Long Island Black History Month events

The first iteration of Black History Month was organized in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, the son of formerly enslaved people and the second Black person to earn a doctorate from Harvard University. It was initially held as “Negro History Week” and scheduled to coincide with the birthdays of former President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (about Feb. 14), according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The initiative became Black History Month in February 1976.

Events will be held across Long Island this week to mark the occasion. Please confirm events before attending.

ONGOING

BRIGHTWATERS

DISPLAY: FRANCES BELL

An exhibit features books, photos and art from Bay Shore resident and library board trustee elder Frances Bell, on display during library hours through Feb. 28, Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Rd., free, bsbwlibrary.org, 631-665-4350.

FREEPORT

ART ALCOVE: MARCIA ODLE-MCNAIR

Art display highlighting the creations of artist, author and educator Marcia Odle-McNair offers a modern approach on the interaction of color, nature and geometry in an abstract manner. Influenced and inspired by African American contemporary artists, her work presents a unique blend of artistic expression; on display during operating hours through Feb. 28, Freeport Recreation Center, 130 E. Merrick Rd., free, liacf.org, 516-223-2522.

GREAT NECK

SCAVENGER HUNT: INVENTORS

Look for cool and unique inventions hidden around the children’s room that were designed by Black inventors; children in kindergarten through grade 6 and families can participate during library hours, through Feb. 28, Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Ave., free, greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055.

GREENPORT

MLK PORTRAIT PROJECT

East End Arts presents large-scale mosaic portraits of prominent figures in the civil rights movement created by Long Island high school students; on display during library hours, through March 29, Floyd Memorial Library, 539 First St., free, floydmemoriallibrary.org, 631-477-0660.

NEW HYDE PARK

SCAVENGER HUNT: HISTORY

Learn about the accomplishments and impact of Black people in the history of the United States through a scavenger hunt; all children through grade 6 can participate during library hours, through Feb. 28, Great Neck Library, Parkville Branch, 10 Campbell St., free, greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055.

WESTBURY

ART EXHIBITION: MILITARY

Showcasing “Blacks in the Military,” a tribute to Black veterans with a special recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen, on display noon-4 p.m. Thursdays; 2-6 p.m. Fridays; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, through Feb. 28, Westbury Arts, 255 Schenck Ave, free, westburyarts.org, 516-400-2787.

FEB. 8

GLEN COVE

CONCERT: FROM JAZZ TO SOUL

Rhonda Denét performs a musical tribute to legendary Black male artists, including Duke Ellington, Sam Cooke, Nat “King” Cole, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and more, 2 p.m., Glen Cove Public Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., free, register, glencovelibrary.org, 516-676-2130.

HEMPSTEAD

STEP AFRIKA:
A DANCE EXPERIENCE

An educational dance performance that offers an introduction to the art of stepping and shines a spotlight on the historical and cultural importance of the rhythmic dance form, whose origins are deeply rooted in African American culture dating to the early 1900s, 3:30 p.m., John Cranford Adams Playhouse at Hofstra University, South Campus, 118 Hempstead Tpke., free, reserve, news.hofstra.edu/event/step-afrika-101, 516-463-6644, 516-463-5669.

JAMESPORT

THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE

Soprano Taylor Burgess presents a tribute to the legendary poets and writers of the 20th century Harlem Renaissance, featuring accompaniment by pianist Eunha So, 5 p.m., Jamesport Meeting House, 1590 Main Rd., $20, tickets available online,
jamesportmeetinghouse.org, 631-722-5170.

SELDEN

CONCERT

Cody Childs & His Trio perform songs from the genres of jazz and soul from the 1950s to the 1970s, 2 p.m., Middle Country Public Library, Selden Building, 575 Middle Country Rd., free, register, mcplibrary.org, 631-585-9393.

UNIONDALE

CONCERT

The Westbury Jazz Ensemble performs the music of prominent Black composers, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Quincy Jones, 2 p.m., Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free, uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.
  

