Friday, January 31, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Largo, Maryland – This February, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is celebrating Black History Month with over 75 free programs and events to give library customers of all ages a lively and engaging experience centered around the heritage and community of Black culture in Prince George’s County and beyond. 

Audiences will have a diverse range of events to participate in, from the historical musical program “Jazz Journeys: From Blues to Now” with Trumpeter & Jazz Historian Muneer Nasser to “Jump Into Black History Month: Double Dutch Fitness,” a fun fitness event for the whole family presented by DC Retro Jumpers.  

“Our staff and community of partner organizations have really outdone themselves this year. The amount of passion and ingenuity shown in curating these events is truly inspiring, and we are proud to share these offerings with our customers,” said PGCMLS CEO Dr. Mark Winston.

Throughout the year, PGCMLS’ Black Heritage hub serves as a cultural resource for upcoming library events, research databases, book recommendations, and much more. It is available 24/7 by visiting: pgcmls.info/black-heritage.   

Featured PGCMLS Black History Month Events

Jazz Journeys: From Blues to Now - Presented by Muneer Nasser, Trumpeter & Jazz Historian

Explore the rich history of jazz through live music, rare recordings, and interactive demonstrations. Perfect for music lovers and history enthusiasts interested in discovering jazz's Memphis blues roots. For Teens and Adults

• Saturday, February 1 at 1 pm at the Beltsville Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Saturday, February 8 at 1 pm at the Greenbelt Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Saturday, February 15 at 1 pm at the Hyattsville Branch Library | Free | Link

African Storytelling Reimagined - Presented by Author Ada Ari

Have you ever wondered why spiders have such long legs? Families are invited to join Ada Ari, educator and award-winning author, for a fun African folktale all about Anansi the spider! They’ll learn how Anansi’s adventures changed the world of spiders forever, and they’ll also dance a lively Ghanaian dance, explore cool facts about the Ashanti Kingdom, and have fun with stickers and more! For Ages 5-12

• Tuesday, February 4 at 5:30 pm at the Upper Marlboro Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Wednesday, February 5 at 5:30 pm at the Surratts-Clinton Branch Library | Free | Link

Heroes of Black History Puppet Show - Presented by Ebony Sonshine Puppets

Children are invited to watch history come alive in this engaging theatrical performance by Ebony Sonshine Puppets. Audiences will discover the inspiring stories of Black history makers who changed our world through dynamic storytelling, music, and puppetry. For Ages 3-8

• Tuesday, February 4 at 4:30 pm at the Fairmount Heights Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Wednesday, February 5 at 5:30 pm at the Largo-Kettering Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Tuesday, February 18 at 4:30 pm at the Oxon Hill Branch Library | Free | Link

Ms. Story's Living History

Step back in time with Ms. Story (Shemika Berry) as she brings remarkable Black women from history to life. Through first-person storytelling and authentic costumes, experience history from the Colonial era through the Civil Rights Movement. For Kids to Adults

• Tuesday, February 11 at 6 pm | Glenarden Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Wednesday, February 12 at 6 pm | Laurel Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Tuesday, February 18 at 6 pm | Bladensburg Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Wednesday, February 19 at 5:30 pm | Hillcrest Heights Branch Library | Free | Link 

Jump Into Black History Month: Double Dutch Fitness - Presented by DC Retro Jumpers

Master jump rope techniques while having fun and getting active! This interactive fitness program for kids to adults focuses on building your skills, improving coordination, and getting fit through Double Dutch jumping. All skill levels are welcome! 

