Mecklenburg Library Black History Events Explore Culture, Books

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is hosting numerous events to celebrate February's Black History Month. The February happenings will feature history, culture and engaging speakers.

Interested attendees must register in advance for each offering, which will all take place on online. Click each link to reserve your space, or search for events here.

More information about Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black History Month events may be found here.

Speakers

• Meet Black Creatives, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. — Connect with Black Creatives in our community every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. during Black History Month. We will have different Black Creatives talk about their unique businesses and services. Be inspired and learn how you can live out your creative dreams.
• Author Talk: Derrick Barners and Gordon C. James, Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. (Facebook Live & YouTube Live) — Join us for A Conversation with Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James, author and illustrator of The New York Times bestseller, I Am Every Good Thing. We will be streaming on Facebook and YouTube.
• I can Celebrate National African American Read-In, Thursday, Feb.18 at 6 p.m. — The National African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. Join us as we celebrate this event with a VIRTUAL READ-IN featuring local authors and students from Westerly Hills Academy.
• Meet the Podcasters, Saturday, Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. — Meet the Podcasters: There're Back! The Black Guy Who Tips podcasters, Rod and Karen will join us to discuss current events, books and upcoming projects. We will wrap up with some Black History Trivia.

Learn Something New

• Story Explorers: Rocket Like Mae Jemison, Saturday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. — Kids ages 5 to 11 are invited to this special Black History Month literacy program celebrating Mae Jemison! Together, we'll learn about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to enter space, though interactive activities including math, science, games and more
• Harlem Unbound (Call of Cthulhu 7E), Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m. — Participate in a Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game set in early 20th century Harlem, NY. The players will put themselves in the shoes of Harlemites navigating day-to-day issues including racism, community, politics, nightlife and Cosmic Horror.
• Esports and Gaming in the Black Community, Saturday, Feb. 20 at 12 p.m. — Meet the founders, Dr. Lawson Williams and Professor Cash, of the 1st HBCU Esports and Gaming program at Johnson C. Smith University. Plus, meet local entrepreneur Rick Suarez, who took his love of sports to create Stay Plugged IN, a virtual gaming company.
• The Impact of Gentrification on the Black Community, Saturday, Feb.20 at 1 p.m. — The ongoing housing crisis and the displacement of residents due to neighborhoods' changing demographics continue to be of great concern in Black communities. This program will address the impact of gentrification happening in historically Black neighborhoods in the Charlotte area.
• Parent Lunch & Learn: i can read Black stories, Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 12 p.m. — Parents and Caregivers will learn about the importance of children's literature that center characters who are Black or people of color, as well as tips for selecting books to foster conversations about equity and inclusivity.

Discussions

• Graphic Novel Book Club, Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. — What We'll Be Discussing: Black History In Its Own Words, by Ronald Wimberly.
• Ted Talk Discussion Group, multiple dates —What We'll Be Discussing: Feb. 5 at 11 a.m.: Black Lives Matter and Say Her Name; Feb. 19 at 11 a.m.: Systemic Racism
• Steele Creek Readers Book Club, Tuesday, Feb. 9 10:30 a.m. — What We'll Be Discussing: A Kind of Freedom by Margaret Wikerson Sexton
• Black Women + Democracy, a virtual film and discussion series, multiple dates —What We’ll Be Discussing: Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.: Knock Down the House Film screening starts at 2 p.m., discussion at 3:15 p.m.; Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.: Chisholm ‘72 - Unbought & Unbossed, Watch the film on your own then join for the discussion at 6 p.m.
• Social Justice Book Club, Thursday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. or Saturday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. — What We'll Be Discussing: Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi or Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi (your choice)
• Teen Book Talk, Monday Feb.22 at 5:30 p.m. — What We'll Be Discussing: This is My America by Kim Johnson
• Let's Get Graphic! Saturday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. — What We'll Be Discussing: People of Color and Minority Representation in Graphic Novels & Comic Books
• 6pm Film Discussion: Black Men in White Coats Saturday, Feb.27th at 6 p.m. — What We’ll Be Discussing: This documentary that dissects the systemic barriers preventing black men from becoming medical doctors and the consequences on society at large. Upon registration, a link to the film will be shared.

Storytime

• I can read Black stories storytime, every Saturday at 11 a.m. — This storytime features books that center characters who are Black or people of color, offers strategies to foster conversations about equity and inclusivity, and encourages early literacy skill development and a love of books and reading in your child.
• SouthPark Branch Family Storytime, Thursday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. — This program will be provided by SouthPark library staff. Your whole family can enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate. This week's stories will center around Black History Month and Black Lives Matter.