FEB. 9

LAWRENCE

ONLINE: BLACK ARTISTS

Explore the work of Black-Jewish and Black-Italian painters, sculptors and multimedia artists from across the United States, including Ayeola Omolara Kaplan and Jem Perucchini, 11 a.m.-noon, hosted by Peninsula Public Library, free, visit peninsulapublic.org for a link, 516-239-3262.

FEB. 10

CENTRAL ISLIP

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT: SHARE YOUR STORY

Central Islip residents are invited to share personal experiences, memories and reflections related to Black culture, community and history. Stories will be recorded to be featured throughout Black History Month on the library’s social media platforms, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Central Islip Public Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free, register, cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333.

FREEPORT

AFRICAN HISTORY IN AMERICA

Explore the positive impact African Americans have had on the social, political and cultural landscape of the United States throughout history, 7-8 p.m., Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Rd., free, freeportlibrary.info, 516-379-3274.

PORT WASHINGTON

ART EXPLORERS

Learn about artist Alma Thomas and make artwork inspired by her, for children in grades two to six, 4 p.m. Port Washington Library, 1 Library Dr., free, pwpl.org, 516-883-4400.

UNIONDALE

ADINKRA STAMPING

Learn the ancient African art of stamping cloth or paper with genuine Asante Adinkra stamps, and create your own hand-stamped art to take home, 4:30-5:30 p.m. for children in grades 6 to 12; 6:30-7:30 p.m. for those older than 18, Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., $3.25, register, uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

WEST ISLIP

MAKE SOME NOISE

Learn how African American whalers led to today’s jazz and hip-hop and create your own sistrum percussive instrument using shells, 4:15-5:15 p.m. for children in grades one through three; 5:45-6:45 p.m. for grades four through six, West Islip Public Library, 3 Higbie Lane, free, register, westisliplibrary.org, 631-661-7080.

FEB. 11

ALBERTSON

ONLINE: TANNER’S ‘THE THANKFUL POOR’

A museum educator presents an in-depth exploration of “The Thankful Poor,” a painting by African American artist Henry Ossawa Tanner, 11 a.m.-noon, hosted by Shelter Rock Public Library, free, visit srpl.org for a link, 516-248-7363.

BRIGHTWATERS

MOVIE

Screening of the biographical drama “Loving,” (2016, PG-13, 2:03) about how a couple’s arrest for interracial marriage in 1960s Virginia sparked a legal battle that resulted in the landmark 1967 Supreme Court ruling, starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 S. Country Rd., free, bsbwlibrary.org, 631-665-4350.

FRANKLIN SQUARE

UNSUNG HEROES OF BASEBALL

Learn about the unsung Black heroes of baseball, including the first African American major league player Moses Fleetwood Walker, social justice advocate and Negro League player Octavius Valentine Catto and others, 7-8 p.m., Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Rd., free, register, fslibrary.org, 516-488-3444.

NEW HYDE PARK

STORYCRAFT

Read a story to celebrate Black History Month, then make a craft, for children in kindergarten to grades five with accompanying adult, 4-4:45 p.m., Great Neck Library, Parkville Branch, 10 Campbell St., free, greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055.

NORTH SHORE CONSORTIUM LIBRARIES

ONLINE: THE HARLEM ART EXPLOSION

Explore the work of Harlem Renaissance artists William H. Johnson, Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence, each of whom focused their art on African American culture and daily life in Harlem, 2-3 p.m., hosted by Bayville, Glen Cove, Gold Coast, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff libraries, free, register for a link:

Bayville Free Library, bayvillefreelibrary.org, 516-628-2765.

Glen Cove Public Library, glencovelibrary.org, 516-676-2130.

Gold Coast Public Library, goldcoastlibrary.org, 516-759-8300.

Sea Cliff Village Library, free, seaclifflibrary.org, 516-671-4290.

Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library, oysterbaylibrary.org, 516-922-1212.

PATCHOGUE

MOVIE

Screening of “Fences,” (2016, PG-13, 2:18) about former baseball player Troy Maxson as he fights to provide for those he loves in a world that threatens to push him down, starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, 1 p.m., Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., free, pmlib.org, 631-654-4700.

