Black History Month

Black History Month, or African American History Month, is celebrated nationally each year during the month of 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.

The theme for 2024 is African Americans and the Arts.

"The precise role of the artist, then, is to illuminate that darkness,
blaze roads through that vast forest, so that we will not, in all our doing, lose sight of its
purpose, which is, after all, to make the world a more human dwelling place."

Quote from The Creative Process essay by James Baldwin

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

• Stories for Black History Month
• Humanize My Hoodie gallery reception
• Bringing Books to Life for Black History Month

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

• African Americans and the Arts – Film
• African Americans and the Arts – Music
• African Americans and the Arts – Music, performance, and fashion
• African Americans and the Arts – Visual arts, writing, and poetry
• African Americans and the Arts – Teens
• African Americans and the Arts - Children