Black History Month online events with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has several events plan to celebrate and explore Black History Month, February, 2021.

The events are geared toward different age groups and include film, stories, history talks and more. Follow the links to make sure that there haven’t been any changes in plans.

Please note that all of these events are online. Registration is required for most. Please follow the links.

All of these are free events. Also, scroll down for a list of more Black History Month events in the Charlotte area, as they’re announced.

Independence Regional STEAM 101: Black History Quiz Bowl
Monday, February 1st, 2021
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Age 12-18

Calling all trivia fans! How much do you know about African-American sports, music, technology, achievements in civil rights and more? Test your knowledge on Black History and Black Culture topics. Come join us for an afternoon of trivia as we dive into our history.

This program will be provided by Independence Regional library staff, and is recommended for teens ages 12 to 18.

Graphic Novel Book Club: Black History In Its Own Words
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Adults

Join us every other Wednesday at 6 p.m. for Graphic Novel Book Club! On February 3rd, we will be discussing Black History In Its Own Words, by Ronald Wimberly.

Equity Impact Circle
Thursday, February 4th, 2021
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Adults

Join us for a weekly discussion series hosted by the Community Building Initiative. This 5-week series will be guided discussions around topics of equity and inclusion.

Plaza Midwood Book Club Crawl: The Black History of the White House
Thursday, February 4th, 2021
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Adults

We will be continuing our Book Club Crawl online this February! Please join us as we celebrate African American History Month by reading and discussing Clarence Lusane’s The Black History of the White House. We will cover chapters 1-5 February 4th, and complete the discussion February 18th.

Ted Talks Discussion Group: Black Lives Matter and Say Her Name
Friday, February 5th, 2021
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Adults

Do you love learning new things and exploring different topics? Then join us on 1st and 3rd Friday of every month on Zoom as we discuss curated TED talks around a preselected theme. Watch the videos before attending and come prepared to share your thoughts! This month’s theme will be Black Lives Matter and Say Her Name!

I can read Black stories (Facebook Live)
Saturday, February 6th, 2021
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Age 0-5

Join us for a LIVE storytime from the comfort of your home!

Enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support empathy and understanding of issues affecting Black children and family. This storytime features books that center characters who are Black or people of color, offers strategies to foster conversations about equity and inclusivity, and encourages early literacy skill development and a love of books and reading in your child.

Story Explorers: Rocket Like Mae Jemison (A Black History Month Program)
Saturday, February 6th, 2021
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Age 5-11

Kids ages 5 to 11 are invited to this special Black History Month literacy program celebrating Mae Jemison! Together, we’ll learn about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to enter space, though interactive activities including math, science, games, and more. This virtual program will be provided by Myers Park Library staff and will take place using the Zoom platform.

Steele Creek Readers Book Club: A Kind of Freedom
Tuesday, February 9th, 2021
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Adults

Join us on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30am for the Steele Creek Readers book club! In February we will be discussing A Kind of Freedom (2018) by Margaret Wikerson Sexton on Tuesday, February 9th at 10:30am.

Virtual Harlem Unbound (Call of Cthulhu 7E)
Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Age 14-18

Participate in a Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game set in early 20th century Harlem, NY. The players will put themselves in the shoes of Harlemites navigating day-to-day issues including racism, community, politics, nightlife, and Cosmic Horror.

Participants will learn about issues of race and community in Harlem in the early 20th century while enhancing problem solving skills, and reflecting on issues of race and community in modern day.

This setting is meant to “shine a spotlight on the people of Harlem, their successes, and their struggles.” Through roleplaying, we can open discourse about recognizing, identifying, and fighting racism.

Equity Impact Circle
Thursday, February 11th, 2021
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Adults

Join us for a weekly discussion series hosted by the Community Building Initiative. This 5-week series will be guided discussions around topics of equity and inclusion.

Author Talk: Conversation with Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James
Thursday, February 11th, 2021
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Age 5-11

Join us for A Conversation with Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James, author and illustrator of The New York Times bestseller, I Am Every Good Thing. Black Lives Matter programs provide a safe space for our community to discuss important issues related to racism, racial equity, and racial justice. These programs explore Black lives and experiences on a greater spectrum, providing access to quality resources and exposure to new perspectives. These programs give our community the educational tools to move toward racial equity and justice in Mecklenburg County.

