This is an alert bar. Due to COVID-19, face covering required in all MRCPL buildings. Thank you for your cooperation!
Saturday, February 1, 2025
10 AM-2 PM
Main Library
Please join us for this free, family-friendly event celebrating the African-American heritage found in our Richland County communities.
Four $25 gift cards will be awarded for completing the Activity Pass. You do not need to be present to win but must provide a valid phone number on your passport entry. Winners will be contacted Monday, Feb. 3.
Schedule of Events
10:00 AM Official Welcome, and greeting – Chris May
10-10:15 AM Mansfield Choir choral performance
10:20 AM Josiah Kumai-Sanders – spoken word presentation
10:30-10:45 AM Richland Performing Arts Assoc. – performance
11-11:15 AM Vaundoom -live hip-hop concert
11:45 AM- Shiloh Baptist Church – Jesus Jewels performance
12 PM Brandie Johnson – poetry
12-1 PM FREE lunch in the Community Room on the 1st floor. Catered by Glynis Haney.
1-1:20 PM Conne – live music concert
10 AM-2 PM Enchanted Luna henna Studio – free henna tattoos (in adult reference dept.)
Please note: Food is prohibited in all other areas of the Library
3D Printing Demo
Teens and adults
Visit the Learning Lab in the Reference Department for a 3D printing demo. Check out these amazing machines and grab a 3D souvenir. Let our staff help you download the new MRCPL App to your mobile device.
Basquiat Crown Craft Bag Pick up this craft bag in the Media Services Department.
Hair Braiding and Fandom Bracelets
Tweens and teens
Be a true fan in the Teen Department and create your own fandom bracelet. While you’re there, check out some hair braiding demos.
Lighted Ankara Garland-Program in a Bag (Adults only)
Create a stunning garland for your home décor! All supplies included. Find this craft bag at our Reference Department. One per person; while supplies last.
Find Some History, Even Your Own!
All ages
Visit the John Sherman Room for a glimpse of African American local history, find out about our history and genealogy resources, or find yourself or a friend in one of our many Richland County yearbooks. (Ask a staff member!)
Heroes!
Children of all ages
Stop by the Children’s Department to celebrate heroes throughout Black History! There will be a scavenger hunt, crafts, and, of course, lots of books to enjoy! Visit the story time room in our Children’s Department to play with some new and exciting imaginative toys!
The answer lies with eminent American historian Carter G. Woodson, who pioneered the field of African American studies in the early 20th century. Inspired by having attended a three-week national celebration of the 50th anniversary of emancipation in 1915, Woodson joined four others in founding the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to encourage scholars to engage in the intensive study of the Black past, a subject that had long been sorely neglected by academia and in U.S. schools. In 1916 Woodson began editing the association’s principal scholarly publication, The Journal of Negro History. In 1924, spurred on by Woodson, his college fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, introduced Negro History and Literature Week. Two years later, determined to bring greater attention to African American history, Woodson and the ASNLH launched Negro History Week in February 1926. From Britannica 1/11/22. Read more about Carter G. Woodson here.
Photo Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
African American Experience
Developed with the guidance of African American Librarians and subject specialists, The African American Experience (AAE) is a wide ranging and easy-to-use database collection on African American history and culture.
A comprehensive mix of resources, records, and tools specifically pertaining to African American genealogy that can also connect users to a community of research experts, who offer mentoring and research assistance.
43 West Third Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 521-3100
