African American culture is influenced through the artistic and cultural movements of Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, which have been led by people of African descent that set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, Black History Month examines the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.
Visit our library branches and explore our events, displays, and collections related to this year’s theme of arts and artisans. We’ve got more than 200 titles for all ages ranging from biographies of Black artists, to folktales and stories, and from local family histories, to books on how African American cooking techniques have shaped the food scene in America today.
Special events and programs
Black History Storytime with Toni Simmons
When: Feb. 19 at 10 a.m.
Where: Larry J. Ringer Library in College Station
Toni Simmons is an award-winning, dynamic storyteller and author who brings new life to her stories with songs, rhythms, changes, and audience participation.
This program is made possible through a grant funded by The Texas Commission on the Arts and by the Friends of the Library.
Brian Jones
African American Genealogy
- When: Feb. 27 at 6 p.m.
- Where: Carnegie History Center in Historic Downtown Bryan
Learn how to navigate pre-emancipation records like bills of sale for enslaved people, Freedman Bureau records, and other integral resources to help you advance your family’s history.
Activities and displays
Art as a Platform for Social Justice: Black History Month
What: Interactive craft display
When: All February
- Where: Youth Services, Second Floor, Clara B. Mounce Public Library in Historic Downtown Bryan
Learn, Empower, and Create! Visit Mounce Library in February and do a new new art craft project each week. The crafts are inspired by five Black artists.
- Week 1: Faith Ringgold – Story quilt
- Week 2: Elijah Pierce – Folk art
- Week 3: Alma Thomas – Dot inspired abstract
- Week 4: Jacob Lawrence – Primary color bold statement
- Week 5: Jean-Michel Basquiat – Mixed media cut out collage
All libraries
Visit our libraries and check out the many displays about Black authors, Black history and Black characters in both the juvenile and adult areas. Explore the past, present, and future featuring titles that highlight the history and culture of African Americans.
A few Black History Month facts
- Black History Month originated in February 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to deepen the study and scholarship of African American history.
- In 1975, President Ford issued a message urging all Americans to “recognize the important contribution made to our nation’s life and culture by black citizens,” in observance of Black History Week.
- In 1976, Association for the Study of African American Life and History expanded the commemoration of Black history from a week-long observance to a month.
- Black History Month became an official holiday when President Ford issued a message on February 10, 1976 urging all to join in the tribute in observance of Black History Month.
- Congress passed Public Law in 1986 designating February as “National Black History Month,” and in the same year, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation “to celebrate the many achievements of African Americans in every field from science and the arts to politics and region.”
Courtesy of BCS Public Library System
