Black History Month, also known as National African American History Month, is an annual celebra-tion recognizing the achievements of black Americans and their central role in our nation’s history. President Gerald R. Ford first designated the month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often

BLACK HISTORY Month!F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9

neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” An expansion of “Negro History Week,” first held in 1926 it was the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans. Not only an American celebration,

Black History Month is also celebrated in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Join us as we commemorate Black History Month with art, dance, exhibits, films, history, lectures, music, performances, poetry, and stories.

Pasadena Public Library Celebrates

Paintings by Artist Rudy Cole.

www.pasadenapubliclibrary.net • (626) 744-4066

HistoryAfrican American Genealogy Group Search out your heritage and recover the past with this dynamic genealogy group.Saturday, Feb. 2 • 2 p.m. Lamanda Park Branch Library • 140 N. Altadena Dr.

Paddy Hirsch, author of The Devil’s Half Mile This riveting historical thriller debut set in 1799 New York City details little-known facts about Free Blacks and Slave Blacks in New York City in the 1800s. Seven years after a financial crisis nearly toppled America, traders chafe at government regulations, racial tensions are rising, gangs roam the streets and corrupt financiers make back-door deals with politicians ... 1799 was a hell of a year. Thanks to Alexander Hamilton, America has recovered from the panic on the Devil’s Half Mile (aka Wall Street), but the young country is still finding its way. When young lawyer Justy Flanagan returns to solve his father’s murder, he exposes a massive fraud that has already claimed lives, and one the perpetrators is determined to keep secret at any cost. The body count is rising, and the looming crisis could topple the nation. Join us to learn more about this fascinating tale from author Paddy Hirsch. Books will be available for sale and signing. Thursday, Feb. 7 • 7 p.m. Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium • 285 E. Walnut St.

Save Your MemoriesEveryone has a story to tell through the photo and video memories of their life. Learn how to safeguard your history and memories by organizing, digitizing and protecting your photos, videos and important documents. Leave a priceless gift for your loved ones … your legacy! Presented by Photo Coach Melody Whitehead.Thursday, Feb. 28 • 7 p.m. Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium • 285 E. Walnut St.

ExhibitsBlack History of Sigma Gamma RhoFeb. 1-28 Central Library/North Entry • 285 E. Walnut St.

Observations in Black, 2019Featuring the photographic work of Alfred Haymond.Feb. 1-28 Central Library/Humanities Wing Entry • 285 E. Walnut St.

Afro-Cuban ArtistsFeaturing the collection of Dr. Michael Siler.Feb. 1-28 Hastings Branch Library • 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

African-American Cowboy paintingsFeaturing the artwork of artist Emerson Terry.March 1-31 Hastings Branch Library • 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

FilmsSeparate But Equal (Movie Screening)The true story of the most important legal battle of our time, set in 1950 when America is divided between black and white. Schools, restaurants, trains and buses -- even drinking fountains -- cannot be shared by both races. Although slavery has been outlawed for nearly a century, segregation is legal. The dramatic events leading from a small rural classroom to the Supreme Court decision that outlawed segregation are power-fully reenacted in this contemporary screen classic. (1991) PGWednesday, Feb. 6 • 1 p.m. Central Library/Donald Wright Auditorium 285 E. Walnut St.

PoetryAfrican American PoetsThe Pasadena Rose Poets honor and celebrate past and present African American poets who have impacted and continue to impact this genre in the U.S. and beyond.Thursday, Feb. 21 • 7 p.m. Central Library/Studio on 4th • 285 E. Walnut St.

StoriesTalking DrumsJoin us for stories, folktales, poetry and songs by Ina Buckner-Barnette to celebrate Black History Month.Tuesday, Feb. 19 • 1 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library • 1355 N. Raymond Ave.

Chocolate Storytime: Tales & Treats for ChildrenJoin us for an afternoon of storytelling and village building, featuring stories authored by and/or about African Americans, read by Ayesha Randall. Have fun, make new friends and enjoy crafts. For ages 3+.Friday, Feb. 22 • 4 p.m. La Pintoresca Branch Library • 1355 N. Raymond Ave.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Artist DisplayContributions of Black Californians, Science, Art, Inventions to the WorldRudy Cole, Artist.

BLACK HISTORY Festival

Saturday, Feb. 16 • 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Library Great Hall & Donald Wright Auditorium 285 E. Walnut St.

