A vibrant celebration of Black history and culture in St. Louis County.
St. Louis County Library will host a Black History Celebration in February. The theme for 2025 is “From Blacksmiths to Wordsmiths: How the Labor of African Americans Continues to Shape American Culture.” Events include performances by the Black Rep, a jazz concert, a gospel celebration, author events, historical lectures and more.
A list of highlighted events is below; a full schedule of events is available at www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration.
Keynote Speaker:
Thursday, February 6, 7:00 p.m.
Victoria Christopher Murray, “Harlem Rhapsody”
Frankie Freeman Inspirational Lecturer
Bestselling historical fiction author Victoria Christopher Murray shares the extraordinary story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the first Black woman to serve as literary editor of the NAACP’s magazine, “The Crisis.” Leading the magazine to discover talents like Countee Cullen and Langston Hughes, Jessie shaped a generation of literary legends while navigating the high cost of her success.
Tamia Coleman-Hawkins will receive the Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award during the program. Tamia is the founder and CEO of Mia’s Treats Delights, a bakery she started in 2015, when she was only eight years old. She has been featured locally for her entrepreneurial efforts and was recognized as one of the Root’s 2020 Young Futurists. Tamia is also the author of a children’s book, “Mia Dreams Bigger.” A portion of all items sold through her company go to combat homelessness.
Saturday, February 1, 1:00 p.m.
“WordUp” Poetry and Comedy Showcase
Florissant Valley Branch
Join Dacia Polk, owner of St. Louis WordUp Entertainment, as she showcases local poets and comedians. Adults.
Wednesday, February 5, 7:00 p.m.
Author Event: Charmaine Wilkerson, “Good Dirt”
Clark Family Branch
Bestselling author of “Black Cake,” basis for the hit Hulu series produced by Oprah Winfrey, Charmaine Wilkerson’s latest novel brings to life a multi-generational epic. Adults.
Saturday, February 8, 10:00 a.m.
Jabari Dreams of Freedom
Clark Family Branch
Presented by The Black Rep
Follow Jabari through a world of rap and sketch as he dreams of Civil Rights leaders and role models that help him ace his social studies test at school. All ages.
Saturday, February 8, 2:00 p.m.
Jabari Dreams of Freedom
Lewis & Clark Branch
Presented by The Black Rep
Follow Jabari through a world of rap and sketch as he dreams of Civil Rights leaders and role models that help him ace his social studies test at school. All ages.
Monday, February 10, 6:00 p.m.
“Secret Gallery”
Mid-County Branch
Presented by The Black Rep
“Secret Gallery” explores Black art through live interpretations of stories enhanced by movement and song, complementing Saint Louis Art Museum’s exhibition “Narrative Wisdom and African Arts.” All ages.
Wednesday, February 12, 6:00 p.m.
“What She Said”
Lewis & Clark Branch
Presented by The Black Rep
“What She Said” uses poetry, prose and song to encapsulate the African American experience through artistic works by women of color, exploring themes of self-reflection and sisterhood. All ages.
Thursday, February 13, 7:00 p.m.
Author Event: Walter Mosley, “Been Wrong So Long It Feels Right: A King Oliver Novel”
Clark Family Branch
In the latest from master of suspense Walter Mosley, a family member’s terminal illness leads P.I. Joe King Oliver to the investigation of his life. Adults.
Friday, February 14, 7:00 p.m.
Set the Night to Music
Florissant Valley Branch
Spend Valentine’s Day in a romantic setting at the library, enjoying a performance by The Remedy. Adults. Registration required.
Tuesday, February 18, 7:00 p.m.
Author Event: Judith Giesberg, “Last Seen: The Enduring Search by Formerly Enslaved People to Find Their Lost Families”
Clark Family Branch
Presented by the Emerson History & Genealogy Center
Drawing from an archive of nearly 5,000 documents, historian Judith Giesberg shares the story of formerly enslaved people who spent years searching for family. “Last Seen” finally gives this lesser-known aspect of slavery the attention it deserves. Adults.
Wednesday, February, 19, 6:00 p.m.
Earnest Hart, Jr.: Martial Arts, Leadership and Awareness
Clark Family Branch, Teen Creative Lab (2nd Floor)
Earnest Hart, Jr., a martial artist professional, actor, self-defense and awareness guru, will discuss his life and career, and his work in self-awareness and leadership for children and adults. Teens and adults.
Thursday, February 20, 6:00 p.m.
Jabari Dreams of Freedom
Daniel Boone Branch
Presented by The Black Rep
Follow Jabari through a world of rap and sketch as he dreams of Civil Rights leaders and role models that help him ace his social studies test at school. All ages.
Thursday, February 20, 7:00 p.m.
Author Event: Orv Kimbrough, “Twice Over a Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life”
Clark Family Branch
This is the story of a young man who was determined to make a better life for himself and is resolute about showing others the way. Orvin Kimbrough chronicles his early years through foster care, hunger and poverty. Today, Orv Kimbrough is the Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, St. Louis’ second-largest privately-owned local bank. Adults.
Friday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.
Author Event: Jennifer Jones, “Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette”
Clark Family Branch
When the Rockettes began in 1925, Black people were not allowed to dance on stage with white people. In 1987 the color barrier was finally broken by one brave and tenacious woman. When she arrived, Jennifer Jones was met with pushback—a fierce resistance she details in this intimate and inspiring memoir. Adults.
Saturday, February 22, 1:00 p.m.
Gift of Gospel
Clark Family Branch
Enjoy an inspirational musical experience with performances by The Simmons Sisters, mime dancer Quincy Fielding III, The Duncans and more. Pastor Shaun Williams will serve as the master of ceremonies. All ages.
Wednesday, February 26, 7:00 p.m.
Author Event: Ibi Zoboi, “(S)Kin”
Clark Family Branch
Bestselling Young Adult author Ibi Zoboi presents a groundbreaking contemporary fantasy novel. All ages.
Upon two weeks’ notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314-994-3300, or visit www.slcl.org.
