The Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” explores how work in its many forms shapes the experiences of Black people. This theme looks at all kinds of labor - from paid jobs in factories, the military and offices, to unpaid community work like activism and volunteering, as well as the history and impact of exploitation and enslavement. This theme also considers how Black people have built institutions like churches and social clubs and organized against employment discrimination.
By studying Black labor in these different contexts, we gain a deeper understanding of Black history, life and culture. For more information and to register for programs, visit the events calendar at slpl.org.
All programs are subject to change to a virtual format.
The St. Louis Public Library’s Black History Month programming is made possible by the St. Louis Public Library Foundation.
BHM MOVIES
Monday Matinees: Black Excellence at Work | 1:30-4 p.m. | Buder Library | Adults, Seniors
February 3 / “The Butler” / 2013, 132 Minutes, PG-13
Starring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard
A black butler working at the White House serves eight U.S. presidents over the course of three decades and finds his personal life deeply affected by the sweeping social changes he witnesses from his prestigious job.
February 10 / “Just Mercy” / 2019, 136 Minutes, PG-13
Starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Rafe Spall, Tim Blake Nelson
A powerful and thought-provoking true story, “Just Mercy” follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) and his history-making battle for justice. Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings and overt and unabashed racism as he fights for those with the odds—and the system—stacked against them.
February 17 / “Dr. Dolittle” / 1998, 86 Minutes, PG-13
Starring Eddie Murphy, Ossie Davis, Oliver Platt, Peter Boyle, Richard Schiff
A successful physician and devoted family man, John Dolittle seems to have the world by the tail, until a long suppressed talent he possessed as a child, the ability to communicate with animals, is suddenly reawakened with a vengeance! Now every creature within squawking distance wants the good doctor’s advice, unleashing an outrageous chain of events that turns his world upside down!
February 24 / “King Richard” / 2021, 144 Minutes, PG-13
Starring Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn, Saniyya Sidney
A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father, Richard Williams.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Film Series |5:30 p.m. | Central Library Auditorium | Adults, Seniors
Central Library is showing four narrative feature films that tie into this year’s theme—African Americans and Labor. From the challenges of hidden labor to struggles of forming labor unions, these films explore the experiences of Black Americans navigating the places where race, class, gender and work intersect.
February 6 / “Hidden Figures” / 2016, 127 minutes, PG
Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
Tells the story of three female African-American mathematicians working at NASA during the Space Race: Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. It is loosely based on the 2016 nonfiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly.
February 13 / “10,000 Black Men Named George” / 2002, 90 minutes, R
Starring Andre Braugher, Charles S. Dutton, Mario Van Peebles
A dramatization of A. Philip Randolph’s efforts to unionize the Pullman porters—the Black sleeping car attendants employed by the Pullman Company—in what would become the first officially-recognized Black labor union in the country.
February 20 / “Fences” / 2016, 138 mins, PG-13
Starring Denzel Washington,Viola Davis
Based on the August Wilson 1985 play of the same name, this is a period drama following a working-class family in 1950s Pittsburgh as infidelity, father-son tension and resentment over past struggles threaten to drive the family apart.
February 27 / “Sorry to Bother You” / 2018, 112 mins, R
Starring LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson
In director Boots Riley’s own words, “an absurdist, dark comedy with magical realism and science fiction inspired by the world of telemarketing.” The film follows a young Black telemarketer as he navigates a dead-end job, unionizing, a cult of personality and a corporate conspiracy. Somehow, that’s only scratching the surface. Brace yourself—this film is a weird and wild ride.
SLAVERY IN ST. LOUIS EXHIBIT
Slavery existed in St. Louis for 100 years under French, Spanish, and American rule of the city. Famous African American abolitionists and leaders such as William Wells Brown, Dred and Harriet Scott and James Milton Turner were once enslaved in St. Louis. The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is proud to present Slavery in St. Louis as a traveling exhibit. Featuring primary sources, individual stories of enslavement, and additional resources, this exhibit helps residents connect with our city’s complicated history and how it has been remembered (and misremembered) in the present.
The Slavery in St. Louis banner exhibit will rotate through the following Library locations:
Buder Library / Thursday, January 30-Tuesday, February 4
Central Library / Thursday, February 6-Tuesday, February 11
Carpenter Library / Thursday, February 13-Tuesday, February 18
Schlafly Library / Thursday, February 20 (featuring Histories Unbound: A Roundtable Discussion on Slavery in St. Louis, 6-7:30 p.m.)
Julia Davis Library / Friday, February 21-Tuesday, February 28
BHM PROGRAMS
Name Banner Craft
February 4 / 3:30-5:30 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Early Elementary (Grades K-3), Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)
Create a personal canvas banner with style and sparkle. Children can learn the history of their name or celebrate a name’s unique origin using felt letters to spell their names on a canvas banner. Then they can decorate it to express their personality. One per child; all supplies provided.
A Spoonful of Sugar: Black Entrepreneurship in St. Louis
February 4 / 4:30-5:30 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12)
Join us for a discussion about community and ice cream with Elijah Jabari, owner of A Spoonful of Sugar, a small-batch ice cream shop located off Gravois Avenue in Benton Park.
Super Storytime: Black History Month
February 5 / 10-11 a.m. / Machacek Library
February 8 / 10-11 a.m. / Buder Library
Preschool (Ages 0-5), Early Elementary (Grades K-3), Families
Join us for our Black History Month Super Storytime: your favorite storytime but even bigger! We will have fun stories and activities.
