How to Get the Most Out of Your Library’s Resources During Black History Month
Nothing beats free, and having a library card gives you free access to thousands of educational resources. A library card also opens up unique and diverse events that expand your horizons. During Black History Month, libraries are essential in making sure Black stories are heard.
"We are living through a time where people are contesting books on Rosa Parks and not just in Florida. Still trying to bury history as we unearth and learn new things," said Reggie Blanding, who is the head of Newark Public Library's James Brown African American Room. "Dehumanizing portrayals of Black life find its way into newscasts and algorithms. Highlighting these Black voices and stories feels like resistance in this sense."
Throughout New Jersey, libraries are showcasing Black authors, artists, storytellers and more - in person and virtually. Many of these events feature local New Jerseyans who have created history or are in the middle of creating history.
"For me, there is still that sense of ongoing discovery that connects us to these monumental Black history events we may have learned about in high school but may not have connected to New Jersey," Blanding said. "I'm thinking of Noelle Lorraine Williams' work around the Underground Railroad here in New Jersey and even the ongoing research being done now in South Jersey around Martin Luther King's time in Camden. These are just two examples that localize and connect us to these greater moments in Black History. It reminds us or lets us know that we are part of this story, too."
If you are an educator that is rounding out your Black History Month curriculum, the following online resources and in-person events offer great inspiration.
Free online resources
Did you know you don’t have to go to a physical library location to access diverse and engaging materials? Digital apps have revolutionized how we interact with libraries, giving users access to thousands of titles wherever. Using the code associated with your library card, websites like Hoopla, Libby and more provide users with streaming content, digital books and more.
Through Hoopla, library cardholders receive digital access to audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines and music. Content syncs across all devices, streamlining content accessibility.
Hosted by OneDrive, Libby allows users to read digital books across devices, has offline access, streams audiobooks across platforms and has hundreds of thousands of titles available.
Stream critically acclaimed films and documentaries through Kanopy, which offers thousands of titles across various eras and genres.
Stream your favorite music without a paid subscription plan. Freegal offers library cardholders thousands of well-known musicians from today and yesterday. Browse by genre or hit ‘play’ on one of Freegal’s playlists.
Musicians to explore
Music is one of humanity’s earliest forms of storytelling, and Black artists have contributed to the foundation of many musical genres.
Sam Cooke
Famously named “The King of Soul,” Sam Cooke was also central to the civil rights movement. In seven years, Cooke boasted 30 top 40 hits and owned his own record company. His most well-known song, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” has become an iconic protest piece.
Billie Holiday
When Billie Holiday adapted Abel Meeropol’s poem “Strange Fruit” into song, she created one of the most powerful pieces of protest music ever. The song, which details the lynchings ravaging Southern Black Americans, compares lynched bodies to “strange fruit hanging from the polar trees.”
Robert Johnson
Many people famously confuse Chuck Berry as the founder of rock and roll, which erases Robert Johnson’s contributions to rock music. To many music devotees, the first rock star was Johnson - who, as legend says, sold his soul to the devil to master the guitar, thus founding the Delta Blues genre.
Elizabeth Cotten
Folk singer/songwriter and self-taught guitarist Elizabeth Cotton has her own guitar style: “Cotten Picking.” Born left-handed, Cotten played a right-handed guitar, forcing her to play the guitar upside down. She had a quiet music career - even putting down the guitar for a bit - until she was in her 60s. She was introduced to folk singer Mike Seeger, who revitalized her career, making her an inspiration to famous folk artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Aretha Franklin
There is a reason Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul. Her performances at her Detroit church got her a recording deal at 18 years old. Inspired by Sam Cooke’s career, Franklin rose to fame in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, leaning into her gospel background. Franklin is a lifetime women’s and civil rights activist, at times funding payroll for civil rights organizations.
Movies to explore
Through these films, Black perspectives are centered, creating educational and emotionally charged viewing experiences.
