Black History Month

New Black History Month 2022 Blog

Join Pikes Peak Library District in celebrating Black History Month!

  • African Storytelling, Drumming, & Percussion

    Join Dr. Wanda Tisby Cousar and Ron Cousar as they tell the true story of the Lion King using an African instrument called a Balafon, including West African dance performed to drumming.

  • Cowboy Mike Searles Presents the Black Cowboy and Buffalo Soldiers
    • Thu., Feb. 10 from 6 - 7 p.m. (virtual)

    Join Cowboy Mike Searles as he tells the stories of Black Cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers.The history of the American West is one rich in character and lore. Following the Emancipation Proclamation and the conclusion of the American Civil War, many former slaves and free African-Americans headed west to a new, wild, and very uncertain future. The history and stories of African-Americans on the frontier west include those of the Black Cowboy and the Buffalo Soldier. "Cowboy Mike" Searles is a persona created by Professor Michael Searles, retired Professor of History at Augusta State University. He is an active member of the Western Writers of America, and has taught African-American History to audiences far and wide.

  • CoS History Book Club: Invisible People
    • Thu., Feb.17 from 6 - 7 p.m. (virtual)

    The past is the window to the present. Using the published works of local historians as inspiration, this book club program will highlight specific themes of Colorado Springs and the region.In February, join editor and chapter author Takiyah Jemison, our Special Collections rare book librarian, in a discussion of her chapter, “Power Couple of Colorado Springs: John Stokes Holley and Ruth Olive Hill Holley,” from the most recent release of the Pikes Peak Library District’s Regional History Series, an updated edition of The Invisible People of the Pikes Peak Region by John Stokes Holley. Originally published in 1990 by the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District and the Friends of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, this book presents a comprehensive history dedicated to the local African American community. The reprint includes the original publication in its entirety, along with new chapters, an index, and additional images.

    A copy of February's book may be checked out from the library (via our Catalog) or purchased from PPLD Special Collections (20 N. Cascade Avenue), the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (215 S. Tejon St.), or clausenbooks.com. A recommended chapter and discussion questions will be emailed to all registrants.

  • Researching African American Ancestors
    • Mon., Feb. 28 from 6 - 7 p.m. (virtual)

    Researching your African American ancestors can be a challenging, yet rewarding, process. In addition to research strategies, this class will cover how to use both traditional and unique resources to explore your family tree.

Educational Resources

The Shivers African American Historical Cultural Collection

Explore the Shivers African American Historical Cultural Collection to find a wide variety of materials for all ages that celebrate African American culture.

Regional History & Genealogy Resources