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.

Robert Smalls Documentary

I am steadily working on the final script for my documentary - Congressman Robert Smalls: A Patriot's Journey from Slavery to Capitol Hill.

This has indeed been a journey for me as well. The idea to do this documentary came to me over 10 years ago when I was living in NYC (Brooklyn to be exact). As Poli Sci major, I was passionate about all things political and African American.

Every year the Congressional Black Caucus puts on a week of activities centered around policy discussions. It is intellectual stimulation with style. In the programme, there is a list of all the Black US Congressmen. I noticed the names from the 19th century. None of them were mentioned in any of my textbooks from high school or college.

So I began researching their histories and role in American society. Even more importantly, I wondered aloud - Why are their stories never told?

Wanted: Aunt Jemima's son look-a-like for cover model shot

The portrayal of Blacks as characters in a bad play seems to be eternal. The recent discussion behind the Mexican stamps of Memin Pinguin smells and sounds like yearly outrage African Americans go through when a well-known person defames us - congressmen, sportscasters, newscasters.

The response of Mexico's black population is important for the fact very few people know that they exist. Why?

Why can't Blacks become part of the society as opposed to the comic relief of society's vacation novela? Would that mean that racial differences become obsolete? Could society then justify mistreatment of its brother/sister who has the same color blood and origin?

Voice from the past

"It is these broken utterances can in any way help to a clearer vision and a truer pulse-beat in studying the Nation's Problem, this Voice by a Black Woman of the South will not have been raised in vain." ~Anna Julia Cooper (August 10, 1859 -1964)
Photo: Moorland-Spingarn Research Center,
Howard University

After spending a lovely evening with my dear friend, Shirley, I was intrigued by her research about one of America's pioneering feminists -Anna J. Cooper. Shirley is a true scholar in the way she brings her research to light and draws you into the modern day relevance and depth of the words left behind by the subject. (Trust me, you will be reading her books very soon).

Anna J. Cooper was an educator and writer, was born a slave in Raleigh, NC. Educated in 1867 at St. Augustine's Normal and Collegiate Institute in Raleigh, she earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Oberlin College in Ohio. In 1925 at the age of 65, she earned the Ph.D. degree from the Sorbonne in Paris, France.

Dr. Cooper taught on the college level for several years before coming to Washington, D.C. as principal of M Street High School (now Dunbar High School) from 1902 to 1906. However much of her career was dedicated to the Frelinghuysen University in Washington, D.C., an adult education night school that offered courses in academic, religious and trade programs for blacks. Of the city's many universities and trade schools, only one accepted black students.

Dr. Cooper, president of Frelinghuysen University from 1930 to 1940, was a staunch proponent of education for females. She believed strongly that education was the key to social equality for women and that access to higher education was cr

Excavation Supports New Philadelphia, IL established by Freed Slave in early 1800s

Wow- this is such a great tool. Already I learned about an area in Illinois with a rich African American history, seldom told. Thanks Nat and Josephus!