Black History Month at WPL!

We’re excited to celebrate Black History Month at the Library this year with a variety of special programs for you (and your family) to enjoy. You can read about what we’ve got planned in this article from the News-Sun. Check out the full listing of programs below, and click the links to register. Please note that two programs will be held in January – see the image in the sidebar or the listing below for dates. We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!

January 27: Waukegan High School Jazz Concert
Community members of all ages will enjoy jazz music as performed by Waukegan High School’s Bulldog Jazztet as we kick off our Black History Month celebrations, on Saturday, January 27, from 3:00 – 4:00pm in the Bradbury Room (lower level).

January 28: Barbershop Talks: History, Culture, and Current Events
Adults and young adults will discuss current events with licensed barbers of color, and learn about the history of barbershops and their importance to the black and brown community, facilitated by Ashley Cullen-Williams, College of Lake County, on Sunday, January 28, from 2:00 – 4:00pm in Classroom AB on the main floor.

February 7: Taste of Ethiopia 
Students in grades 6-8 will learn how to make Dabo Kolo, a delicious Ethiopian snack, at this interactive program on Wednesday, February 7, from 5:00 – 6:30pm in the Bradbury Room (lower level).

February 13: Sampling Black
Adults and young adults will join an interactive discussion of five hip-hop songs and their original samples, facilitated by Ashley Cullen-Williams and Jeffery Williams, on Tuesday, February 13, from 5:00 – 7:00pm in Classroom B on the main floor.

February 20: Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act
Prairie State Legal Services presents a screening of “A Matter of Place,” a documentary illustrating the fight to end housing discrimination, followed by discussion for adults and young adults, on Tuesday, February 20, 5:00 – 7:00pm, in Classroom A on the main floor.

February 25: Breaking Bread
The community will connect and discuss current culture, student engagement, and success strategies for future generations over family-style food catered by Chef Williams of Wauk-In and facilitated by Ashley Cullen-Williams, College of Lake County, on Sunday, February 25, from 2:00 – 4:00pm in Classroom AB on the main floor.

March 1: Open Mic: Waukegan Public Library’s Young Adult Leadership Council
High school leaders serving on the Library’s Young Adult Leadership Council will share their talents in a poetry/freestyle jam session inspired by the themes explored during our Black History Month programming, on Thursday, March 1, from 6:00 – 7:30pm in Classroom B on the main floor.