African American History Month @ HCPL

Live jazz and opera, live stage performances, genealogy workshops, crafts, documentary film screenings, book clubs, and much much more celebrating African American History Month at your library!

Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Presents: George Washington Carver

Tommy Terrific's Wacky Magic will be performing a magic show about the African American scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver.  The show will feature magic tricks related to his promotion of peanuts, sweet potatoes and much, much more.  Throughout the show, Tommy Terrific will explore the products, inventions, and accomplishments of the "Wizard of Tuskegee", George Washington Carver.   This show does not contain any actual peanut products, and it is great educational entertainment for children of all ages.

Jalen Baker Trio

Celebrate African American History Month with a live performance by the Jalen Baker Trio, DACAMERA Young Artist Ensemble-in Residence. Suitable for all ages.

Sam Dinkins Rhythm Residency

Sam Dinkins and the Dinky Drum Company presents Rhythm Residency Drum Circle where all can learn the basics of African drumming. Suitable for 3^rd grade and up.

HGO presents Storybook Opera: Lula and the Mighty Griot

Have you ever wondered why your legs bend in the middle? Or why your knees kiss just a bit? In this  storybook opera, young audiences will learn the myth of Lula, The Mighty Griot. Her ability to take on the alligators that threaten her town teaches young viewers self-acceptance, confidence, and the power of the everyday story. Houston Grand Opera is thrilled to bring you the Storybook Opera performance of “Lula the Mighty Grio” by Deborah DEEP Mouton

Young Audiences of Houston presents

ABIYOYO

Join YAH Arts Partner Twanda's Theatre on Wheels for this interactive performance of ABIYOYO at High Meadows Library. Audiences will dramatize a folktale story about a boy who plays the ukulele, a dad and his magic wand, and a hungry giant named Abiyoyo. Participants will also learn about African customs and traditions.

"Git on Board"

Join YAH Arts Partners Voices from the Past for this free performance at High Meadows Library! Take a musical ride on the Underground Railroad to meet the heroic Harriet Tubman, and learn of her early experiences as a slave. Discover how Tubman led fellow freedom-seeking slaves to hiding places on their way to safety in the North. Hope Shiver interweaves Tubman’s poignant story with spirituals and work songs, allowing participants to discover the lyrics of such songs as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Git on Board,” which often contained hidden messages for slaves preparing to escape to freedom. David Keepman provides musical accompaniment as participants chant, clap, cheer, and rejoice in experiencing the famous railroad.

Harlem Renaissance Painters Workshop at Katy Branch Library

Join YAH Teaching Artist Judy Malone-Stein for this free visual arts workshop at Katy Branch Library. Poets, novelists, dramatists and musicians were joined by painters and sculptors in an outpouring that established Harlem as the International capital of Black Culture. From that movement, Harlem’s writers gained recognition but the visual artists remain virtually unknown.

History & Songs of the Mardi Gras Indians at Parker Williams Library

Join YAH Teaching Artist Joseph Dixon for this free performance at Parker Williams Library. This interactive musical performance introduces participants to the history of the Mardi Gras Indian tribes of New Orleans. Musician Joseph Dixon engages participants in sing-alongs and chants of traditional call-and-response patterns and phrases that are still significant in contemporary music. They learn of the duties of the Big Chief, Flag Boy, and Spy Boy and the roles they play during their walk on Mardi Gras day and Saint Joseph’s Night while also experiencing opportunities to accompany the artist with music-making while singing traditional songs, such as “Indian Red” and “Iko Iko."

Black Owned Business Expo

Celebrate African American History month in a big way at Maud Marks Library! Connect and network with local Black Business Owners from diverse industries. Meet like-minded entrepreneurs, and explore the products and services they offer. Meet clients and business partners. Opportunities here are limitless!

Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society Workshop

Debra Blacklock-Sloan of the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society-(Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter),  will present a how-to seminar on researching African American family history. After a basic presentation, participants will receive hands-on help with researching their own family histories. 

TED Talks for Teens: African American History Month

Celebrate African American History Month by watching influential TED Talks by Black speakers. There will be a chance for discussion after each video. These short videos featuring musicians, poets, and community leaders are inspiring and uplifting. We'll have comfy seating, popcorn, and coloring sheets, as well as a variety of books to check out. Ages 12-21

A Loving Vision: Celebrating the Life of Dr. Patricia Bath

This program is for children ages 18 month-5 years and their caregiver(s).

Join us for our African American History Celebration as we honor Dr. Patricia Bath's Loving Vision with a Valentine's Day Party! We love Dr. Bath for all the good she did during her life. Dr. Patricia Bath was an amazing woman and doctor.  She took on blindness and protected and restored the vision of people around the world!  We will kick off our Loving Vision Valentine's Day Party at 10:00 with a special story time. There will be fun activities for families afterward.  Houston CyFair Lion's Club will provide free vision screenings for children, there will also be crafts, games, and a special Valentine's Day goodie bag (while supplies last) for children provided by the Friends of the Fairbanks Branch Library.   

Explore all of our African American History Month events