LECTURE: LINCOLN’S WAR FOR FREEDOM

Explore the legal and political struggle to abolish slavery, focusing on Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and postwar constitutional changes, 6:30 p.m., Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., free, register to attend in-person or online, pmlib.org, 631-654-4700.

SAG HARBOR

AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN

Readings of short excerpts from literature by African American writers, 5:30-7 p.m., John Jermain Memorial Library, 201 Main St., free, register, johnjermain.org, 631-725-0049.

FEB. 12

BALDWIN

ONLINE: OPERA IN EBONY

Tanisha Mitchell pays tribute to legendary African American singers who performed at such prestigious venues as the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala and the Royal Opera House, and featuring sound clips of Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, Paul Robeson and George Shirley, 7-8 p.m., hosted by Baldwin Public Library, free, register for a link, baldwinpl.org, 516-223-6228.

BRENTWOOD

UNSUNG HEROES: SEGREGATED MILITARY UNITS

Learn about the “Six Triple Eight,” the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and other Black American military battalions, 7-8 p.m., Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., free, brentwoodnylibrary.org, 631-273-7883.

CENTRAL ISLIP

BLACK HISTORY READ-IN

Share readings from your favorite works that honor African American history, culture and creativity, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Central Islip Public Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free, register, cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333.

DIX HILLS

INVISIBLE PATRIOTS: CODEBREAKERS AND SPIES

Learn about African Americans who have served as codebreakers, spies, analysts and officers from the Revolution to today, 2-3:15 p.m., Half Hollow Hills Community Library, Dix Hills Branch, 55 Vanderbilt Pkwy., free, register, a library card is required, hhhlibrary.org, 631-421-4530.

GREAT NECK

FREEDOM RIDERS AND GREAT NECK

Learn about the Freedom Riders movement and its connection to Great Neck, 2-3 p.m., Great Neck Library, Main Building, 159 Bayview Ave., free, greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055.

HUNTINGTON STATION

THE POWER OF US

Cultural entertainment, speakers, vendors and a light dinner to honor Black history and the strength of community, doors open at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m., Walt Whitman High School, 301 West Hills Rd., free, huntingtonny .gov, 631-446-3702.

LOCUST VALLEY

HISTORY OF BLACK GUITARISTS

Explore the history of Black American guitarists throughout history and across many genres who inspired appreciation for music, from Elizabeth Cotten to Prince, 6-7 p.m., Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Rd., free, register, locustvalleylibrary.org, 516-671-1837.

VINYL COLLECTORS CLUB: BLACK HISTORY

Bring a record to share featuring Black voices and musicians, 7-8:30 p.m., Long Beach Public Library, West End Branch, 903 W. Beech St., free, register, longbeachlibrary.org, 516-432-2704.

MIDDLE ISLAND

AFRICAN AMERICAN FOODS IN EARLY NEW YORK

Learn the culinary history of African Americans in the metropolitan area, the stories behind the foods and customs, explore the day-to-day life of early African American New Yorkers, with special attention to the recipes and ingredients of the time and the legacies they left behind, 6:30-8 p.m., Longwood Public Library, 800 Middle Country Rd., free, register, longwoodlibrary.org, 631-924-6400.

NASSAU COUNTY LIBRARIES

ONLINE: AUTHOR VISIT

Black feminist philosopher and professor Lindsey Stewart discusses her nonfiction book “The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic,” 2 p.m., hosted by Gold Coast and Long Beach libraries, free, register for a link:

Gold Coast Public Library, goldcoastlibrary.org, 516-759-8300.

Long Beach Public Library, longbeachlibrary.org, 516-432-7201.

OCEANSIDE

LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND THE JAZZ AGE

Learn about the life and music of jazz musician Louis Armstrong, 2-3 p.m., Oceanside Library, 30 Davidson Ave., free, oceansidelibrary.com, 516-766-2360.

SUFFOLK COUNTY LIBRARIES

ONLINE: AUTHOR VISIT

Black feminist philosopher and professor Lindsey Stewart discusses her nonfiction book “The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic,” 2-3 p.m., hosted by Middle Country, Half Hollow Hills and Hampton Bays libraries, free, register for link:
  

Middle Country Public Library, mcplibrary.org, 631-585-9393.

