Celebrate Black History Month
Author: Alex Harper
February marks Black History Month. Join PLYMC staff as we celebrate and honor the countless contributions of African Americans and amplify Black voices—not just this month, but all year long!
Speakers and Events
Book Talk and Signing with Author Kathy Schulz
Monday, February 13 | 2 – 4 PM | Main Library | All Ages
We welcome author Kathy Schulz as she talks about her new book, The Underground Railroad in Ohio. Register for this event.
Traveling While Black
Wednesday, February 1 | 4 – 6 PM | Michael Kusalaba | Tweens, Teens, Adults
Thursday, February 2 | 12 – 2 PM | Newport | Tweens, Teens, Adults
Thursday, February 9 | 4 – 6 PM | Main Library | Tweens, Teens, Adults
Thursday, February 18 | 1 – 3 PM | Newport | Tweens, Teens, Adults
Thursday, February 23 | 6 – 7 PM | Michael Kusalaba | Tweens, Teens, Adults
Attend a cinematic virtual reality experience! Presented by the Youngstown Business Incubator, Traveling While Black is a 20-minute experience that immerses you in the long history of restriction of movement for Black Americans and the creation of safe spaces in our communities.
Saturday, February 18 | 1:30 – 3 PM | Newport | Tween, Teens, Adults
Join us for our first Comic Con inspired by Black History Month! Discover new superheroes and learn the history of Black superheroes in comics. Register for this event.
Harlem Hell Fighters Part II: Meuse-Argonne Black Infantry
Saturday, February 11 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Main Library | Adults, Teens
Attend a special presentation about the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne and Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and the black pioneer infantry men who buried them there. Register for this event.
Friends of PLYMC East Committee Black History Event
Saturday, February 18 | 1– 3 PM | Adults
Discovering our Roots through Genealogy with presenter Stacey Adger. Refreshments will be traditional African American Food.
Saturday, February 18 | 1:30 – 3 PM | Newport | Tween, Teens, Adults
Join us for our first Comic Con inspired by Black History Month! Discover new superheroes and learn the history of Black superheroes in comics. Register for this event.
Book Clubs and Discussions
Thursday, February 2, 9, 16, 23 | 6 – 7 PM | Michael Kusalaba | Tweens
In honor of Black History Month, we will be reading Clean Getaway by Nic Stone.
Food for Thought Book Discussion
Thursday, February 9 | 5 - 6 PM| Main Library | Adults
Join Lit Youngstown readers in discussing big literary prizes and contemporary books that won them. This month the group will discuss National Book Critics Circle Award: A Little Devil in America: Notes In Praise Of Black Performance by Hanif Abdurraqib
Monday, February 20 | 6 – 7 PM | Austintown | Adults
This month's read is Legendborn by Tracy Deonn.
Tuesday, February 28 | 5 – 7 PM | Westside Bowl | Adults
Settle in while we guide you through a new ‘taste’ experience. Hear the opening chapters from a selection of current novels, read aloud by a member of our Michael Kusalaba staff.
Want to see where the story goes? Then check out your desired book for yourself from our on-hand collection. February selections will be books written by Black authors.
Thursday, February 9 | 6 – 7 PM | Michael Kusalaba | Teens
A monthly support group for queer youth and/or allies. In honor of Black History Month, we will be learning about prominent Black figures in the LGBTQIA community and doing a craft.
Crafting
Black History Month Celebration: Diva Wreath
Wednesday, February 8 | 6 – 7:30 PM | Michael Kusalaba | Adults
Supplies and space are limited. Register for this event.
Monday, February 20 | 11 AM – 12 PM | Springfield | Tweens, Teens
Make your very own freedom quilt square.
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