APL Celebrates African American History Month
Albany Public Library celebrates African American History Month in February with a series of films, lectures, and an exhibit at several library branches. These programs are free and open to the public.
SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM SERIES: “RACE/RELATED”
Feb. 4 (Mon)｜6:00-8:00 pm | Howe Branch
View the 2016 documentary that explores race and ethnicity, and then have a discussion with fellow attendees. For adults. Register online.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH FILM SERIES
Tuesdays at 5:00-7:30 pm | Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch
• Feb. 5｜“Malcom X” (1992, rated PG-13)
• Feb. 12｜“The Color Purple” (1995, rated PG-13)
• Feb. 19｜“Selma” (2014, rated PG-13)
• Feb. 26｜“Glory” (1989, rated R)
LECTURE
“Brought to Light: Unearthing the History of an African-American Cemetery in Kinderhook”
Feb. 11 (Mon)｜2:00-3:30 pm | Pine Hills Branch
Filmmaker Barbara Reina screens her documentary that shows how a few villagers in Kinderhook set out to clean up stone markers in an overgrown field, which led to the discovery of a forgotten “slaves’ cemetery” from the 1880s. The film is a portal into the Underground Railroad in Kinderhook and follows efforts to restore respect to the Persons of Color Cemetery. Reina moderates a question and answer session after the screening. This program is for adults. Register online.
INTERACTIVE MUSIC WORKSHOP
Pilgrimage of African American Music History Project
Feb. 13, 27 (Wed)｜6:00-7:30 pm | Howe Branch
The Pilgrimage of African American Music History Project hosts this two-part, interactive workshop series with live performances by local artists. Participants celebrate the contributions of African slave culture to American music. The series explores the history and purposes of African music before the slave trade, focusing on sub-Saharan African folk and dance music. The elements of tribal African music, including syncopation, ring shout, and call and response, are included in the music workshop. Light refreshments are provided. This workshop series is for all ages. Register online.
RECIPE SWAP
Cook the Book
Feb. 14 (Thurs) | 1:00-2:00 pm | Bach Branch
Visit the Reference Desk during February and view the selection of cookbooks featuring African American recipes. Select a recipe to try, and we’ll make a photocopy of it so you can make the dish at home. Come back on Feb. 14 and share your cooking story with us. Samples of your dish to share are welcome. For adults.
EXHIBIT
African American Periodicals in Albany
Feb. 16-24 (Sat-Sun)｜During Regular Hours | Washington Ave. Branch
Attendees view reproductions of African American-produced newspapers and newsletters published in Albany and housed in the Pruyn Collection of Albany History. Featured titles on display include “Unity” (1937), “The Albany Liberator” (1960s-1970s), and “South End Scene” (1970s-1990s). The exhibit can be seen on the library’s first floor. All ages are welcome.
BOOK GROUP
Bach Nonfiction Book Discussion Group
Feb. 21 (Thurs) | 6:00-7:00 pm | Bach Branch
Stop by the Reference Desk to pick up a copy of the autobiography Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet A. Jacobs. The author was born in North Carolina and spent a large part of her life as a slave. Her account of those years was published in 1861. For adults.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.