right thing.

At the end of the screening, I realized that this room, predominately Black, was enthralled and attentive to the story. They were hungry for more and I took their comments into consideration as I sat down to re-write my final script.

Thank you...Thank you...for listening and watching.

Birth of Documentary Script

I have been working on a final script for my documentary on Congressman Robert Smalls. I imagine it is like giving birth - watching what you do and say, because it may have a profound effect on the audience. I could forever scar them - repel them from Black History or worse - produce pity.

Instead, my intention is to illuminate the sense of passion and the humanity of our Americans. Yes, the majority of Africans did not willing come to Americans but the majority stayed after the Emancipation Proclamation. There were no acts of ethnic cleansing towards the oppressor nor did we become saboteurs. How unlike most victims of genocide!

I find the beauty of the history is in the triumph over human condition. Resilience. Determination. Intelligence. Legacy.