Black History Month 2009
Special events at your library

The Library will be filled with theater, stories, and art in February as we celebrate the contributions of African Americans and of African cultures to our country’s history. All events are free and open to the public. Programs marked with * require advance registration.

	View our online calendar of Black History Month events with options to save, share, and register for programs.
	Also available: our full-color Black History Month brochure in its original print format. NOTE: Requires Adobe Reader

Black History Month events are cosponsored by the Village of Skokie Human Relations Commission and Skokie Public Library.

Performances	Movies
Presentations	Especially for kids
Special exhibit

Performances

African American History Live
by Kidworks Touring Theatre Company
Saturday, February 7 from 2:00 to 3:00pm
Travel through history as professional actors portray pivotal moments in American history. Experience Harriet Tubman’s escape on the Underground Railroad, Abraham Lincoln’s efforts to free the slaves, Rosa Parks’ famous bus ride, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s marches for civil rights. Presented by Kidworks Touring Theater Company. For ages 4 and older; free tickets will be available at 1:30pm.

Tovi Khali and "Jen Na Sais Quoi"
Sunday, February 8 from 3:00 to 4:00pm
Two years ago, we welcomed Tovi Khali to our auditorium as a transplanted New Orleans singer just getting established in Chicago with a new band. Tovi returns to provide an eclectic mix of rhythm and blues, soul, and funk, all with New Orleans jazz influences and overtones. For all ages; free tickets will be available at 2:30pm.

Abraham Lincoln Live
Monday, February 16 from 4:00 to 5:00pm
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Children will be fascinated as a professional actor presents a compelling, first-person narrative of Mr. Lincoln’s life, from his humble origins in the backwoods of Kentucky through his trying years in the White House. For ages 5 and older; free tickets will be available at 3:30pm.

The Soul Experience
by S.O.U.L. (Spirit of Universal Love) Creations
Saturday, February 28 from 3:00 to 4:00pm
The Soul Experience Dwennimmen intergenerational dance and drum troupe incorporates artistic aspects from more than 20 countries throughout the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, India, and West Africa, with special focus on West Africa. The troupe was born out of the 5+ years of travel in those countries undertaken by the group’s founder, Gilo Kwesi Logan. For all ages; free tickets will be available at 2:30pm.

Presentations

Images of Honest Abe *
Wednesday, February 11 from 6:30 to 7:30pm
This presentation, by art historian Jeff Mishur, examines depictions of our 16th President. Images of Lincoln changed during the course of his political career, and he continued to be a popular source for artwork after he was assassinated. See paintings, photographs, sculptures, and material culture related to Lincoln and gain a better understanding of their historical context. For adults; sign up online or call 847.673.3733.

Special Exhibit

Atlas Artists
Opening reception on Sunday, February 8 from 4:00 to 5:30pm
Exhibit continues through February
Six artists from the Atlas Senior Center in Chicago will display their artwork in the Library during February. The artists are Zoraida Valdès, MD; Evelyn Washington; Celeste Coleman; Georgetta Cooper; Dora Clarke; and Dorothy Groomer. Their work encompasses paintings in various media, sculpture, and textiles. The opening reception will follow the Tovi Khali concert on Sunday, February 8.

Movies

Family Movie: The Wiz
Friday, February 13 from 6:30 to 9:00pm
Released 1978 -- 134 minutes -- Rated G .
A discontented kindergarten teacher living in Harlem gets lost in a blizzard and winds up in the wonderland of Oz, which resembles a fantasy version of New York City. She finally realizes that her real life isn’t so bad after all. A movie adaptation of the 1975 Broadway musical of the same name, this 1978 movie marked the end of a resurgence of African-American films of the 1970s. Starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, Lena Horne, and more.

Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks
Monday, February 23 from 7:00 to 8:00pm
For grade 5 through adults.
Rosa Parks sparked a revolution by sitting still. Over the course of a year, the Montgomery Bus Boycott would test the endurance of peaceful protestors, overturn an unjust law, and create a legacy that continues to inspire those who work for freedom and justice today. This 40-minute documentary film provides a vivid reminder for all of us.

Especially for Kids

Adventure Club Discovers Jamaica *
Friday, February 20 from 4:00 to 5:00pm
Visit Jamaica, the largest Caribbean island, and soak up its sunny culture. Explore the underwater life of Montego Bay and its colorful fish. Dance to the Reggae music that originated in Jamaica and has had an undeniable influence in the United States. For grades kindergarten through 3; sign up online or call 847.324.3149 beginning February 1.