Celebrate Black History Month 

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. 


 

Black Superheroes Comic Con 

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. 


Black Superheroes Comic Con 

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  

Tween Book Club 

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 

Register for this Event. 


 I Read YA! 

Monday, February 20 | 6 – 7 PM | Austintown | Adults 

This month's read is Legendborn by Tracy Deonn. 


Book Tasting @ Westside Bowl 

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. 


Rainbow Room 

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. 


Freedom Quilts 

Monday, February 20 | 11 AM – 12 PM | Springfield | Tweens, Teens 

Make your very own freedom quilt square.