St. Louis Public Library

Photo by John Koniak, St. Louis Public Library Title: St. Louis Public Library logo celebrating 150th anniversary
Source: John Koniak, St. Louis Public Library

CITY LIBRARY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2015 WITH FULL SLATE OF INSPIRING PROGRAMS

The St. Louis Public Library is proud to celebrate Black History Month 2015 with a full slate of inspirational and informational programs throughout the system. The national theme is "Celebrating a Century of Black Life, History & Culture."

Throughout February, each St. Louis Public Library Branch's programs will focus on a single decade in the last hundred years. In addition, the programs at the Carpenter and Carondelet Branches will portray a century of black history in St. Louis and Missouri.

All Black History Month activities are FREE and open to the public, but seating is on a first-come,  first-served basis. Call the appropriate Branch to reserve space.

For program details, pick up the commemorative Black History Month booklet available at all St. Louis Public Library locations throughout the city or visit the Library's website at slpl.org.

February 1-7

Buder (Celebrating 1985-1995) | 4401 Hampton Ave.,314-352-2900 | Branch Hours

Icons of Popular Culture, 1985-95: A Multi-Media Celebration—Alice Walker

Each week features an exhibit focusing on the contributions of a notable figure in African-American pop culture .Adults

February 2-28

All Branches All Day

African-American Read-In Chain

Celebrate African-American authors.

February 2

Central Library (Celebrating 1915-2015) 1301 Olive St., 314-241-2288 | 4-5 p.m.

100 Reasons to Celebrate a Century of Black Life, History, and Culture

Create a video montage celebrating a century of black history. Teens

February 3

Barr (Celebrating 1975-1985) 1701 S. Jefferson Ave., 314-771-7040 | 4:30-6 p.m.

Age of Michael Jackson

Honor the music and legacy of an entertainment legend with dance, karaoke, craft & Name That Tune contest. Teens

February 4

Central Library (Celebrating 1915-2015) 1301 Olive St., 314-241-2288 | 4-5 p.m.

Celebrate a Century of Black Artists: The Art of Horace Pippen, 1930-1940s

Drawing inspiration from A Splash of Red, children explore art using paint and pencils.  Kids/Families

February 5

Buder (Celebrating 1985-1995) | 4401 Hampton Ave., 314-352-2900 | 6-8 p.m.

Icons of Popular Culture, 1985-95: A Multi-Media Celebration—Alice Walker

Each week features a movie focusing on the contributions of a notable figure in African-American pop culture. This week:  The Color Purple (1985) Adults

February 7

Kingshighway (Celebrating 1965-1975) 2260 S. Vandeventer Ave., 314-771-5450  |11 a.m. -1 p.m.

St. Louis Throwback—Living During 1965-1975

An informal discussion with four-six individuals who share their experiences and thoughts about black history as it relates to religion, business, school, and daily living.  Includes Q&A.  Adults

February 7

Carondelet (Celebrating Missouri) 6800 Michigan Ave., 314-752-9224 | 2-3 p.m.

The Kansas City Monarchs in St. Louis

Author Phil Dixon discusses the Negro Leagues in Missouri, with special emphasis on the Kansas City Monarchs and the five games they played against St. Louis teams.  Adults

Books available for purchase courtesy of the author.

February 8-14

Buder (Celebrating 1985-1995) | 4401 Hampton Ave., 314-352-2900  |Branch Hours

Icons of Popular Culture, 1985-95: A Multi-Media Celebration—Spike Lee

Each week features an exhibit focusing on the contributions of a notable figure in African-American pop culture. Adults

February 9

Carpenter (St. Louis) 3309 S. Grand Blvd., 314-772-6586 | 7-8:30 p.m.

St. Louis Civil Rights Stories

Experience the impact of the Civil Rights Era as seen through the eyes of three veterans of the Civil Rights Movement interviewed by a teenager. A PowerPoint presentation on important Civil Rights moments is used as a background.  Adults

February 10

Machacek (Celebrating 1945-1955) 6424 Scanlan Ave., 314-781-2948 | 4-5 p.m.

Salute to Jackie Robinson

Watch a short video about Jackie Robinson and create a baseball-style pennant about his life. Kids

February 10

Schlafly (Celebrating 2005-2015) 225 N. Euclid Ave., 314-367-4120 | 4-5 p.m.

Creative Kids: So You Want to be President?

Learn more about the first African-American president of the Unites States, Barack Obama, and make a button campaigning for yourself or an issue.  Kids

February 10

Buder (Celebrating 1985-1995) | 4401 Hampton Ave., 314-352-2900 | 5:30-7 p.m.