4 p.m. Beyond Jackie, Rosa and Martin: Black Pioneers with Pasadena ConnectionsWe are familiar with civil rights leaders who made a difference to the U.S. on a national level. These are the people recognized as part of our shared history for their bravery and commitment to social justice, such as Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King -- leaders our children learn about in school and whose dedication to civil rights we celebrate and commemorate in public gatherings. Come and learn about Pasadena civil rights leaders who may not be as well known, yet who have made a significant difference to Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley and Southern California. Presented by local author and historian Roberta H. Martínez.

3 p.m. Down Home Gospel ChoirsEnjoy good old gospel songs, beloved hymns and traditional harmonies.

2:15 p.m. Metropolitan’s Praise DancersSway with the Praise Dancers! Praise dancers use both their bodies and their faces to express emotion, enlightening their audience with the joy they feel within their hearts.

1 p.m. Partners to History: Martin Luther King, Ralph David Abernathy & the Civil Rights MovementPresented by Donzaleigh Abernathy, daughter of the Rev. Ralph Abernathy. Q & A to follow.

11:30 a.m. Documentary FilmBridging the Divide: Tom Bradley & the Politics of RaceThe chronicle of the rise of one of America’s trailblazing black political leaders. Mayor for over 20 years (1973–1993), Tom Bradley was the first African American mayor elected in

a major U.S. city with an overwhelmingly white majority. He created an extraordinary multi-ethnic coalition, ushered in police reform, and became a force for change in American politics. Presented by Academy Award nominated filmmaker Lyn Goldfarb and Christopher D. West, PhD., Assistant Professor of History, Diversity Initiative Coordinator and President of the Association of Black Employees at Pasadena City College.

Maya Angelou, 1928-2014, autobiographer, poet, civil rights activist• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969 (autobiography)• And Still I Rise, 1978 (poems)• On the Pulse of Morning, 1993 (poem)

James Baldwin, 1924-1987, poet, novelist, playwright, essayist, social critic• Go Tell it on the Mountain, 1953 (novel)• The Amen Corner, 1954 (play)• The Fire Next Time, 1963 (essays)

Amiri Baraka, 1934-2014, poet, playwright, novelist, essayist, political activist, music critic• The Dead Lecturer, 1964 (poems)• Dutchman & The Slave, 2001 (plays)• Tales of the Out & the Gone, 2007 (short stories)

Octavia Butler, 1947-2006, science fiction writer• Kindred, 1979 (novel)• Parable of the Sower, 1993 (novel)• Bloodchild and Other Stories, 1995 (short stories)

Frederick Douglass, 1818-1895, writer, orator, abolitionist, social reformer• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, 1845 (memoir)• My Bondage and My Freedom, 1855 (autobiographical slave narrative)• Frederick Douglass: Selected Speeches and Writings, 1999

W.E.B. Du Bois, 1868-1963, sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, novelist• The Souls of Black Folk, 1903 (essays)• The Quest of the Silver Fleece, 1911 (novel)• Writings, 1986 (essays)

Ralph Ellison, 1914-1994, novelist, literary critic• Invisible Man, 1952 (novel)• Juneteenth, 1999 (novel)• Living with Music, 2001 (essays)

Alex Haley, 1921-1992, novelist, journalist• The Autobiography of Malcolm X, 1965 (autobiographical narrative, collaboration with Malcolm X)• Roots, 1976 (novel)• Queen: The Story of an American Family, 1993 (biographical novel)

Langston Hughes, 1902-1967, poet, novelist, playwright• The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes, 1994• Not Without Laughter, 1930 (novel)• The Collected Works of Langston Hughes: the Short Stories, 2001

Zora Neale Hurston, 1891-1960, novelist, short story writer, folklorist, anthropologist• Mules and Men, 1935 (folklore)• Their Eyes Were Watching God, 1937 (novel)• Dust Tracks on a Road, 1942 (autobiography)

Toni Morrison, b. 1931, novelist, editor, professor• The Bluest Eye, 1970 (novel)• Song of Solomon, 1977 (novel)• Beloved, 1987 (novel)

Alice Walker, b. 1944, novelist, poet, short story writer, activist• The Color Purple, 1982 (novel)• Her Blue Body Everything We Know: Earthling Poems, 1991• Now is the Time to Open Your Heart, 2003 (novel)

August Wilson, 1945-2005, playwright• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, 1984• Fences, 1987• The Piano Lesson, 1990

Richard Wright, 1908-1960, novelist, short story writer, poet• Native Son, 1940 (novel)• Black Boy, 1945 (autobiography)• Haiku: This Other World, 1998 (poems)

Celebrated AFRICAN AMERICAN Writers

To check out these and other books by African-American writers stop by any Pasadena Public Library or visit www.pasadenapubliclibrary.net.