The Birmingham Public Library Hosting Nearly 70 Black History Month Programs in February

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Want to boost your knowledge of Black History and enjoy fun, free events with friends and family? The Birmingham Public Library is hosting dozens of free Black History Month programs at libraries across the city throughout February. Combined, 15 BPL locations are hosting nearly 70 programs, including several happening every week starting this Saturday, February 1. 

Are you interested in learning how to trace your ancestral tree dating back to Africa?  BPL’s Southern History Department is hosting a free workshop, DNA Testing for African Ethnicities, in the Central Library on Wednesday, February 19. 

Do you know what fiber art is? Join Powderly Branch Library on Tuesday, February 4, for a "Create Your Own Fiber Portrait  Showcasing Artist Bisa Butler." 

Do you want to learn more about amazing African American inventors? 

Inglenook Library’s “Steam Explorers” program on February 20 will introduce elementary aged children and others to these famous Black inventors. Wylam Branch is hosting a program February 11 about George Crum, the African-American who invented the potato chip.

 Play Black History Month Bingo at some BPL locations: including East Ensley, Smithfield, Titusville.  Several BPL locations are also hosting Black History Movies.  You can get free “Black Excellence” grab-n-go pin crafts at Smithfield Branch during library hours the week of February 3-7. 

Retired African American business owner Jay Owens is hosting book talks/signings at Springville Road Library on Tuesday, February 5 and at Titusville Branch Library on Monday, February 18. Owens was a participant in BPL’s Local Authors Expo the past two years.

 Springville Road Library is also featuring a free concert by the Bo Berry Quartet on Tuesday, February 18. Bo Berry, a legendary trumpeter, is director of the Birmingham Heritage Band, and was a member of the Commodores back-up band in the 1970s. 

Here is a listing of Black History Month Programs happening at BPL by location in February. 


All ages

Saturday, February 1-Friday, February 14

Black History Month Bookmark Coloring Activity

Color your own bookmarks featuring quotes by Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks.   

Saturday, February 1-Friday, February 28

Black History Month Drop-In/Take Home Magnet Craft

Craft your own "Black History is World History" magnet This keepsake can be completed in the Avondale Library or picked up to take home. Available while supplies last.



Tuesday, February 18, all day

 Tuxedo Tuesday

Avondale Regional Library will be "Jazzin it up" all day for Tuxedo Tuesday. The library will feature music from this lively era, made famous  by the classic song Tuxedo Junction jazz legend Erskine Hawkins released in 1939 about Birmingham. Stop by and listen to the greats. Tuxedo Junction, an area in Ensley near the intersection of Ensley Avenue and 20th Street, was known as a social hub for Birmingham's Black community in the 1920s and 1930s. 


Youth programs

Scavenger Hunt: Famous Alabamians, Wednesday, February 5 - Saturday, February 22

There are tons of  mega-famous people who are synonymous with life in Alabama. Your challenge is to find the photographs of famous African Americans hidden throughout the Avondale Library Youth Department and match each champion with the statement that best describes him or her. 

Check each week to see who has been added. Finish the scavenger hunt and enter for a prize. The winner will be announced on Monday, February 24.


African paper beads.

Adults

Wednesday, February 26, 2:00 p.m.

Club Create: Black History Month Paper Bead Workshop

Paper bead making is considered one of the oldest crafts in Africa (see article on African paper bead making craft from Michigan State University).  It is still practiced today, providing a source of income for women, enabling them to contribute to their families and communities. 

Join us at Avondale Regional in learning to craft paper beads and create jewelry from them. Our Club Create workshops for adults feature a new craft project each week, with instruction and materials provided. 




Saturday, February 1, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

2025 Black Heritage Fair

The Birmingham African American Genealogy Group, which meets every third Saturday at the Central Library downtown, is hosting its annual Black Heritage Fair. The 2025 theme is African Americans and Labor, paying tribute to the important role African-Americans have played  in the U.S. labor force. The event is free. It features genealogy workshops, African art, African-inspired fashions, and African music workshops.