For Ex-SAMPLE: A Musical Revolution

Age-appropriate hip-hop and rap music accompanied by games that highlight the cultural and social impact brought on by these musical genres. Kids &Teens

February 11

Central Library (Celebrating 1915-2015) 1301 Olive St., 314-241-2288 | 4-5 p.m.

Celebrate a Century of Black Artists: The Art of Romare Bearden, 1950-1960s

Use collage techniques to create cityscape and neighborhood block paintings in the style of Bearden's work. Kids/Families

February 11

Cabanne (Celebrating 1935-1945) 1106 Union Blvd., 314-367-0717 | 4-5 p.m.

Dancin' Feet to the Swing Era

Learn the basic dance steps from the Swing Era of 1935-45. Plus, a discussion about the artists and music during that period. Teens

February 11

Carondelet (Celebrating Missouri) 6800 Michigan Ave., 314-752-9224 | 4-5 p.m.

From 'Fros to Cornrows: African-American Hair Through the Decades

Mekhat shares the different hairstyles worn throughout the years by Missouri African-American women and men. Teens

February 11

Kingshighway (Celebrating 1965-1975) 2260 S. Vandeventer Ave., 314-771-5450  | 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Steppin' in the Decade

A brief history of dance and music, including step demonstration and instruction by a local fraternity. Grades K-5

February 11

Barr (Celebrating 1975-1985) 1701 S. Jefferson Ave., 314-771-7040 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Hip Hop: The Historical Remix

Cammise McInnis, M.Ed, discusses dance, DJing, and MCing. It's a cultural mic check on a music genre that has been a cornerstone of the black experience for more than three decades. Adults

February 11

Schlafly: Special Guest Speaker 225 N. Euclid Ave., 314-367-4120 | 7 p.m.

Author/Illustrator Kadir Nelson

February 12

Walnut Park (Celebrating 1915-1925) 5760 W. Florissant Ave., 314-383-1210 | 4-5 p.m.

DIY: Harlem Renaissance Poetry

Explore the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance and create a poem. Teens

February 12

Buder (Celebrating 1985-1995 )| 4401 Hampton Ave., 314-352-2900 | 6-8 p.m.

Icons of Popular Culture, 1985-95: A Multi-Media Celebration—Spike Lee

Each week features a movie focusing on the contributions of a notable figure in African-American pop culture. This week:  Do the Right Thing (1989). Adults

February 14

Baden (Celebrating 1955-1965) 8448 Church Rd., 314-388-2400 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

Hear from those who lived during this era, view photos, listen to music, and share your memories. Bring a picture of you in your favorite 1955-65 outfit for a chance to win a prize. Followed by the movie A Raisin in the Sun.  Ages 12 & up/Families

February 14

Divoll (Celebrating 1925-1935) 4234 N. Grand Blvd., 314-534-0313 | 3-5 p.m.

You're My Honeysuckle Rose: Sweet Serenades With Charles and Nikki Glenn

The Glenns revisit favorites from the 1920s and '30s. Bring your "sugar" and enjoy! Adults

February 15-21

Buder (Celebrating 1985-1995) | 4401 Hampton Ave., 314-352-2900 | Branch Hours

Icons of Popular Culture, 1985-95: A Multi-Media Celebration: Prince

Each week features an exhibit focusing on the contributions of a notable figure in African-American pop culture. Adults

February 15

Schlafly (Celebrating 2005-2015) 225 N. Euclid Ave., 314-367-4120 | 3-4:30 p.m.

Get Your Hat On! Sunday Afternoon Hat Fashion Show and Tea

Kevin Smoot emcees a blast from the past as we model hats from the Harlem Renaissance-Era and finish the show with present day creations. Bring your "hattitude" and show off your own favorite hat!  Hats furnished by Jolie Mackney of The Vintage Haberdashery and Ann Dillon of Ann's Hats and Boutique. Families

February 17

Baden (Celebrating 1955-1965) 8448 Church Rd.,314-388-2400 | 4-6 p.m.

Motown in the Library

Sing karaoke to the great Motown legends and earn a gold record! Grades K-12

February 17

Carpenter (Celebrating St. Louis) 3309 S. Grand Blvd., 314-772-6586 | 6-7:30 p.m.

A Night at Gaslight Square

Showcase your artistic talents and enjoy a dance performance by Gitana Productions in Carpenter's own Gaslight Square Lounge. Dress in 1920-1960's period costumes or make a headpiece to wear as you strut your stuff. Registration required. Teens

February 18

Central Library (Celebrating 1915-2015) 1301 Olive St., 314-241-2288 | 4-5 p.m.