Judas and the Black Messiah
In this 2021 film, Daniel Kaluuya portrays the tragic civil rights leader Fred Hampton, who was assassinated while sleeping next to his pregnant partner. The raid was organized by the office of Cook County State's Attorney Edward Hanrahan. For his portrayal of Hampton, Kaluuya received an Academy Award in 2021 - his first win and second nomination.
One Night in Miami
Regina King’s directorial debut imagines what would happen if four Black legends spent a night together in Miami. Malcolm X, Cassius Clay (aka Muhammad Ali), Jim Brown and Sam Cooke gather and discuss what their community needs, providing various perspectives from their individual backgrounds.
Pariah
Pariah shows what life looks like from the perspective of being Black and lesbian. Alike, who is 17, is grappling with identity. She knows who she is, but her parents are not as accepting. Pariah is a great showcase of what it is like to be a teen facing the intersectionality of being Black and queer.
Lady Sings the Blues
In this 1972 film, Diana Ross steps into Billie Holiday’s shoes, portraying the iconic singer, including all her success and challenges.
Talk to Me
What happens when an ex-con becomes a popular talk show host? Ralph “Petey” Greene happens. Talk to Me chronicles the story of Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr., who became a radio icon in Washington D.C. thanks to his unconventional way of broadcasting.
Books to explore
Books open up new worlds to students, and these books are great options to explore Black history, culture and more.
Early elementary
Before She Was Harriet
Learn about the life of Harriet Tubman before she became the historical figure we know today.
Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress
Shirley Chisholm broke barriers for many Black women in politics. In 1968, she became the first Black woman in Congress and in 1972, she was the first Black candidate from a major party to run for President of the United States of America.
Sprouting Wings
Get to know James Herman Banning, the first Black pilot to fly across the United States. The journey spanned 3,300 miles and took 21 days.
Upper elementary
Remember: The Journey to School Integration
Toni Morrison’s collection of pictures and narratives helps students understand what education was like during the era of “separate but equal.”
Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly
Get to know the importance of Malcolm X to the civil rights movement in this illustrated children’s book.
Up from the Ashes
This book helps children understand what happens to at-risk families when communities are destroyed and rebuilt and uses the 1921 Tulsa race riots as a core example.
Middle school
The Mighty Miss Malone
Set during The Great Depression, The Mighty Miss Malone follows Deza and her family, and the journey they take to survive the Depression and discrimination.
Sugar
Sugar chronicles what it is like to grow up on a plantation during the Reconstruction Era, giving students a better look at this delicate era in history.
One Crazy Summer
The Newbery Award Winning One Crazy Summer follows an 11-year-old girl who is a mother figure to her two younger siblings after the children’s mother left the family for a life in California.
High school
Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage
Many paths to freedom led former slaves to Native American villages, creating a community between two communities hurt by white supremacy in the United States.
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
The Negro Baseball League was founded in 1921 and dissolved when Jackie Robinson transitioned to the major leagues in 1947. This book chronicles those two and a half decades.
March Forward, Girl
Melba Pattillo Beals was part of the Little Rock Nine: the first nine Black teens enrolled at Little Rock Central High School in 1957. March Forward, Girl showcases Melba Pattillo Beals’ life before she made history.
In-person events at New Jersey Libraries
6th Black History Month Film Series
Englewood Public Library
Every Thursday in February at 2 p.m.
Free
Englewood Public Library is showcasing films centering Black stories every Thursday in February. This year’s lineup includes Respect, Judas & The Black Messiah, Ray and Round Midnight.
The Black Photographers: Our Image in Our Hand
Newark Public Library
Exhibit runs February 2 through April 30
Reception February 2 at 6 p.m.
In honor of Black History Month, Newark Public Library has four programs that focus on the work of Black photographers. Opening February 2 is Capturing the Moment: The Jazz Photos of Bill May. The exhibit, which features photography from New Jersey photographer Bill May, runs through April 30.
"Black photographers offer what may be the most accessible window into our history and present to counter what can often be limited depictions of Black life in cities like Newark or Chicago," Blanding said. "In the case of New Jersey's Black photographers, we wanted to bring together a diverse collective whose work speak to the richness of Black life in New Jersey."
