BKLYN Kids Presents: Black History Month

During February, Brooklyn Public Library celebrated Black History Month with a variety of programs for all ages. These programs provided opportunities to learn more about, and celebrate, the important contributions by African Americans to art, literature, science, sports, and pop culture.

Here's a look back at some of the wonderful family programs and events offered throughout the Brooklyn Public Library branches this past month:

Cortelyou

Cortelyou Branch welcomed local author Harriet Hyman Alonso, who read and discussed her new novel for children ages 8-12; a riveting story of one girl’s daring rescue of her brother after he is captured by slave catchers during pre-Civil War America.

Cortelyou also hosted Story Songs From the African Diaspora  with French-Haitian musician Anais Maviel. Maviel performed traditional songs from the African Diaspora with voice, drums, and n'goni, a West African string instrument and led a Circle Singing workshop where audience members also shared in improvisatory, call-and-response style singing. Blending all voices has been a privileged way to gather and share stories in many traditional societies. It was a very special afternoon where patrons brought their own stories to the table and engaged in collective harmony!

Bedford

Bedford Branch hosted Tales of Black Heritage from Around the World,  a fanastic literary journey of stories from the African Diaspora. Led by Master Storyteller, Tammy Hall, patrons of all ages were able to explore and enjoy traditional instruments and folktales from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. 

Kensington

The Kensington Branch held a special Kids Create program, where attendees read about and made some famous figures! Below are two of our favorite featured trailblazers, Shirley Chisholm and Ida B. Wells:

Clarendon

The Clarendon Branch hosted several events, including a Kids Create program in which children created a story quilt in the style of artist, Faith Ringgold. They also held a Black History Month Hip Hop Workshop where kids learned the basics of writing bars and couplets, and wrote short pieces about a famous figure. The workshop was led by a hip hop artist from educational music company Flocabulary.

Clarendon's Book Club read and discussed Zetta Elliott's Bird  , followed by a special bird craft in honor of the book.

Midwood

At the Midwood Branch,  patrons enjoyed an interactive African Dance Workshop, and listened to African folktales performed by Urban Stages Theater.

Sheepshead Bay

At Sheepshead Bay branch, a special children's program entitled, How The Turtle Got Its Shell  was presented by Shadow Box Theater. This African folktale was brought to life by actors using traditional musical instruments and puppets. This program was funded by a generous grant from the Charles H. Revson Foundation's NYC Neighborhood Library Awards.

Looking for more kids events at the library?  Check out our events calendar for more information.