Celebrate a Century of Black Artists: The Art of Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1980s

Using mixed media forms and chalk on dark paper, children create works reminiscent of Basquiat's graffiti. Kids/Families

February 19

Julia Davis (Celebrating 1995-2005) 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 314-383-3021 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Million Man and Woman March Button Making

Discover the issues the marchers stood for and share your cause for today. Make buttons featuring slogans and issues associated with community empowerment. Kids/Teens/Families

February 19

Buder (Celebrating 1985-1995) | 4401 Hampton Ave., 314-352-2900 | 6-8 p.m.

Icons of Popular Culture, 1985-95: A Multi-Media Celebration: Prince

Each week features a movie focusing on the contributions of a notable figure in African-American pop culture. This week: Graffiti Bridge (1990).Adults

February 20

Machacek (Celebrating 1945-1955) 6424 Scanlan Ave., 314-781-2948 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Road to Brown

View and discuss the documentary The Road to Brown, the story of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case that outlawed segregation in American public schools. (56 min.) Adults

February 22-28

Buder (Celebrating 1985-1995) | 4401 Hampton Ave., 314-352-2900 | Branch Hours

Icons of Popular Culture, 1985-95: A Multi-Media Celebration: Toni Morrison

Each week features an exhibit focusing on the contributions of a notable figure in African-American pop culture. Adults

February 22

Central Library: Keynote Address 1301 Olive St., 314-241-2288 | 2 p.m.

Judy A. Smith presents Crisis 101: Surviving and Thriving in an Era of Perpetual Crisis and How It Relates to African-American History and Culture.

February 23

Carpenter (Celebrating St. Louis) 3309 S. Grand Blvd., 314-772-6586 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Against All The Odds

Watch the video Against All the Odds. Then participate in a discussion with filmmaker Sandra Pfeifer. Families

February 24

Divoll (Celebrating 1925-1935) 4234 N. Grand Blvd., 314-534-0313 | 4-5:30 p.m.

Channeling the Charleston: Dance-Alike Contest Highlighting Josephine Baker

Pay homage to native St. Louisan and legendary performer Josephine Baker with a presentation about her life and career. Afterwards, participants compete in a Josephine Baker Dance-Alike Contest. Grades K-5

February 25

Central Library (Celebrating 1915-2015) 1301 Olive St., 314-241-2288 | 4-5 p.m.

Celebrate a Century of Black Artists: The Art of Kara Walker, 1990-Present

Use an overhead projector to create silhouettes similar to Walker's art. Kids/Families

February 26

Buder (Celebrating 1985-1995) | 4401 Hampton Ave., 314-352-2900 | 6-8 p.m.

Icons of Popular Culture, 1985-95: A Multi-Media Celebration: Toni Morrison

Each week features movie focusing on the contributions of a notable figure in African-American pop culture. This week:  Toni Morrison (1987) Adults

February 26

Julia Davis (Celebrating 1995-2005) 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 314-383-3021 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Black Rep Theatre Workshop

Artists from The Black Rep perform and explain the behind the scenes work that goes into creating a production. Adults

February 26

Schlafly (Celebrating 2005-2015) 225 N. Euclid Ave., 314-367-4120 | 7-8 p.m.

Black History Month Bookmark Contest Award Ceremony

Teens created a bookmark around the theme "A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture."  Families

February 28

Cabanne (Celebrating 1935-1945) 1106 Union Blvd., 314-367-0717 | 3-5 p.m.

Our Fighting Men and Women: Changing the Culture
African-American men and women who served led to changes in the culture of the United States and its military. SeeInside Buffalo,which follows the experiences of the segregated African-American 92^ndBuffalo Soldiers Division. Panelists fromTom Powell Post 77discuss these events. Honor veterans in attendance.Families

February 28

Walnut Park (Celebrating 1915-1925)5760 W. Florissant Ave., 314-383-1210 |1-3 p.m.

The Roaring '20s: Saluting Harlem in Style

Helen French, owner of Frenchie's Quality Cleaners, emcees a small fashion show featuring models wearing the flapper dresses, cloche hats, head-turning accessories, and more from The Harlem Renaissance. Includes a display of related clothing/accessories and pictures.  Clothing, models, and display materials provided by representatives from Block Unit 943F, Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church, and Frenchie's Quality Cleaners. Adults

For program details, call the appropriate Branch.

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