To date, Bill has more than 500 photographs and he is currently working on a book series. His photography will be on display at Newark Public Library through April 30.
American Historical Theatre: James Forten
Ocean County Library - Toms River Branch
February 4, 2 p.m.
Free
Throughout February, Ocean County Library is hosting the American Historical Theatre, which will put on recreations of notable civil rights figures. On Feb. 2, James Forten - the Philadelphia businessman and abolitionist who worked to achieve Congressional equity - will be portrayed by Keith Henley.
LEGO Club
Maplewood Library - Hilton Branch
February 6, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Free
At this special event, attendees learn about famous Black architects.
Who was/is… Book Club
Cranford Public Library
February 9, 6-7 p.m.
Free
Cranford Public Library is celebrating Black History Month by offering a book club to students in third through fifth grades. Book club choices feature famous figures like Coretta Scott King, Nelson Mandela, Michelle Obama and more.
BBcontes: West African Music & Stories for Kids & Families
Maplewood Memorial Library
February 11, noon - 1:30 p.m.
Free
Celebrate Black History Month with this family friendly event, which features West African stories in French, music and dancing.
American Historical Theatre: Abraham Lincoln
Ocean County Library - Barnegat Branch
February 15, 2 p.m.
Free
Throughout February, Ocean County Library is hosting the American Historical Theatre, which will put on recreations of notable civil rights figures. On Feb. 15, Bob Gleason will portray Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president who famously abolished slavery.
Pajama Storytime
Maplewood Library - Hilton Branch
February 21, 6:45 - 7:15 p.m.
Free
Children ages 3-7 are invited to an evening of bedtime stories that spotlight Black authors.
Black History Month Teen Hangout
Montclair Public Library - Main Library
February 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Free
This event for adolescents includes Black History Month trivia, snacks and a dance party at the end.
Swahili Storytime: Black History Month Edition
Montclair Public Library - Main Library
February 22, 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Learn Swahili words and phrases with Sabina Wasonga-Gitau, a storyteller and native Swahili speaker.
Answering the Call: Artists of the Harlem Renaissance
South Plainfield Public Library
February 22, 7 p.m.
Free
Art historian Jeff Mishur of Art Excursions, Inc. provides a Zoom presentation full of painting, sculpture and photography from extraordinary Black artists from Harlem who answered a call from Howard Professor Alain Locke.
4th Annual African American Read-In
Piscataway Public Library
February 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Free
Celebrate Black history through storytelling. Bring a book to share or listen to other participants’ stories.
A Look at Black History Through Jazz
Woodbridge Main Library
February 28, 7 p.m.
Free
Sandford Josephson, author and editor of the Jersey Jazz magazine, looks back at jazz history and how Black artists founded and breathed life into the music genre.
Designing Restorative and Transformative Justice Spaces
Maplewood Library - Hilton Branch
February 28, 7 - 8 p.m.
Free
At this event, Dr. Juan A. Rios addresses the need for restorative and transformative justice spaces, as well as how New Jersey has utilized healing circles as a tool for violence interruption.
American Historical Theatre: Madam CJ Walker
Ocean County Library - Jackson Branch
February 28, 6:30 p.m.
Free
Throughout February, Ocean County Library is hosting the American Historical Theatre, which will put on recreations of notable civil rights figures. On Feb. 28, Dr. Daisy Century portrays Madam CJ Walker, who was America’s first female self-made millionaire.
Portraits: A Black History Presentation
Bloomfield Public Library
March 4, 2 p.m.
$20
“Portraits” is a stage reading from members of Visions The Performing Arts Center that celebrates leaders past and present.
If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.
Heather Ngoma has over 25 years of experience collaborating with educators across New Jersey to drive education innovation. She currently serves as the Director of the Rutgers-GSE Alternate Route Program in the Department of Learning and Teaching, a program which helps career changers, recent college graduates, and other aspiring education professionals become licensed teachers in New Jersey. Follow her on Twitter @heatherngoma.
