Did you know that February is Black History Month?
Join Gwinnett County Public Library in celebrating all month long!

Black History Month is a time to honor and reflect on the incredible contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. But why February? It was chosen because it marks the birthdays of two key figures in American history—Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. While the celebration began as a week-long event, it has since evolved into a month-long observance, which has been recognized annually since 1976.

This month isn’t just celebrated in the U.S.—it’s also observed in Canada, the U.K., and Ireland. To mark this important occasion, we’re excited to showcase a range of programs that highlight the lasting impact of Black Americans on our culture, history, and society.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMS

Week 1: Saturday, February 1 - Saturday, February 8

Tuesday, February 4: 11 am – 12 pm Community | Black Literary Figures in the UK

Join scholar Dr. Hannah-Rose Murray as she gives a virtual tour of central London, highlighting sites where Black American literary figures frequented.

This program will be held virtually.

Tuesday, February 4: 4:30 – 5:30 pm  Author Talk | Children’s Black Author Series

You are in for a treat! Meet children’s author Dr. Jamye Curry Savage as she reads her story, It’s Pi(e) Day. Join Ellie Elephant and her friends as they go on an adventure to learn all about Pi(e) Day!

This program will be held at the Centerville Branch.

Tuesday, February 4: 5:30 – 6:30 pm  Author Talk | Children’s Black Author Series

Welcome, Mrs. Tamara Anderson, children’s author of Yikes, I Saw a Barracuda! Her reading will take us on a fun snorkeling trip exploring a new country. All ages are welcome.

This program will be held at the Centerville Branch.

Wednesday, February 5: 11 am – 12 pm  Community| Norcross Connect: Black History – Sgraffito Art

This program will celebrate the work of Lois Mailou Jones, an impressive African-American artist using black oil pastels to create masks.

This program will be held at the Norcross Branch.

Thursday, February 6: 3 – 5 pm  Community| Voices of Empowerment

Join us using provided supplies (or feel free to bring your own!) to create pieces of art and/or literature that show facets of yourself, family, and friends through the empowerment of your history, present, and future. The created pieces will eventually be displayed in the branch following the last session. This program is intended for Teens.

This program will be held at the Dacula Branch.

Saturday, February 8: 2 – 3 pm  Culinary Arts | African American Culinary Heritage – Sweet Treats from the South

This program will teach kids basic cooking skills while they make no-bake sweet potato cookies. Participants will also learn about the importance of soul food and Southern desserts in African American culture.

This program will be held at the Hamilton Mill Branch.

Saturday, February 8: 2 – 3 pm  Author Talk | Let’s Celebrate Black History Month

Join Cicely Lewis as she reads excerpts from the Hair Magic series, fostering a love for reading and Black History while celebrating the beauty of natural hair and offering some hair care tips.

This program will be held at the Lilburn Branch.

Week 2: Sunday, February 9 - Saturday, February 15

Tuesday, February 11: 4 – 5 pm  Book Talks | #ReadWoke

Join us for a discussion of recommended reading from the #ReadWoke books and graphic novels for teens and adults. We will learn about the history of the #ReadWoke movement and review associated resources.

This program will be held at the Mountain Park Branch.

Wednesday, February 12: 2 – 3 pm  Education | Homeschool Hangout

Daniel Hale Williams (1856-1931) was the first African American cardiologist to perform a successful open-heart surgery. Join us to learn more about him, then make your own 3D heart cards (since it’s also Valentine’s Day soon).

This program will be held at the Grayson Branch.

Thursday, February 13: 4 – 5 pm  Community | Culture Splash

Dominos…Spades…Uno…Does this sound like a great game night to you? Come through, then! Even if you don’t know how to play, we got you. We’re here for fun this Black History Month!

This program will be held at the Centerville Branch.

Thursday, February 13: 5:30 – 6:30 pm  Author Talk | Children’s Black Author Series

Join us for a delightful and lively evening from children’s author Honey Moore as she brings this charming series of Skyie Pie to life.

This program will be held at the Centerville Branch.

Saturday, February 15: 10:30 – 11:30 am  Early Learning | Family Storytime – Black History Month

Bring the whole family out for a fun Saturday morning storytime and craft! This month’s theme is Black History Month.

This program will be held at the Five Forks Branch.

