Black History Month is observed each February as, "an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history" (history.com). Learn more about and honor the unique, enduring accomplishments of black individuals and communities with these programs, materials, and online resources.
Library Programs
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February 1 - African Drum Circle with the Washington West African Center from 4:00 – 5:00PM at Mukilteo Library.
- February 18 - "I Am Nobody’s Slave" with Lee Hawkins - Online Author Talk from 11:00AM - 12:00PM.
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February 24 - Mukilteo Monday Morning Book Group discusses "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride from 10:00 – 11:30AM at Mukilteo Library.
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February 27 - Oak Harbor Library Book Group discusses "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi from 11:30AM – 12:30PM at Oak Harbor Library.
Community Events
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February 1 - Black History Month: Black Beyond at MOPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) from 10:00AM - 5:00PM.
- February 1-28 - Call to Conscience Black History Month Museum at the Columbia City Theater from 11:00AM - 7:00PM Tuesday - Sunday.
- February 6 - Living Voices: The Right to Dream film screening at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) from 5:30 – 6:30PM.
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February 8 - The Oprah Effect: A Conversation with Black Women Media Trailblazers hosted by the Northwest African American Museum from 6:00 - 7:30PM.
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February 15 - Tassel Ear Candy Workshop with Ife Thomas hosted by the Northwest African American Museum from 6:00 - 7:30PM.
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February 16 - Get Lit: A Black History Month Candle Pouring Experience hosted by the Northwest African American Museum from 2:00 - 4:00PM.
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February 22 - Black Art Takeover hosted by the Northwest African American Museum from 2:00 - 4:00PM.
- February 22 - When the Past Meets Your Future: A Celebration of BHS hosted by MOHAI from 11:00 AM - 1:00PM.
Reading Challenge
Readers of all ages can join the Black History Month reading challenge. Record your reading progress and complete activities in Beanstack to earn badges.
Books & Movies
Check out these recently released titles that share the story of Black history or browse our entire collection, including streaming movies on Kanopy.
Trailblazing Black Women of Washington State
All About History Black America
Celebrating Black History Month
On-Demand Videos
View past Sno-Isle programs that discuss Black history and the African American experience.
Quilt Codes of the Underground Railroad
Presenter Georgia Payne is a master quilter residing in Snohomish County. Since the Civil War, there have been bits and pieces of information told about secret codes used as part of the Underground Railroad.
Jessica Pryde, the editor of Black Love Matters, discusses the way Black Love is depicted in novels, television shows, and films, including the history of Black romance, social justice and its role in romance novels.
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Principal’s Office?
Why are Black students punished more than others in the classroom? Daudi Abe explains how the racial achievement gap can't be solved without first addressing the discipline gap.
Online Resources
- Black Freedom Struggle - Browse primary source documents from specific time periods in U.S. history marked by the opposition African Americans have faced on the road to freedom.
- GALE in Context: Biography, African Americans / Black Americans - View biographical information for hundreds of notable figures throughout history who identify as African American.
- GALE in Context: US History, African American Perspectives - Find information about notable people, places, and topics that have shaped black history.
- World Book Student: African Americans - Browse articles and interactive media to learn more about famous African Americans and their contributions to American history.
