Black History Month

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the achievements by African Americans and a time to honor the central role of black Americans throughout history and in the present day. 

During June, we will also feature Juneteenth events to honor and showcase Freedom Day events and activities happening in our libraries and the surrounding area. 

All Madison Public Libraries will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 2024 in honor of Juneteenth. READ MORE about how to access library resources while our physical locations are closed.

Events, Displays and Activities

Juneteenth or Related Events in the library

American Fiction Screenings

American Fiction is Cord Jefferson's hilarious directorial debut, which confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish “Black” book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.

Rated R | 116 minutes | Comedy/Drama

Juneteenth Film Screening and Discussion of Princess and the Frog

Saturday, June 22, 2-4:30pm | Lakeview Library

Join us for a Juneteenth film screening of The Princess and the Frog (2009), with a discussion to follow. Presented in partnership with Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church. A prince is transformed into a frog and accidentally curses a beautiful princess with an amphibian form as well when he kisses her in an attempt to break the spell. The two then go a wild journey through the bayous of Louisiana in hopes of finding a voodoo priestess who may be able to restore their true forms.

Rating: G | Musical | 97 minutes

Summer Festival of Poetry featuring Natasha Oladokun

Saturday, June 29, 1-4pm | Sequoya Library

Featured poet Natasha Oladokun writes on a number of topics, but especially poignantly on issues of race in America. Oladokun will be joined by Maliha Nu'Man, Madison's Youth Poet Laureate and other readers from the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets for this celebration of poetry. See the full list of readers by clicking the event listing above. 

Juneteenth or Related Events in the Greater Madison Community*

Juneteenth in the Park

June 15, 12pm-6pm | Penn Park (Penn Park, 2101 Fisher St) 

The library is thrilled to be included in the Kujichagulia Center for Self-Determination's Juneteenth In the Park celebration again this year.  Library staff will be at Penn Park (2101 FIsher St) on Saturday, June 15 from noon-4pm, right after the Juneteenth parade.  

Unveiling Juneteenth Tour

June 19, 4-5pm | Chazen Museum of Art

Join us on Wednesday, June 19th for a special guided tour at the Chazen Museum of Art, commemorating Juneteenth. Explore poignant artworks that celebrate African American culture, history, and resilience, as we reflect on the significance of this momentous day in American history. Tours last up to 1 hour and promote conversation and close looking as you explore works of art. Visit their website to register.

Sun Prairie Juneteenth

June 19, 4-7pm | Wetmore Park [555 North St, Sun Prairie]

Event will feature Juneteenth educational activities/speakers, performances, a resource fair, and family activities including athletic activities. Madison Public Library's Dream Bus will be in attendance to register people for library cards and check out books.

*this is not a complete list.  Please also check event calendars for Madison365, UMOJA, Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, and UW-Madison

 

Books & Resources

Other Local Resources for Black History