Join Pikes Peak Library District in celebrating Black History Month! Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. This month-long observance is an opportunity to recognize the impact that Black Americans have made on our society.
Programming
The Importance of Supporting Historical Fiction Authors
“In a time where books are being banned, individual rights are being terminated, and historical events are being questioned, historical fiction writers’ creative works need the support of its readers more than ever,” expressed local author Consuelo Hamilton, author of Lullaby Book 1. It is the foundation upon which her presentation, The Importance of Supporting Historical Fiction Authors, was built. This presentation will explore the contributions made by authors whose works specifically incorporate the Civil War era but not limited to. We will examine such authors as Toni Morrison, Colson Whitehead, Octavia Butler, and Alice Walker and how their work impacted our culture, igniting box office hit films.
Mosaic Painting
Join us to create a painting inspired by Black American Artist Alma Thomas!
- Sat., Feb. 11, 2 - 3:30p.m. at Ruth Holley Library
- Sat., Feb. 11, 4 - 5:30p.m. at Sand Creek Library
- Sat., Feb. 16, 4:30 - 6p.m. at East Library
- Thu., Feb. 23, 4:30 - 5:30p.m. at Library 21c
- Sat., Feb. 25, 3 - 4p.m. at Monument Library
- Tue., Feb. 28, 4 - 5p.m. at Penrose Library
- Wed., March 8, 4 - 5p.m. at Manitou Springs Library
- Thu., April 6, 4 - 5p.m. at Ute Pass Library
- Sat., April 15, 2:30 - 4:30p.m. at High Prairie Library
How We Move Through Life - Kevin Johnson Galley Showing Grand Opening
Join PPLD and local artist Kevin Johnson on Feb. 1, 2023 at the gallery space in Penrose library as we honor Colorado Springs classical and jazz music legend and philanthropist Peggy Shivers with a special portraited to be displayed during the month of February in a galley showing of other art created by Kevin Johnson.
Drop in anytime from 10 a.m. to noon to meet the artist and continue to visit and enjoy the exhibit any time you wish during the month of February during regular open hours.
Black History Month Bookmark
Use these recommendations to explore PPLD's collection of Black voices, from iconic moments in Black history, to Black authors, artists, and more. Pick up a copy at your library location.
Resources
Education 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.
- Biography in Context
- National Archives: African American Heritage
- Reading Rockets: Celebrating and Learning about Black History and Culture
- ProQuest: Black Freedom Struggle in the United States
Regional History & Genealogy Resources
- The Invisible People of the Pikes PeakRegion: an Afro-American Chronical by John Stokes Holley
- Everybody Welcome: a Memoir of Fannie Mae Duncan and the Cotton Club by Fannie Mae Duncan
- Negro Historical Association Newsletters and Yearbooks (available in Special Collections reference stacks)
- African Americans in Colorado Springs in PPLD Digital Collections
- Lew Tilley Photographs in PPLD Digital Collections
- Black History Scrapbooks (Archival collection MSS 0387, available in Special Collections)
- Colorado Springs Branch National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (Archival collection MSS 0256, available in Special Collections)
- African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs
Websites
- Biography in Context
- National Archives: African American Heritage
- Black History Month
- Black History Month - History Channel
- ProQuest: Black Freedom Struggle in the United States
- Celebrate African American History Month – Library Of Congress
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Black History Month – National Parks Service