Local Black Artists Gallery with Liberated Arts Movement
February 1-28
Throughout the month of February, check out our BHM art gallery in the Community Room, featuring art from local artists. In partnership with the Liberated Arts Movement.
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Babybugs Storytime Celebrates Black Voices
Fridays in February at 11 am
Every week in February, Babybugs will feature selections from some of our favorite Black authors and storytellers in honor of Black History Month. We may have some special guest readers join us too! Designed for babies and toddlers.
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More than a Month: A Celebration of Local Black Artistry
Saturday, February 1 from 6-8pm
Help us kick off Black History Month and open our art gallery with an after-hours, all ages event. Please join us for performances, artists talks, refreshments, and more. In partnership with the Liberated Arts Movement.
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Illinois Libraries Present: An Evening with James McBride (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 4 at 7 pm
Illinois Libraries Present James McBride, an award-winning author, musician, and screenwriter. His landmark memoir, The Color of Water, was published in 1996 and his novel, The Good Lord Bird, won the National Book Award for Fiction. His 2023 novel, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, was named one of the New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2023. A recipient of the National Humanities Medal in 2016, McBride is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University.
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Total-T Magic with Terrence Hunter
Sunday, February 9 at 4 pm
A member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Hunter brings magic and comedy together in a way that’s guaranteed to delight. Kids of all ages and their families are welcome.
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The Blues: The History & the Music
Sunday, February 16 at 2 pm
Five time Blues Music Awards nominee Fruteland Jackson joins us for a lecture on The Emergence and Evolvement of Blues in American Culture. Afterwards he will treat us to a 30 minute solo concert.
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Edmonia Lewis & The Death of Cleopatra: Uncovering the Forest Park Connection
Wednesday, February 19 at 7 pm
Discover the connection between her famous sculpture and Forest Park, as we explore Lewis’s life, artistry, and lasting impact. This event is part of the joint Black History Month programming presented by FPPL and HSFP, celebrating African American contributions to art and history.
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Art & Flo
Thursday, February 27 at 7pm
In partnership with the Liberated Art Movement, join us for a relaxing evening of creating art. This is a low-pressure environment to express your creativity and enjoy creating in community. All ages welcome.
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Resources
National Museum of African American History & Culture Black History Month Digital Toolkit
DuSable Museum Black History Month Events
Forest Park Black History from the Historical Society of Forest Park
Beloved Community Quilt
On view at the Forest Park Public Library during the month of February. These quilts were created with squares made by community members during Black History Month in 2021 and 2022.
