Your Library is honoring Black History Month this February! Join with us as we recognize the achievements and history of generations of African Americans, who have helped to shape our community, state, and country.

Why do we observe Black History Month?
Beginning in 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, an annual celebration of the achievements and recognition of the struggles of African Americans. Black History Month grew out of Negro History week, the creation of Carter G. Woodson. Woodson was the second Black American to receive a PhD in history from Harvard, and he was determined to ensure that school children learn Black history.

Learn more about how Black History Month came about here:

• Black History Month with the Library of Congress
• NPR: Special Series – Black History Month 2024
• Origins of Black History Month from history.com
• National Museum of African American History & Culture

Read!
If you’re in our branches, be sure to check out our special Black History Month displays. Online, you’ll find our recommended reading list for kids and recent non-fiction books for adults. Also be sure to check out our app for an exclusive 2024 Black History Month reading list!

Listen!
Our digital partner Hoopla offers music, audiobooks, e-books and more, all celebrating Black heroes and the civil rights movement.

Watch!
Join us at the Strand Theatre on Tuesday, February 20 at 7 pm for a DCDL-sponsored screening of Selma. Can’t make it? Kanopy offers a wide range of films honoring Black History Month, free to stream with your Library card.

Celebrate!
Here are some other ways to celebrate Black History Month around Delaware County and Central Ohio!

Sundays in February: Art Unveiled, artworks by Black artists, Unity Community Center, Delaware

Saturday, February 10:

• Open Studio with Joziah Pollard – Paws & Claws: Create Your Own Mythological Creature, Columbus Museum of Art, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Black History Month Concert Pop-Up featuring the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, Columbus Museum of Art, 2 pm
• Black Joy Film Series – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, free with reservation, McConnell Arts Center, Worthington, 2 pm

Saturday, February 17: Artist Aminah Robinson Day, All Arts Day, The King Cultural Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Ave., Columbus, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Tuesday, February 20: Black Directors Series – Selma, sponsored by Delaware County District Library, Strand Theatre, Delaware, 7 pm

Thursday, February 22: Understanding Black History Through Black Music, The Barn at Stratford, 2690 Stratford Rd., Delaware, 7 pm

Saturday, February 25: Black History Month Concert Pop-Up featuring the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, Columbus Museum of Art, 2 pm

And don’t forget, we offer Culture Passes for free admission to the Columbus Museum of Art!