2023 BPL Black History Month Spotlight: Central Library and Smithfield Branch Library
Black History Month 2023 is underway at the Birmingham Public Library (BPL)! There are over 70+ programs happening across almost all BPL locations. Today we are spotlighting programs at the Central Library and Smithfield Branch Library.
Some of these programs are happening today!
You can find our Black History Month 2023 booklet online on the home page of our website.
Central Library
2100 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203
DNA Testing for African Ethnicities (Updated 2023)
Wednesday, February 15 | From 12:00–1:00 p.m.
DNA ethnicity testing may seem a simple and efficient way to identify your ancestral connection to the peoples and places of Sub-Saharan Africa, but what do you know about the types of tests that exist and the insights that they offer? Paul Boncella examines the current state of the science, lists the possibilities for African ethnicity testing, and explains what the various products actually deliver.
Soulful Sunday
Sunday, February 19 | Starts at 3:00 p.m.
Join the Central Library for the second program of the Winter Music Series, Soulful Sunday! Soulful Sunday is a music singing competition for choirs/groups and individuals. One gospel choir/group will win $500, and one soloist will win $200. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 205-226-3690.
Book Talk with Author Marcia Herman-Giddens
Saturday, February 25 | From 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Join author Marcia Herman-Giddens as she discusses her memoir, Unloose My Heart: A Personal Reckoning with the Twisted Roots of My Southern Family Tree. Her book interweaves the story of her youth and coming of age in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement with this quest to understand exactly who and what her maternal ancestors were and her obligations as a white woman within a broader sense of an American family.
Smithfield Branch Library
1 8th Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
Between the Lines
Mondays in February
Stop by Smithfield for a Monday afternoon coloring activity celebrating black history.
History in the Making Movie Mania
Wednesdays in February
Watch a black history inspired movie every Wednesday throughout February.
Make Your Mark with Lydia Walker
Monday, February 13 | From 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Join us for Black History Month and learn more about African American history and culture while engaging through arts, crafts, and history.
Therapy Through Art With the Cohill Foundation
Thursday, February 23 | From 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Learn about African American history and culture while learning positive stress coping mechanisms through art.
African Bead Creations with Amber and Nina
Tuesday, February 28 | From 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Patrons will make a Black History Month inspired bead creation craft.
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