• Saturday, February 15 at 1 pm at the New Carrollton Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Tuesday, February 25 at 6 pm at the Accokeek Branch Library | Free | Link 
  
• Wednesday, February 26 at 4:30 pm at the Bowie Branch Library | Free | Link 

Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story 

Author Kenda Bell-Spruill presents an interactive storytelling event that brings the “Saturday Magic” characters' adventures to life—kids will help shape the story, share ideas, and discover the wonders of family, culture, and self-discovery. Participants will also explore Ancestor Notes featuring inspiring figures like James Baldwin, Harriet Tubman, Henrietta Lacks, Bessie Coleman, Chadwick Boseman, and more! Children can learn about these amazing heroes while having fun with a tale full of magic and mystery! For Ages 4-8 

• Saturday, February 22 at 1 pm | South Bowie Branch Library | Free | Link
  
• Saturday, February 26 at 4:30 pm | Baden Branch Library | Free | Link

More Featured Events

Celebrating Black History Through Poetry - Presented by Poet Sistah Joy

Saturday, February 8 at 1 pm | Spauldings Branch Library | All Ages | Free | Link

Former Prince George's County Poet Laureate, Sistah Joy, will share her original poetry that inspires, informs, and empowers the community. This Black History Month literary celebration will include African drumming and an open mic. 

The Legacy of Harriet Tubman: A One Woman Performance - Presented by Cortenia Smith 

Tuesday, February 11 at 6 pm | Joe’s Movement Emporium | Kids to Adults | Free | Link

Step into the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman with this one-woman show. Known for leading enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad, Tubman’s legacy also includes her work as a spy and suffragist during the Civil War, tireless in her advocacy for justice and equality. This performance brings to life her strength, determination, and commitment to freedom.

Underwater Archaeological Slave Wrecks Project - Kamau B. A. Sadiki

Saturday, February 15 at 1 pm | Greenbelt Branch Library | Teens and Adults | Free | Link

The Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee and the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights present a special presentation by Kamau B.A. Sadiki of Diving with Purpose. 

Mr. Sadiki will discuss the archaeological underwater research of the Slave Wrecks Project of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American Culture and History in partnership with the Izeko Museum of South Africa, George Washington University, and Diving With Purpose.

We Are Zion Music Presents Freedom Songs 

Tuesday, February 18 at 7 pm | New Carrollton Branch Library | All Ages | Free | Link

Experience Freedom Songs by We Are Zion Music (WAZM) — a vibrant Black History Month celebration featuring a powerful performance that honors the spirit of freedom and resilience. Discover the rich heritage of African American history, paying tribute to the past while inspiring the future. Let the spirit of unity and resilience lift your soul in this unforgettable musical experience!

I Want To Write Workshop

Saturday, February 22 at 11:30 am | Oxon Hill Branch Library | Adults | Free | Link

Join Marita Golden, author and creative writing coach, for an inspiring workshop designed for writers of all levels! In this session, participants will explore effective techniques and tools to help them conquer their fears of writing and break free from self-censorship. Together, the group will discuss strategies to initiate and maintain a fulfilling writing practice while tapping into the depths of their imagination and memories.

African American Heritage in the Armed Forces: Highlighting the Military Service of African American Unsung Heroes

Saturday, February 22 at 12 pm | Surratts-Clinton Branch Library | Kids to Adults | Free | Link

A lively discussion and storytelling about African American and minority service members who influenced and impacted the landscape of the Armed Forces in the United States. In partnership with the Prince George's County Office of Veterans Affairs and other esteemed guests.

Author Marita Golden on "How To Become A Black Writer"

Saturday, February 22 at 1 pm | Oxon Hill Branch Library | Teens and Adults | Free | Link 

For Black History Month, come out for an engaging book reading and signing featuring Marita Golden, acclaimed author of "How To Become A Black Writer," "The Strong Black Woman," and "The Wide Circumference of Love." During the event, Sonsyrea Tate will interview Golden following her reading, offering a deeper insight into the themes and inspiration behind her works.

Lunch and Learn: "Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I'd Known" by George M. Johnson

Tuesday, February 25 at 12 pm | Virtual Event | Adults | Free | Link

This spring, grab your favorite lunch at noon and tune in to virtual conversations with PGCMLS and the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights on topics from repairing the effects of racial injustice to fighting for equitable access to recovering from exile and loss. Let’s learn together! George M. Johnson will be discussing their latest book "Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I'd Known," and the queer stories you may have missed.

Click here to view all of PGCMLS’ Black History Month events.

About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve book lovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. PGCMLS is the recipient of the 2021 Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award for Workforce and Economic Development. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.