Black History Month
Please plan to join us in celebrating our Black community this year! Our Black History Month celebrations kick off in January with library-wide service projects in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout January and February, you’ll see a variety of book and media displays popping up around the Library to celebrate Black history, culture, and individuals. We’re proud to offer a wide variety of programming for all ages, too. Check out the full listing below. Just click on any title for more information and to register!
For All Ages
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: #blessingbags
Monday, Jan. 20, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Classroom AB
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by giving back to our community. At this all-ages service project, led by Women Enuff, you’ll help fill and decorate lunch bags for people in need right here in Waukegan.
Hair Love: A Celebration of Coils, Kinks & Curls
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 5:30 – 6:30pm, Bradbury Room
Enjoy watching Matthew A. Cherry’s Oscar-nominated animated short “Hair Love,” a heartwarming story of an African-American father doing his daughter’s hair. Then share your own hair journey, tips, and tricks – and learn some new ones!
Taste of Nigeria
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6:00 – 7:00pm, Bradbury Room
Learn to make jollof rice and other delicious Nigerian dishes.
For Adults & Young Adults
Privilege, Position and Power in 2020
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2:00 – 3:30pm, Classroom AB
In the midst of the 2020 election, individuals are chasing the American Dream, even though for many, racism impedes their ability to envision and achieve success. We’ll talk about the current culture of power and evaluate individual privilege in this program presented by Ashley Cullen Williams LPC, NCC.
Selma: Movie Screening & Discussion
Monday, Feb. 17, 5:00 – 7:30pm, Classroom AB
Ava DuVernay’s landmark, award-winning film Selma tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s journey to secure equal voting rights for black people with a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, eventually culminating in the signing of the Voting Rights Act. Discussion will follow. PG-13.
Breaking Bread Community Meal
Sunday, February 23, 2:00 – 4:30pm, Classroom AB
In our third annual community meal, we will work to increase community engagement and advocacy through authentic conversations about lived experiences, leadership, activism and racial politics. Inspired by Black Voters Matter, we will brainstorm tangible ways to make freedom realistic for generations to achieve. Facilitated by Ashley Cullen-Williams, LPC, NCC. Lunch catered by Chef Williams of On Pho Nem.
For Children
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: Color a Smile
Monday, Jan. 20, 10:00am – 5:00pm, Children’s Department
Create a colorful card for people in need.
Storytime: All About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, Jan. 20, 2:00 – 2:30pm, Early Learning Center
Kids will learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy with stories.