Classic Afterschool Cartoons
February 6 / 3:30-5:30 p.m. / Baden Library / Families
Enjoy afterschool cartoons that celebrate Black families. Children can color and craft while watching episodes of popular cartoons and TV shows that showcase African American families. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
“Four Hundred Souls” Book Discussion
February 7 / 1-2 p.m. / Buder Library / Adults, Seniors
February 28 / 1-2 p.m. / Buder Library / Adults, Seniors
Join us for a two-part discussion of “Four Hundred Souls” by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain. On February 7, we will be discussing the 1st half of the book (pgs. 1-264), and on February 28, the last half of the book. You can request a copy at the Library or pick up a physical copy at the 2nd-floor reference desk.
The African American Experience at the 1904 World’s Fair
February 8 / 1-2:30 p.m. / Central Library / All Ages
The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, officially known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was a grand event held to celebrate the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. However, it also reflected the racial attitudes of the time, particularly in regard to African Americans. July 13, 1904, is often remembered as a day when African Americans were supposedly invited to attend the fair, but the reality of what happened is far more complex and reveals much about the racial tensions of the period. Join master storyteller Carole Shelton for an event that takes people through the history of the day. Registration is recommended but not required.
Ngoma in Motion: Gumboot Dancing Performance
February 8 / 2-3 p.m. / Schlafly Library / All Ages
Ngoma in Motion (NIM) will be performing a South African gumboot dance and presenting the history of this South African dance form, which originated in the mines of South Africa when the oppressive apartheid regime forbade the mine workers from speaking to each other on site. They will also explain how their company started performing gumboot dance in St. Louis in the late 1970s. Registration is recommended but not required.
Print Your Own Mini Propaganda Poster
February 8 / 3-4 p.m. / Central Library
Adults, High School (Grades 9-12)
Learn the basics of printmaking by making your own miniature propaganda poster, inspired by the labor rights movement.
Learn about important civil rights leaders such as Addie Wyatt and A. Philip Randolph, who joined the ranks of union leadership to advocate for job security, reproductive rights and wage increases.
Baseball and Black History
February 10 / 6-7 p.m. / Cabanne Library / Kids
Let’s play ball! Learn about influential African American Baseball players through history and decorate your own baseball cap and personalized pennant. Supplies are limited!
Live@SLPL: West African Dance and Drumming with Afriky Lolo
February 14 / 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Central Library / Families
February 15 / 10-11 a.m. / Schlafly Library / Families
Feel the spirit of Africa come alive through dance and music! Dancers will showcase vibrant movements and powerful footwork while drummers beat out fast-paced, syncopated rhythms, infusing the air with the pulse of African music and culture. You don’t want to miss it!
“Eliza” (2023) Screening & Filmmaker Q&A
February 18 / 6-7 p.m. / Central Library / Adults
“Eliza” is a film based on the true story of Eliza Rone, an enslaved woman in 1856, who worked for the Campbells, the richest family in St. Louis. The viewing will be followed by a Q&A with director, writer and actor Delisa Richardson, who helped bring the film to life. Explore the past and present of what African American labor looks like and what it may look like in the future. Registration is recommended but not required.
A is for Activist: Storytime and Crafternoon
February 20 / 4-5:30 p.m. / Julia Davis Library / Families
Join us as we learn about famous Black Activists through time. Families can enjoy an activism-filled Storytime followed by crafts for all ages, including creating their own social justice poster to take home.
Histories Unbound: A Roundtable Discussion on Slavery in St. Louis
February 20 / 6-7:30 p.m. / Schlafly Library / Adults
Join us for the powerful finale to the Slavery in St. Louis Banner Exhibit, presented in partnership with the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. This roundtable discussion will bring together local
historians and community figures to delve into the complex history of slavery in St. Louis. Explore untold stories, challenge established narratives and gain new insights into the city’s past.
Daring Innovators in Labor: Activism, Military and Science
February 22 / 10-11 a.m. / Julia Davis Library / Adults
Author Linda Brooks presents, “Daring Innovator in the Military, Nursing, and Faith,” a discussion of local leadership from St. Louis. Brooks will share her inspiring story and offer advice for audience members seeking to develop their leadership skills. Q & A follows the presentation. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is recommended but not required.
Bread and Roses “Strike! How St. Louis United for Change in 1877”
February 22 / 10 a.m.-Noon / Schlafly Library / Families, All Ages
Learn about a historic but little-known piece of St. Louis history, the General Strike of 1877. The events of the strike had a ripple effect that is still felt in modern-day St. Louis. Through labor songs, theater and visual art activities, young people will learn how people of all backgrounds and races joined together to demand better working conditions and more pay and how modern day workers still organize strikes as a way to demand change. Supplies provided.
Junior Career Exploration
February 22 / 1-2 p.m. / Central Library
Early Elementary (Grades K-3), Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6)
Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Maybe a photographer! Or a writer! Or maybe... You’ll be a Superhero! Explore different careers with fun crafts and a photo booth! Note: This event is for career exploration. It is not a recruitment fair, college fair, internship fair or job fair.
Take Your Passion and Make It Happen: Career Panel
February 22 / 2:30-3:30 p.m. / Central Library / Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12)
Deciding your future isn’t always easy. Join us at Central where we will speak with local Black creatives and entrepreneurs to discuss their passions and how they made their dreams a reality!
EVOLUTION: Music in Black America
February 25 / 6-7 p.m. / Central Library (Carnegie Room) / Adults
Examine the evolution of music within Black cultural and labor movements. Assistant professor of ethnomusicology at Washington University Lauren Eldridge Stewart, will guide attendees in an historical analysis, supported by the voices of St. Louis’ chapter of Justice Choir, directed by Claire Minnis. Do not miss this unique opportunity to better understand the power of music as a tool for social justice, resistance and cultural expression.
KIDS AND TEENS:
Participate in our Black History Month Reading Challenge! Head to any SLPL location to pick up a challenge sheet (for kids or adults) or participate online at slpl.beanstack.org.
