February 10, 2022

Press release from Shreve Memorial Library:

February 10, 2022

Shreve Memorial Library is celebrating Black History Month with a series of virtual programs and art exhibit. The 2022 Black History Month theme is “Black Health and Wellness,” focusing on the contributions and breakthroughs of African American scholars, physicians, and medical practitioners in the world of Western medicine. In addition, the theme acknowledges the work of others in the African American community such as doulas and herbalists as well as rituals and initiatives in the Black community that foster a sense of wholeness, community and well-being. In celebration of Black History Month, Shreve Memorial Library will host an exhibit of the works of local folk artist MC “5 Cents” Jones and a series of virtual programs focusing on various themes of health and wellness in the Black community.

Beginning Thursday, February 10, the Gilliam Branch of Shreve Memorial Library will host an exhibit featuring the works of MC “5 Cents” Jones. Jones (1912 – 2003) was an American folk artist who lived in the Gilliam area his entire life. His ink and watercolor paintings depicted rural farm life as well as religious themes and Bible stories. His work has been displayed at numerous galleries and museums including the Smithsonian American Art Museum. An exhibit of his works will be on display at the Gilliam Branch, located at 12797 Main Street in Gilliam, from February 10 through February 24. The public can view the works any time during normal business hours of Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Masks are required to enter the library.

On Thursday, February 17, the Hollywood/Union Avenue Branch, in partnership with the LSU AgCenter, will present a virtual program highlighting Soul Food and ways to make the traditional dishes a little healthier. “A Healthier Way to Feed Your Soul” will teach teens and adults how to create healthy alternatives to traditional Soul Food cooking. The program will be led by Leona Campbell of the LSU AgCenter and will begin at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom.

The Mooretown Branch will host its annual African American Heritage program on Saturday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. The virtual program will focus on the national theme of “Black Health and Wellness.” Presenters Shannon Armstrong, Darryl Gates and Rev. Patrick Dennis will each share insights into historical breakthroughs and achievements as well as current issues and concerns affecting health and wellness in the African American community. The program will also take place via Zoom.

Shreve Memorial Library will conclude its Black History Month virtual programs on Monday, February 21 with a virtual program entitled, “Addressing Black Fatigue,” presented by Tiffany Lacy Clark, COO of Behavioral Health Response. Clark will discuss the phenomenon of Black fatigue, the intergenerational impact of systemic racism on the physical and psychological health of Black people. Clark will teach strategies for self-care and support related to Black fatigue. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.

While all virtual programs are free and open to the public, registration is required. To register for one or all of the programs, please visit https://bit.ly/SMLBHM22.

This press release was produced by Shreve Memorial Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.