I can read Black stories (Facebook Live)
Saturday, February 13th, 2021
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Age 0-5

Join us for a LIVE storytime from the comfort of your home! Enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support empathy and understanding of issues affecting Black children and family. This storytime features books that center characters who are Black or people of color, offers strategies to foster conversations about equity and inclusivity, and encourages early literacy skill development and a love of books and reading in your child.

I can Celebrate National African American Read-In
Thursday, February 18th, 2021
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Age 3-11

The National African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. Join us as we celebrate this event with a VIRTUAL READ-IN featuring local authors, and students from Westerly Hills Academy.

Plaza Midwood Book Club Crawl: The Black History of the White House
Thursday, February 18th 2021
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Adults

Social Justice Book Club
Thursday, February 18th, 2021
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Adults

Join us on the Third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. for the Social Justice Book Club! This month’s title is Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi or Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi (Reader’s choice – read whichever you prefer).

ImaginOn Family Storytime: Black History
Friday, February 19th, 2021
10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Age 0-5

This program will be provided by ImaginOn library staff.

Bring your whole family out to enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate.

A special “Take and Make” activity kit celebrating the inventor of the stop light will be available for pickup at ImaginOn prior to this storytime.

Ted Talks Discussion Group: Systemic Racism
Friday, February 19th, 2021
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Teens and adults

I can read Black stories (Facebook Live)
Saturday, February 20th, 2021
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Age 0-5

Join us for a LIVE storytime from the comfort of your home!

Esports and Gaming in the Black Community
Saturday, February 20th, 2021
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Age 12-18

Do you love gaming, and would you like to know more about playing competitively? Connect and learn how can get involved in esports.

Meet the founders, Dr. Lawson Williams and Professor Cash, of the 1st HBCU Esports and Gaming program at Johnson C. Smith University. Plus, meet local entrepreneur Rick Suarez, who took his love of sports to create Stay Plugged IN, a virtual gaming company.

Social Justice Book Club
Saturday, February 20th, 2021
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Adults

Join us on Saturday, February 20th at 2:00 pm for the Social Justice Book Club! This month we will be discussing
Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas by Ibram X. Kendi and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X Kendi.

Story Explorers: Jazz Stories (A Black History Month Program)
Saturday, February 20th, 2021
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Age 5-11

Kids ages 5 to 11 are invited to this special Black History Month literacy program focusing on jazz! Together, we’ll discuss several jazz-themed books, listen to two stories, and play a fun trivia game. This virtual program will be provided by Myers Park Library staff and will take place using the Zoom platform.

Black Women + Democracy, a virtual film and discussion series: Knock Down the House
Sunday, February 21st, 2021
2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Adults

Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library as we watch the Netflix film Knock Down the House. This documentary chronicles the primary races of four women in the 2018 election and after viewing the film LIVE, there will be a targeted discussion on the profile of Cori Bush from St. Louis, Missouri. The film will start live streaming at 2:05 (start the movie on your own here: youtu.be/YCSo2hZRcXk ) and if you want to attend just the virtual discussion, log on right at 3:40. On the heels of celebrating the anniversary of white women getting the vote and a Black Woman being elected Vice President, now is the optimal time to discuss the role of Black Women and political power.

Teen Book Talk: This Is My America
Monday, February 22nd, 2021
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm.
Age 12-18

Join us for a lively discussion of Kim Johnson’s novel This Is My America and the social justice issues it raises. This book tells the story of a young girl and her fight against racial injustice and wrongful criminal convictions. We will focus our conversation on both the story, criminal justice information, and the importance of knowing your rights.

Black Women + Democracy, a virtual film and discussion series: Chisholm ’72 – Unbought & Unbossed
Monday, February 22nd, 2021
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Adults

Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library as we discuss the 2005 film Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed, which chronicles the efforts of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Woman elected to Congress and to seek the nomination for President of a major party. Watch the film on your own (use Kanopy and your CML card here: cmlibrary.kanopy.com/node/5568399) and join us for a virtual discussion on this historic moment in American politics. On the heels of celebrating the anniversary of white women getting the vote and a Black Woman being elected Vice President, now is the optimal time to discuss the role of Black Women and political power.

Parent Lunch & Learn: I Can Read Black Stories
Wednesday, February 24th, 2021
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Free
Adults

Attention Parents and Caregivers…. Block off your lunch hour to join us for a special Parent Lunch & Learn program just for you! You will have the opportunity to learn something new in a quick thirty-minute session led by a Library staff member, and then connect with other parents and caregivers.