Celebrate History and Culture
Learn about Kalamazoo's early African American pioneers, musicians, and builders. Understand how West Michigan played an important role in the Underground Railroad. Discover the rich, complex and fascinating history of Kalamazoo's Northside neighborhood. Browse the library's extensive collection of African American resources and informational databases.
Programs
Attend the many informative programs throughout the month, with topics that range from ethnic foods and cooking, to crafts such as quilting, plus the fascinating story of one West Michigan community where even before the Civil War, schools and churches were completely integrated, blacks and whites intermarried, and power and wealth were shared by both races.
February 5, 6:30 pm, Eastwood Branch Library
Join Chef Zee Ford, deli assistant from the People's Food Co-op, and learn how to create tradional African fare such as Ground Nut Stew, Doro Wat, Wheat Free Chipati, and dessert. more...
February 12, 6:30 pm, Washington Square Branch Library
Learn how and why the first black settlers of Covert, Michigan, will be featured in a new exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture when it opens in 2015. more...
February 19, 6:30 pm, Powell Branch Library
Author Anna-Lisa Cox POSTPONED due to weather; to be rescheduled
Active historian, writer, and lecturer Anna-Lisa Cox discusses her history of Covert, Michigan, A Stronger Kinship: One Town’s Extraordinary Story of Hope and Faith. more...
February 26, 6:30 pm, Powell Branch Library
Bette Boulding, a longtime “recycling quilter,” will discuss her techniques and ideas for creating her own patters, some of which were inspired by a trip to Africa. more...