The speakers will be Tuskegee Attorney Lateefah Muhammad and Willie Mae Ward Crews, an educator. Musicians will be Najah Reeves Najiy, an African drummer, Katherine Minnett,  singer from Colony, Ala., and Celloist Ja"Nise Gentry. 

For more information, go to www.baaggroupinc.org or email info@baaggroupinc.org. 

Displays by two Black Artists at the Central Library are open for public viewing during library hours through April 18. Both showings are part of BPL's Art For Everyone Series, sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Jourdan Truth McGowan's painting series, "Issues", opened on January 14 and is on display through April 18. The featured paintings are reinterpretations of iconic magazine covers, in which McGowan makes bold commentaries on culture, politics, religion, and other topics. The paintings showcased in Issues invite viewers to engage in meaningful reflection and dialogue on the pressing challenges of our time.

Alabama potter Larry Allen's display, Vessels of Change, is available for public viewing on the first floor Lobby Gallery of the Central Library through February 28. Inspired by Native American and African designs, Allen delicately carves decorative details onto the surface of his wheel-thrown vessels in a process known as sgraffito. A selection of Allen’s intricately embellished stoneware has been on view since mid-December.   


Central Library Southern History Department 

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 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. 



Every day during library hours in February

Do You Know Your Black History? Quiz 

Do you know your Black History? Join East Ensley Branch throughout February for  quiz that will test your knowledge on extraordinary Black American figures and related events. Complete the quiz and, if you get a certain amount right, you will earn a goodie bag! Open to all ages.



10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5 and Wednesday, February 19

Heritage Alive Storytime with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 

Children will engage in a stimulating story time with a Civil Rights Institute volunteer. 



10:00 a.m. on Fridays in February (7, 14, 21, 28)

Black History Month on Screen

In celebration of Black History Month, East Ensley Branch will present four films about notable Black figures and events every Friday in February at 10:00 a.m. The featured films will be Hidden Figures (February 7), Till (February 14), Mighty Times: The Children's March (February 21) , and Selma (February 28). All of those films are available for checkout on BPL's website and the BPL mobile app. 



Monday, February 10, 11:00 a.m.

Black History Month Bingo 

Join us for a fun morning of Black History Bingo at East Ensley Library! Test your knowledge of the who's who of Black American history. Play, win, and earn a prize!


Monday, February 17, 11:00 a.m.

Black History Craft

In honor of Black History Month, East Ensley Branch invites you to join us for a morning of crafting centered on Black American heritage.




Tuesday, February 11, 3:30 p.m.

Hair Love

Come enjoy a story time about embracing yourself and your hair! Afterward, stay and practice freestyling hair or do a self-portrait craft. This program is first come, first serve for 15 people.  



Youth

Monday, February 17 - Friday, February 28 (all day during library hours)

 Paper Quilt Art

Create a paper square inspired by a quilt pattern. Add it to our community "quilt" or take your square home.


Monday, February 17 - Friday, February 28 (all day during library hours)

Song Scavenger Hunt 

Come search Five Points West Library for songs inspired by labor unions, civil rights, and self-empowerment. Finish the scavenger hunt and get $1 taken off your late fines!







 Thursday, February  20, 4 -5 p.m. 


Discover amazing African American inventors and innovators through hands-on science and art activities. This program is intended for elementary-age children, but all are welcome.

Thursday, February 27, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Black History Month Bingo 

Trivia and bingo collide in this competitive, all-ages game of Black History Month Bingo! Test your knowledge and compete for prizes. 

February 4-February 27, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Believe it or Not: BHM edition 

 Join us throughout the month to answer mindboggling trivia about extraordinary African American trailblazers and moments in history! All participants have a chance to win prizes. 




Monday, February 3-Friday, February 7, 3:00 p.m.

