(WEST PALM BEACH, FL) – The City of West Palm Beach will observe Black History Month in February with a series of free events at the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach (411 Clematis St.) for children and adults.

Black History Month celebrates the contributions made by African Americans in their struggle for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our history. Residents who identify as Black or African American account for 34.4% of West Palm Beach’s population, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.

ADULT IN-PERSON PROGRAMS:

Ongoing:

Claire Salmon’s “Kigana Heroes” Poster Series
Throughout February
During library operating hours
Pre-function Lobby, 3rd Floor

Throughout the month of February, visit Claire Salmon’s poster exhibit, “Kihana Heroes.” Learn about the inspiring African and African American men and women who have shared their wisdom and example with us by their change-making actions. No registration required.

Date order:

May the Fandoms Be with You: Pop Culture Club
Wednesday, February 1
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Clematis Room, 3rd Floor

Join fellow fans to discuss all things geek! Share your love for fandom by discussing, debating, and nerding out about your favorite movies, TV shows, comics, and more in a friendly environment. This month, we’re talking about Black representation in comics! No registration required.

Artist Spotlight: Ayize Hanif
Saturday, February 4
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Studio 411, 2nd Floor

Join local artist Ayize Hanif as she teaches students about the history of waist beads and how to make them yourself. Registration is required and begins one week before the session.

Bloody Streets and Crooked Lines
Saturday, February 11
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor

The Pinellas County African American History Museum presents “Bloody Streets and Crooked Lines: 100 Years of Black Voter Suppression in Florida” by editor James Abraham. From the violent and fatal 1921 election riots in Ocoee through modern redistricting issues, this presentation explores voter suppression in Florida over 100 years and the prime figures in the struggle for full and equal access to the polls. James Abraham is a former journalist who now edits and publishes books. He has conducted the longest-running race relations class in Charlotte County. A graduate of Oberlin College, Abraham is the author of “Century: A People’s History of Charlotte County.” No registration required.

It’s a Wrap: Hair Wrapping
Saturday, February 11
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor 

Join Kianga Jinaki and her daughter as they teach the art of hair wrapping. Each participant will leave with their own hair wrap. Registration required.

Black Literature Lecture Series
Sunday, February 12 & Saturday, February 25
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Clematis Room, 3rd Floor

Professor Africa Fine from Palm Beach State College returns to delve into Black literature. Each lecture will focus on a different point in history to show the evolution of Black literature. No registration required.

“What’s Your Story?” Amplify Your Voice
Friday, February 3
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Technology and Innovation Center 

Learn how to use our audio equipment to record your story and share your heritage during Black History Month! Practice writing a script and recording in our WhisperRoom sound booth – we’ll also give a basic introduction on how to use the free, open-source program Audacity. Ages 16 and up. Registration is required. 

Palm Beach County Juneteenth Committee
Saturday, February 18
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor

Join the Palm Beach County Juneteenth Committee as they share resources to empower freedom and build a legacy. Their programs help connect Black communities with practical resources to even the economic, health, and educational fields. No registration required.

ADULT REMOTE PROGRAMS:

Ongoing:

Grab & Go Kits: Black History Month Collage Art
Throughout February (while supplies last)
Pickup at Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

Learn more about famous Black artists like Faith Ringgold, Kehinde Wiley, and Jacob Lawrence with a Grab & Go Art Kit. Included in each kit is everything you’ll need to make a collage inspired by these artists as well as information about their life and work. Quantities are limited to one per person. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the first-floor customer service desk.

Grab & Go Seed Kits: Cherry Tomatoes

Throughout February (while supplies last)
Pickup at Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

Start your own garden with Grab & Go Seed Kits! Plant some cherry tomatoes in your yard or in a pot outside. Included with each seed kit is a recipe by ground-breaking Chef Edna Lewis using tomatoes. Quantities are limited, and seeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the first-floor customer service desk.

 CHILDREN’S IN-PERSON PROGRAMS:

Date order:

Family Storytime Celebrates Black History Month
Wednesday, February 22
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Auditorium, 3rd Floor

For families with children up to 5 years old. Join Children’s Librarian Ms. Jin for special edition storytimes celebrating Black authors and illustrators during Black History Month. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 9:30 a.m.

Baby Storytime Celebrates Black History Month
Friday, February 24
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor 

For families with babies from birth to 18 months old. Join Children’s Librarian Ms. Jillian for special edition storytimes celebrating Black authors and illustrators during Black History Month. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 9:30 a.m.

KidSpace Book Club Celebrates Black History Month
Monday, February 27
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor 

In celebration of Black History Month, children in grades 3-5 will read “Finding Langston” by Lesa Cline-Ransome, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and learn about poet Langston Hughes and the conditions that African Americans faced during the 1940’s second great migration. Kids can check out the book from the library starting Monday, Jan. 23. Readers will meet to discuss the book, have refreshments, and complete an activity related to Langston Hughes. Space is limited and registration is required.

African Drumming with Abasi
Saturday, February 18
3:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor 

For kids in grades 3-5. In celebration of Black History month, join Spoken Word Poet and African Percussionist Abasi “Manblack” Hanif in an exciting journey into the heart and soul of Africa through music. Children will explore basic drumming techniques while learning about the history of the instruments. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 2:30 p.m.

African Folk Tales with Abasi
Sunday, February 12
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
KidSpace, 3rd Floor

For kids in grades pre-K-2. In celebration of Black History month, kids can join and listen to Spoken Word Poet and African Percussionist Abasi “Manblack” Hanif as he uses storytelling to share African folktales. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 2:30 p.m.

To register for any of these events, or for more information, please visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call the Mandel Public Library at (561) 868-7703 (TTY: 800-955-8771). To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please call (561) 822-2222 (TTY: 800-955-8771). To learn more, please visit wpb.org.