Watch an Activity Online
We will be offering events that honor the heritage, contributions and achievements of the African American community. This national celebration initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, also known as the father of Black History, has its roots in a weeklong observation in 1926. This year although we are not able to offer the events in person, we invite you to participate in a wide variety of events accessible through Zoom. Register and join us for the live events, or enjoy the recordings on our digital events page. Sponsored by the Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System.
To learn more about Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), visit https://asalh.org/about-us/our-history/.
Zoom Instructions For Participants (PDF)Special Film Screening for "Whose Streets?"
Unable to attend the virtual group screening or want to watch the film before Tue, Feb 16 at 6:00 pm? The film is available for limited time individual viewing.
View the Film Preregister For the Film ScreeningCheck out Our Black History Month Collection



Informed & Engaged Discussion: “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” by Isabel Wilkerson
This Pulitzer Prize-winning author’s latest book examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. Hosted in partnership with the PBC Criminal Justice Commission and Converge & Associates. Copies of the book available in the library catalog. (60 min.)
Malcolm X: The Rock Was Landed On Us
It’s not a coincidence that, even during Black History Month, the legacy of Malcolm X is often ignored or downplayed. Malcolm X’s fight for human rights forced many Americans to ask uncomfortable questions about oppression, injustice, and their own complicity—questions that, to this day, many would rather not answer. Join us for an examination of Malcolm X’s life, views, and speeches, and how his work remains relevant today.

African American Genealogy: Leaving No Stone Unturned
Dr. Deborah Abbot will teach basic genealogy tools needed to successfully begin to trace family histories. The importance of completing genealogy forms, i.e. pedigree charts, gathering home sources, recording oral histories, researching census records, vital records and staying organized will be emphasized. Using libraries and archives along with internet databases will be explored. Attendees will learn tips and strategies on how to move their family research from the present back to slavery, as well as how to find the records that will make this process successful.
Black Excellence in Science
Make models of DNA and RNA with candy and learn about science as we chat about Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, immunologist and lead researcher who made the COVID-19 vaccine possible, and learn about an earlier African American pioneer, Dr. Mae Jemison, an engineer and medical doctor who became the first black woman to travel into space! Ages 8-12.
POV Film Discussion: “Whose Streets?”
Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Associate Provost and Associate Professor of History for Florida Memorial University, leads a discussion on Damon Davis and Sabaah Folayan’s acclaimed documentary which examines the uprising in Ferguson, Missouri following the killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown. This event is a collaboration with POV, the award-winning independent non-fiction film series on PBS. www.pbs.org/pov
Martin Luther King, Jr.: Beyond “I Have a Dream”
Martin Luther King, Jr. was more than the sanitized, distorted, revisionist, elementary school coloring book-friendly image of someone who gave a speech and addressed racism. He was a person of conviction and principle who fought unpopular fights and took unpopular stands in the name of justice and dignity. Join us for an examination of some of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s more overlooked and controversial speeches, and a discussion of how King would be received today.