Black History Coloring Contest 

Join North Avondale Branch as we color to celebrate Black History Month. Youth of all ages are welcome to enter the coloring contest for prizes. There will be first, second and third place winners. Contestants will be divided up into age groups: Kindergarten through second grade, 3rd through 8th grade,  9th through 12th grade. The winners will be announced on February 10.

Monday, February 24 - Friday, February 28, 3:00 p.m.

Black History Scavenger Hunt

  Join North Avondale Branch in our quest to find all of the Black History items in the library. Readers who find all items will receive a prize.




Tuesday, February 4, 11:00 a.m.

Create Your Own Fiber Portrait  Showcasing Artist Bisa Butler

Come join Powderly Branch for a video showing of the artist Bisa Butler. A New Jersey-based artist, Bisa Butler has built a large following for her expertise in creating colorful, large-scale quilted portraits of African-Americans.   







Wednesday, February 12, 1:30 p.m.

Documentary Now: Extraordinary Black Women

Join us at Pratt City  Branch as  we watch a 2024 film written and directed by Tyler Perry featuring extraordinary black women in World War II. We will watch the film together and have a lively discussion on it afterwards 




Monday, February 3--Friday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 


Come get a "Black Excellence" Grab-n-go pin craft in honor of Black History Month 

 Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.,  February 4, 11, 18, 25


Join us at Smithfield Branch for Black History Bingo every Tuesday during the month of February. 

 Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., February 5, 12, 19, 26 

History in the Making Movie Mania

 Join us for Black History inspired movies each Wednesday in the month of February.


Black History Month 2025 at Southside Branch Library will celebrate the impact of labor – free, unfree, skilled, unskilled - from African Americans.

 Here is a listing of activities and programs happening throughout February at the Southside Branch:



 • An interactive (QR Code) display that allows you to learn about African American artists whose works captured the story of Black life in America. (All month long) 



Wednesday, February 12, 1:00 p.m.


 Join the Southside Film Club and let's chat up popular movies highlighting Black culture. This is an opportunity to enlighten the rich African-American culture through the film industry.



Jacob Lawrence, African-American painter.

Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28
 
 • Grab N’ Go creativity kits featuring African American artist Jacob Lawrence. 

Click here to read about Jacob Lawrence available at BPL and JCLC locations. 

A. Phillip Randolph, African-American labor unionist and civil rights activist.

Tuesday, February 25

 • A documentary about A. Philip Randolph 

A. Philip Randolph was an African American labor unionist and civil rights activist. He founded the nation's first Black labor union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925. Randolph was one of the principle organizers of Dr. Martin Luther King's National March on Washington in 1963.



All month long in February

African American Heroes Mosaic 

Add your piece to a community mosaic depicting African American Heroes. 



 Local Author Spotlight: Jay Owens Wednesday, February 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Local author Jay Owens will discuss his books, Don't Forget Your Home Town and Living to Die or Dying to Live. Registration is required. Oak Street Health is co-sponsoring this event and will provide lunch to attendees. 

 Fiction Book Club Tuesday, February 11 2-3 pm I

In celebration of Black History Month, February's pick is James: A Novel by Percival Everett. The novel is a re-imagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain but told from the perspective of Huckleberry's friend, Jim, who is an escaped slave. This group meets in person and virtually through Zoom. 


Tuesday, February 18, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Bo Berry Jazz Quartet in Concert

Come hear the cool jazz sounds of the Bo Berry Jazz Quartet featuring Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame member and famed trumpet player Bo Berry along with Amber Frazier, Matthew Morton, and Cheryl Simonetti. Learn about the contributions of African Americans to an American music genre. 



 Monday, February 3- Friday, February 28, during library hours, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 Fine Art February Celebrate Black History Month at Titusville Library! 

Stop by each week of February to learn about a Black artist and create a unique grab and go craft inspired by their artwork. This program provides an opportunity for convenient creative expression and artistic learning. 


