Black History Month at Evanston Public Library
Celebrating Black History Month
Celebrate arts and culture this Black History Month with EPL Activities honoring the contributions of Black Americans. Black History Month is a time to step back and more specifically acknowledge and celebrate the centuries of broad and vibrant contributions Black Americans have made to culture, the arts, politics and social justice movements.
Patrons will have the opportunity this month to participate in many events and activities in honor of Black History Month as we pay tribute to those that have made a historical and current impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Attend an event, explore a book list and enjoy the many ways we celebrate the accomplishments of Black individuals in our country.
Programs
More about Black History Month
Antiracist Reads for Kids
Black History Month Movies on Kanopy
Black Health Matters
eBooks: Black poets to celebrate
More about Black History Month
EPL & MENA Present: Middle East and North Africa
Horror & Thriller eBooks by Black Authors
Notable Books on African & African American History
Black Health Matters
Permanent Sculpture
Richard Hunt, Chicago Artist
Perched high upon the facade of our main branch sits a stainless steel sculpture by artist Richard Hunt (American b.1935) titled Bookends. This abstract piece of art represents the evolution of the storage of information in western culture.
Artist Richard Hunt, a Chicago Native and graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, was a prize-winning artist who dedicated over 70 years of his life to making art. Hunt rose above challenges faced by Black artists, holding over 170 exhibitions and being represented in over 100 museums around the world. Hunt would also create over 160 commissioned pieces of art, more than any other artist.
Hunt was a desegregation activist and a visionary, using his experiences to shape his work. Hunt remarked on his art: "Sculpture is not a self-declaration but a voice of and for my people. Over all a rich fabric; under all about the dynamism of the African American people."
Visiting Sculpture
Jean Baptiste Du Sable
Outside of the Main Branch of EPL sits an 8-foot bronze bust of Jean Baptiste Du Sable who is known as the first permanent non-native settler of Chicago. Baptiste was of African descent and settled in Chicago along the Chicago River near Lake Michigan after developing a trade network. It took time for Du Sable to gain the notoriety and credit he deserved. The artist, sculptor and former Evanston resident Erik Blome, feels strongly about creating art that accurately tells the story of Black History.
MLK Day of Service
Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the National Day of Service? If you’re looking for a meaningful community service opportunity to make change and give back, check out the Evanston Public Library.
The day is full of volunteer opportunities, crafts and activities and this year featured a moving re-enactment of a part of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by Rev. Eddie Reeves.
