MIAMI – The Miami-Dade Public Library System will celebrate Black History Month with some of the most compelling authors of today, plus an extensive lineup of musical and theatrical presentations, dance performances, cultural workshops and outstanding exhibitions.
Book lovers of all ages are in for a treat as several authors, including New York Times Bestselling Author Carl Weber – Something on the Side- and acclaimed author Edwidge Danticat – Brother, I’m Dying, will read from their latest work and sign autographs at various branch libraries, while Jerry Pinkney, award-winning illustrator of more than 75 children’s picture books, will share his success story at the Main Library.
Dr. Ivan Yaeger, inventor of a state-of-the-art prosthetic arm will conduct a series of technology workshops for young entrepreneurs, and Professor Valerie Patterson, of Florida International University, will trace the evolution of hip-hop from the 70s to the 21st century in a multi-media presentation entitled “From Black Power to Black Empowerment.”
Explore the history of the civil rights movement with Bob Devin Jones, as Harry T. Moore, founder of the Progressive Voters League, and Ersula Knox Odom as Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, visionary educator. The exhibition Oh Freedom Over Me, at the Main Library, offers a visual account of the civil rights era with powerful images from the Freedom Summer Campaign of 1964.
All programs are free and open to the public. Registration may be required for some workshops. Please visit www.mdpls.org, for full schedule of events or call 305-375-2665.
Featured Programs
Authors and Illustrator
Geoffrey Philp author of Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories, Benjamin, My Son and other works, shares how his Caribbean roots inspire him to write novels for children. Philp’s latest work, Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories, draws on the rich oral tradition of Anancy stories that are told and re-told in West Africa, Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m. – Lemon City Branch – 430 NE 61st St. 305-757-0662
Music and Dance:
Sounds of the Caribbean with Reggie Paul
Reggie Paul, known for his smooth vocal style and fine guitar playing, will offer an interactive program of music and dance for kids. Children will be introduced to a repertoire of musical styles including light rock, reggae, calypso, merengue, and jazz.
Monday, Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m. California Club Branch – 850 Ives Dairy Road – 305-770-3155
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m. Model City Branch – 2211 NW 54 St. – 305-636-2233
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 3:30 p.m. West Kendall Regional -10201 Hammocks Blvd – 305-385-7135
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 4 p.m. Lakes of the Meadow Branch – 4284 SW 152nd Avenue – 305-222-2149
Theatrical Performances
Faith, Scholarship, Service: Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
Travel back to 1954 to meet the founder of Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. Ersula Knox Odom portrays Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune a visionary educator, civil rights activist and presidential advisor. Odom shares stories about Bethune’s life and accomplishments, and her thoughts about the Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 1:30 p.m. South Dade Regional – 10750 SW 211 Street- 305-233-8146
Harry T. Moore – America’s first civil rights martyr
Before civil right marches and bus boycotts Harry T. Moore worked in Jim Crow Florida to organize the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Progressive Voters League. In 1951, a bomb, placed under his bedroom ended Moore’s life. Writer, director and performer Bob Devin Jones portrays Moore on the eve of his tragic death in 1951.
Saturday, March 1, 2 p.m. – North Dade Regional – 2455 NW 183rd Street – 305-625-6424
Workshops
Technology Leaders Initiative Program
This unique hands-on invention and entrepreneurship program will offer children a real-world learning experience. Dr. Ivan Yaeger, inventor of a state-of-the-art prosthetic arm, will guide participants through the creative process in this nine-part workshop series. Registration is required.
North Dade Regional – 2455 NW 183rd Street – 305-625-6424
Lessons 5 & 6 – Wednesday, Feb. 13, 4-6 p.m.
Lessons 7 & 8 – Wednesday, Feb.20, 4-6 p.m.
Lesson 9 – Wednesday, Feb. 27, 4-5 pm – Book & certificate ceremony 5-6 pm
Hip-Hop Lecture Series
Valerie L. Patterson, assistant professor in the School of Public Administration at Florida International University presents “From Black Power to Black Empowerment,” a multi-media presentation and discussion that traces the evolution of hip-hop culture, from the 70s to the 21st century.
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m. – Golden Glades Branch – 100 NE166 St. – 305-787-1544
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. -North Dade Regional – 2455 NW 183rd Street – 305-625-6424
Saturday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m. -South Dade Regional – 10750 SW 211 Street- 305-233-8146
Art Exhibitions:
Oh Freedom Over Me
January 5 – March 30, 2008
Main Library Auditorium, 101 W. Flagler Street, Miami – 305-375-2665
Celebrating American voting rights and responsibilities, this exhibition includes some of the most significant documentary images recorded during the Civil Rights era and taken during the Freedom Summer campaign of 1964.
Through the Southern Documentary Project, photographers and activists Matt Heron, George Ballis and David Prince aimed at creating a visual account of the rapid social changes taking place in Mississippi and other parts of the South. The exhibition is curated and organized by the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.