Half Hollow Hills Community Library, hhhlibrary.org, 631-421-4530.

Hampton Bays Public Library, hamptonbayslibrary.org, 631-728-6241.
FEB. 13

BELLPORT

FROM JAZZ TO SOUL
WITH RHONDA DENÉT

Rhonda Denét pays tribute to trailblazing women who shaped the landscape of jazz and soul, including Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight and others, 7-8:15 p.m., South Country Library, 22 Station Rd., free, register, sctylib.org, 631-286-0818.

CENTRAL ISLIP

DOCUMENTARY

Screening of the film “Harriet Tubman: They Called Her Moses,” (2018, not rated, 46 minutes) featuring interviews, audio recordings and more, noon, Central Islip Public Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free, register, cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333.

GLEN COVE

MOVIE

Screening of “Driving Miss Daisy,” (1989, PG, 1:39) which explores the bond between a Jewish woman and her Black chauffeur in the American South, starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy. The movie won four Academy Awards. The afternoon features a post-film discussion, 1-4 p.m., Glen Cove Public Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., free, register, glencovelibrary.org, 516-676-2130.

HEMPSTEAD

A CENTURY OF
BLACK COMMEMORATIONS

An interactive musical journey through Black history with live djembe drumming, dance and storytelling, 4-5 p.m., Hempstead Public Library, 115 James A. Garner Way, free, hempsteadlibrary.info, 516-481-6990.

LINDENHURST

MOVIE

Screening of “42,” (2013, PG-13, 2:08) a biographical drama about Major League Baseball player Jackie Robinson, starring Chadwick Boseman, for teens ages 13 to 18, 3:30 p.m., Lindenhurst Memorial Library, 1 Lee Ave., free, lindenhurstlibrary.org, 631-957-7755.

NORTHPORT

OPERA TALKS

Tanisha Mitchell discusses the history, music, controversy and cultural impact of George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” as well as performs excerpts, 7-8:45 p.m., Northport-East Northport Public Library, Northport Building, 151 Laurel Ave., free, register, nenpl.org, 631-261-6930.

PORT WASHINGTON

CATO IN THE REVOLUTION

Historian and author Claire Bellerjeau shares her new discoveries about Cato, an enslaved Black man who aided the Patriot spy and tailor Hercules Mulligan during the Revolution, noon-1:30 p.m., Port Washington Public Library, 1 Library Dr., free, register, pwpl.org, 516-883-4400. FEB. 14

PORT WASHINGTON

AUTHOR EVENT: CLAIRE BELLERJEAU

Author Claire Bellerjeau discusses how an enslaved Black woman from Oyster Bay struggled for freedom during the Revolutionary War; copies of her biographies, “Remember Liss” and “Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution,” will be available for purchase and signing, noon-1:30 p.m., Port Washington Public Library, 1 Library Dr., free, pwpl.org, 516-883-4400.

FEB. 15

KINGS PARK

THE ART OF BASQUIAT

Learn about the life and artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat and how to apply his style and motifs into your own painting, for adults and children ages 8 and older, 10:30 a.m., Nissequogue River State Park, Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building, 799 St. Johnland Rd., $4, register, parks.ny.gov, 631-269-4927.

MEDFORD

DRUM CIRCLE CELEBRATION

Explore West African culture through drumming rhythms and dance, audience participation encouraged, 2-3 p.m., Patchogue-Medford Library, Medford Branch, 2151 Horseblock Rd., free, pmlib.org, 631-654-4700.

UNIONDALE

ADVOKIDS: LI’S BLACK WHALERS

Learn about the impact Black whalers like Pyrrhus Concer had on Long Island and create a whale to take home, drop in between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to participate, Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave.; free with admission of $18, $16 ages 65 and older, licm.org, 516-224-5800.

Compiled by Gina Tabarus with Sabrina Monroe, LaToya Rodriguez
and Daniel Variano

By Gina Tabarus

gtabarus@newsday.com