- By Forsyth County Public Library
- Posted Tuesday, February 23, 2021
2021 Black History Month
The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity
The black family and its representation, identity, and diversity have been reverenced, stereotyped, and vilified from the days of slavery to our own time. The black family knows no single location, since family reunions and genetic-ancestry searches testify to the spread of family members across states, nations and continents. While the role of the black family has been described by some as a microcosm of the entire race, its complexity as the "foundation" of African American life and history can be seen in numerous debates over how to represent its meaning and typicality from a historical perspective -- being slave or free, patriarchal or matriarchal, as fictive kin or blood relative, etc. Variation appears in discussions on the nature and impact of parenting, childhood, marriage, gender norms, sexuality, and incarceration. The family offers a rich tapestry of images for exploring the African American past and present. [Credit: Association for the Study of African American Life and History] At the Forsyth County Public Library, we are excited to participate in this celebration with you. Below are some of our highlights to look forward to.
The Black Philanthropy Initiative: Finances, Funding and Philanthropy in the Black Community
Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Join us via Zoom and Facebook for a live Lounging with the Library conversation on money matters in the African American community. Get to know more about the Black Philanthropy Initiative in our new magazine "Intersections: A Magazine of Forsyth County Public Library".
Featured Art Exhibit: Central Library
Feb. 1-March 27 "Representation, Identity and Diversity" exhibit presents the work of two local African American photographers who explore culture and identity in their art. Learn more about photographers Owens Daniels and Bobby Roebuck in our new magazine "Intersections: A Magazine of Forsyth County Public Library"
Southside Book Club: "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
Monday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. on Zoom Join the Southside Branch Book Club for a laid-back discussion of Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. A striking debut novel from an exhilarating new voice, Such a Fun Age is a page-turning and big-hearted story about race and privilege, set around a young Black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer, and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both. Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Lena Waithe calls it a "unique, honest portrayal of what it's like to be a Black woman in America today." We always meet (virtually) on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Call 336-703-2985 for more information, for the corresponding Zoom link and to reserve a copy of the book.
Zuli Zuzu -- African Dance with Zuzu Acrobats
Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. with encore performance Saturday, Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. The Zuzu Acrobats embody the culture of East Africa and present a show that features fast pyramid building, limbo, chair balancing, comedy, fast skip rope, juggling, contortion, and much more! Check out their videos online.
*L is for Liberia with Author Dr. Dwedor Ford
Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. Call 336-703-2940 to register.
African American Read In
Monday, Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. & Saturday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. Read your favorite poem, narrative or passage from a work by an African American author or just come to listen, reflect and enjoy! Individuals asked to share pieces no longer than 3 minutes to allow time for others to share. To register for Feb. 8 with Rural Hall, call 336-703-2970. To register for Feb. 20 with Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center, call 336-703-2950.
African American Genealogy
Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. If you are interested in African American genealogy, this is for you! Learn about the unique types of records used and discover research methods to help find ancestors. To register, call 336-703-3070.
Knowledge Bowl With Lewisville Branch Library
Feb. 10-24 How much do you know about African American achievements? Stop by the Lewisville library between Feb. 10-24 and test your knowledge. You may win a prize!
Black History Forsyth County History Hunt
North Carolina Collection, all month long Learn about African American history in Forsyth County through historical markers. A display will be featured in the North Carolina Collection along with handouts. The Winston Salem Historical Resources Commission will provide a live discussion (TBA). Call 336-703-3070 for more information.
Family Photos in February
Children's Room, all month long For the entire month of February, the Children's Room will celebrate the theme of Black History month - African American Families. We invite all families to participate in Representation, Identity and Diversity. Please stop in to take a family portrait and share What family means to you and what the Forsyth County Public Library means to you.
This documentary examines how African Americans defined their freedom after slavery.
Documents participants learning about their family tree through war service records, property records and other surprising discoveries.
Browse through the nation's largest African American oral history collection. Hear their stories and insights about various topics, including education, career, family and life.