Black History Month

Black History Month, or African American History Month, is celebrated nationally each year during February. It is a time to highlight the contributions and achievements of African American individuals and communities, as well as their struggles for freedom and equality in the United States.

We honor Black trailblazers, activists, and creatives who have come before us.

         “I know why the caged bird sings, ah me, 
         When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore— 
         When he beats his bars and he would be free; 
         It is not a carol of joy or glee, 
         But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core, 
         But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings— 
         I know why the caged bird sings!” 

         Quote from Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem, Sympathy (1899)

Celebrate Black History Month with Hennepin County Library 

Hennepin County libraries will celebrate and honor Black History Month this February with public programs, displays and activities in libraries, and recommended book, music, and film lists.

Programs

• Remembering the Pullman Porters: A Black History Month Conversation
• Traveling Without Aggravation – How Victor H. Green’s Book Changed Travel for Black Americans 
• Slavery’s Legal Legacy and its Meaning for Modern Lawyers

Recommended music, books, and films based on this year’s theme

• Black Resistance music
• Black Resistance book and film list
• Books for preschoolers
• Books for children
• Books for teens

Other resources

• View more recommendations from previous Black History Month celebrations.

Discover more Black History Month events in Hennepin County.