Week 3: Sunday, February 16 - Saturday, February 22

Monday, February 17: 5 – 6 pm  Author Talk | Black Author Series

Join us for an exciting reading from guest author Fatima R. Henson. As she reads excerpts from her books Love in the Age of Dragons and Courageous Cody’s Western Adventure. There will be a Q&A session following the reading.  All ages are welcome. (Recommend ages 10 and up)

This program will be held at the Centerville Branch.

Tuesday, February 18: 5 – 6 pm  STEM – Engineering | Lego Junior Builders

Celebrate Black History Month with a fun, creative Lego build! Children, ages 6-11, will explore the achievements of African American space pioneers while developing problem-solving and STEM skills.

This program will be held at the Collins Hill Branch.

Thursday, February 20: 11 am – 12 pm  Education | Homeschool Hangout

Homeschoolers get a hands-on learning adventure as we learn about the Great Depression and New Deal.  We will specifically concentrate on African Artists in the WPA.  Mural drawing will be done, so please dress in clothes that can get dirty.

This program will be held at the Peachtree Corners Branch.

Thursday, February 20: 5 – 6 pm  STEM- Engineering | Black STEM Bingo

Do you have a large knowledge of Black people who have contributed to the STEM field? Come and test your knowledge with a game of Bingo that explores the various contributions of Black people in the STEM field.

This program will be held at the Grayson Branch.

Thursday, February 20: 6:30 – 7:30 pm  Author Talk | Tiffany L. Warren

Join author Tiffany L. Warren as she discusses her historical fiction novel, “The Unexpected Diva,” about the first Black prima donna Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield.

This program will be held at the Five Forks Branch.

Saturday, February 22: 11 am – 1 pm  Genealogy | Researching African American Ancestors

Learn proven techniques to effectively research African American genealogy. Tamika Strong will introduce genealogy research techniques and demonstrate how to access them online using FamilySearch and Ancestry databases.

This program will be held at the Snellville Branch.

Week 4: Sunday, February 23 - Saturday, March 1

Tuesday, February 25: 3:30 – 4:30 pm  Author Talk | Black Author Series

Welcome, author Mrs. Ashley King. She will be reading an inspiring, thoughtful book geared toward our youngest readers, God’s ABCs: Learning Letters Through Scripture from A to Z.

This program will be held at the Centerville Branch.

Tuesday, February 25: 5 – 6pm  Author Talk | Black Author Series

Join us for a fascinating and uplifting evening. Welcome Mikaela Clifford, author of Vibes of Faith.  She will be reading excerpts from her book, along with an audience experience component and Q&A segment. All ages are welcome. (Recommend ages 10 and up)

This program will be held at the Centerville Branch.

Tuesday, February 25: 5 – 6pm  STEM – Science | African-American Scientist and Inventor Day

Join us to learn about important and cool African-American scientists and inventors such as Augustus Jackson, the “Father of Ice Cream,” who invented a better way of making ice cream. Then make ice cream with us using his technique.

This program will be held at the Grayson Branch.

Tuesday, February 25: 5:30 – 7:30 pm  Community | Black History Month Celebration

Come to our Black History Month program, where Black excellence is welcomed, heard, and celebrated.

This program will be held at the Snellville Branch.

Wednesday, February 26: 6 – 7 pm  Community | Storytime & Culture Craft

Join Ms. Becca for a storytime to celebrate Black History Month! Children can learn about the vast diaspora of African American cultures through stories highlighting amazing authors, singing African folk songs, and creating their own African Djembe drum!

This program will be held at the Grayson Branch.

Thursday, February 27: 11 am – 12 pm  Community | Storytime Special: African Folklore

Join us for a special storytime with our returning special guest, Miss Sharon Riggs! We will be reading some exciting African Folklore along with fun and energetic dancing with an opportunity to play some instruments! Come celebrate Black History Month with us!

This program will be held at the Norcross Branch.

Thursday, February 27: 6 – 7 pm  Author Talk | Black Author Series

Welcome to AUNTEA, an exploration of wisdom and inspiration with thoughtful and accomplished women. Auntea was created by author Ba!ley, who has now published her second book, Dreamreacher Diary. Join us for an engaging evening of conversations for all ages.

This program will be held at the Centerville Branch.