Friday, February 14, 10:45 a.m.

Love & Hip Hop Exercise Class 

Do you desire to learn popular line dances such as the Wobble and Cupid Shuffle? Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Love & Hip Hop Exercise Class led by instructor Tracey L. Williams.

Work out to easy-to-follow line dances. All levels are welcome. No experience is necessary. If you can't make this class, Tracey L. Williams leads these exercise classes every Friday at 10:45 a.m. at Titusville Branch.  


Monday, February 17, 10:30 a.m.

Black History Month Movie

Come relax at Titusville Branch and enjoy a Black History Month-themed movie with us. Join us for a movie, popcorn, and great company guaranteed. 



Tuesday, February 18, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Spotlight! with Jay Owens Book Discussion & Signing

Join Birmingham area author Jay Owens for an exciting event celebrating the release of his new book, Spotlight! Owens was one of the authors featured at the BPL Local Authors Expo in 2023 and 2024. 


Wednesday, February 26, 10:30 a.m.

MLK-Bingo Game Black History Celebration 

Join Titusville Branch for a Bingo Game spotlighting the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. who led the civil rights movement in Birmingham and Alabama.


 Make a Beaded Bracelet  All month long | During West End Branch hours of operation 

 Design a beaded bracelet to wear to celebrate Valentine’s Day or Black History Month. 

 Jigsaw Puzzle Club All month long | During West End Branch hours of operation 

Help us put together a jigsaw puzzle. We'd love for you to stop by any time to put some pieces in place. 

 Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. 

 Live at the Library: Celebrating Black History 

Celebrate black history at the library with readings, stories, and dramatizations. Share something such as a poem or listen to presentations by others. 

Fridays - February 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 3:30–5:30 p.m.  

Friday Movie Matinee 

 Enjoy popcorn and a movie as we celebrate Black History Month. 



Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.,  February 4, 11, 18, and 25  

 Enjoy games (2/4), line dancing (2/11), Medicare with Bingo (2/18), and a movie (2/25). 

Wednesdays - February 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 

Aletheia House HIV Education and Screenings

 Stop by the Aletheia House table to learn more about HIV. 

Branch Manager Lynn Hutchins with members of the West End Crocheters.

 West End Crocheters

Work on your own crochet project or learn how to crochet with us. Enjoy a snack and the company of friends. 



Mary’s Chair Aerobics 

Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  - February 6, 13, 20, and 27

 Improve your fitness level with fun, free, weekly workouts. 

Thursday, February 20, 11:00 a.m. 

Bingo 

 Play Bingo and enjoy a snack with others in the community. 






Tuesday, February 18, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
 
Woodlawn Branch Black History Month Homework Fair

Patrons and Birmingham area students are invited to Woodlawn Branch's Meeting Room to interact with library materials related to Black History Month and to research ideas related to their academic projects. Light refreshments will be provided. 

"Each year, we notice  a surge in patrons seeking information related to important Black figures who contributed to the development, thought, and history of the United States," said Katie Jackson, Library Assistant III at Woodlawn Branch. "We are so excited to work with patrons on their projects that we have a special study hall planned just to help them find the books, web information, and other materials they might need for their assignments."

Wylam Branch Library, 4300 7th Avenue Wylam, Ph (205) 785-0349  



Tuesday, February 11, 3:30 p.m.

Black Inventors: The Potato Chip

Did you know that one of America's favorite snacks was invented in 1853 by an African-American, George Crum? Come find out about the details and participate in a fun potato chip activity.  

Children in Zimbabwe playing Kudoda.

Thursday, February 27, 3:30 p.m.

The Game of Kudoda

Kudoda is a traditional African children's game that is popular in Zimbabwe. Stop by to learn how to play Kudoda and also learn to play a modern version of Kudoda.

When playing Kudoda, players sit in a circle, draw a ring in the middle and fill it with stones. 

By Roy L. Williams, PR Director|Birmingham Public Library 


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