Long IslandLI Life

Events celebrating Black History Month on Long Island

Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-female,...

Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-female, all-Black unit formed during World War II, in an undated Department of Defense photo. Credit: AP/Department of Defense

By Gina Tabarusgtabarus@newsday.com

Black History Month has its roots in 1926, when the organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (asalh.org) initiated the first "Negro History Week," according to the Library of Congress. In 1975, President Gerald Ford issued a message on the observance of Black History Week, and in 1976, the association expanded the observance to the month of February. Since then, U.S. presidents and Congress have signed proclamations and passed laws, respectively, to continue the annual monthlong observance. This year's theme is "African Americans and the Arts.” Please confirm events before setting out.

ONGOING

STATE PARKS CULTURAL EXHIBIT

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation displays posters and pictures to celebrate Black History Month Feb. 1-29, free, parks.ny.gov. Exhibits on display; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Hempstead Lake State Park Environmental Education and Resiliency Center, 1000 Lake Dr., West Hempstead, 516-766-1029; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center-West End 2, 150 Bay Pkwy., Wantagh, 516-809-8222; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at Jones Beach State Park, Administration Building, 2400 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh, 516-785-1600; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday at Long Island Parks Regional Headquarters lobby, 625 Belmont Ave., West Babylon, 631-321-3510; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Nissequogue River State Park, Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building, Kings Park, 631-269-4927; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at Planting Fields Arboretum Hay Barn Visitor Center, 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay, 516-922-9210; In addition to displays, there will be programs and workshops being offered through Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center and the Long Island State Parks Environmental Education Department, visit jonesbeachenc.org/programs and newsday.com/nysparksbhm for information on dates, times, locations and how to sign up.

BRENTWOOD

ART IN THE STYLE OF BLACK ARTISTS

Receive art supplies and example pieces to recreate your own art in the style of famous Black artists, Feb. 1 to 29, Brentwood Library, 34 2nd Ave., free. Adult library resident cardholders can register at brentwoodnylibrary.org or by calling 631-273-7883 through Feb. 29, kits held for pickup until the end of the month.

BAY SHORE

BLACK CREATIVITY: FAMILY STORIES

Display of artwork by Black artists that explores and shares their worlds of culture, family and expression, on view during business hours Feb. 6 to 27, Islip Arts Council Gallery, South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Hwy., $35, isliparts.org, 631-888-3525.

PATCHOGUE

SCAVENGER HUNT

Obtain the scavenger hunt sheets and a pencil at the librarians’ desk, locate 12 different posters with famous Black Americans that can be found in the children and parents department, and turn in your completed sheet to receive a prize, for all school-age children, held during library hours through Feb. 29, Patchogue-Medford Library, Main Library, 54-60 E. Main St., free, pmlib.org, 631-654-4700.

FEB. 4

BOHEMIA

A VALENTINE’S TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSICIANS

Paige Patterson pays tribute to Bobby Short, Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and others, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Connetquot Library, 760 Ocean Ave., free, connetquotlibrary.org, 631-567-5079.

DIX HILLS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Learn about the contributions of past pioneers and present leaders and their impact on our country, featuring song, dance, poetry and music, presented by The Mothers Club of Wheatley Heights and Concerned Fathers Association, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Half Hollow Hills Community Library, 55 Vanderbilt Pkwy., free. Register at hhhlibrary.org or by calling 631-421-4530.

ELMONT

MARVIN AND THE MAVENS OF MOTOWN

Rhonda Denét & the Silver Fox Songs Trio pay tribute to Marvin Gaye’s musical legacy and the collaborations that shaped the Motown sound, 2 p.m., Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., free. First-come, first-seated, elmontlibrary.org, 516-354-5280. 

FREEPORT

'THE PEOPLE COULD FLY,' AN EXPLORATION OF BLACK AMERICAN FOLKLORE

Jami Jackson Mulgrave shares a musical interpretation of Black American folklore and performs original music, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Rd., free, freeportlibrary.info, 516-379-3274.

GLEN COVE

QUAKERISM AND SLAVERY

An overview of the Quaker faith and the role Quakerism played in the abolition of slavery in America and on Long Island, 2 p.m., North Shore Historical Museum, 140 Glen St., free, northshorehistoricalmuseum.org, 516-801-1191.

NEW HYDE PARK

MOVIE

Screening of the action-adventure “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022, rated PG-13, 2:41), starring Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright and Lupita Nyong’o, about the people of Wakanda who fight to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mourn the death of their king, 1 p.m., Hillside Library, 155 Lakeville Rd., free, hillsidelibrary.info, 516-355-7850. 

SHOREHAM

’20s JAZZ

Anastasia René and her band take you back to the world of speak-easies, dancing, clubs, early blues and jazzy music, with renditions of songs performed by Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and others; wearing flapper dresses, zoot suits and knickerbockers is encouraged; 1:30 p.m., North Shore Library 250 NY-25A, free. Registration is encouraged at northshorelibrary.org, 631-929-4488.

UNIONDALE

ADVOKIDS: BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Discover how Black History Month began and the importance of why it is celebrated, learn about impactful Black artists such as sculptor Edmonia Lewis and create a mini-sculpture, children ages four and older can drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., free with $17 museum admission, licm.org, 516-224-5800. 

MOVIE

Screening of the family movie “Ruby Bridges” (1998, TV-PG, 1:34), starring Chaz Monet and Michael Beach, 1:30 p.m., Uniondale Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free, uniondalelibrary.org, 516- 489-2220.

FEB. 5

BRIDGEHAMPTON

CRAFT AND CHAT

Join others for a light craft and a short movie, for children in grades six to 12, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Hampton Library, 2478 Main St., free, myhamptonlibrary.org, 631-537-0015. 

CENTRAL ISLIP

UNSUNG HEROES: SEGREGATED MILITARY UNITS

Learn about the Triple Nickles, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and other Black American military battalions, 7 to 8 p.m., Central Islip Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free, cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333. 

LAWRENCE

ONLINE: DENZEL WASHINGTON

Discuss the life and career of the award-winning actor, director and producer, 11 a.m., hosted by Peninsula Library, free. Visit peninsulapublic.org for a link, 516-239-3262.

WESTBURY

AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN

Works written by African American authors are read by schoolchildren, with music from Westbury School District students and hospitality provided by members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Pi Pi Omega Chapter, 6 p.m., Westbury Library, 445 Jefferson St., free, westburylibrary.org, 516-333-0176.

FEB. 6

GREAT NECK

ONLINE: BOOK DISCUSSION

Discuss “Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World,” by Christian Cooper, 7 to 8 p.m., hosted by Great Neck Library-Station Branch, free. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for a link, 516-466-8055. 

HOLBROOK

ONLINE: BLACK WHALERS

An educator from the Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor discusses the history behind Black whalers, 6 p.m., hosted by Sachem Library, free. Register for a link at sachemlibrary.org, 631-588-5024.

PORT WASHINGTON

JOSHUA JOHNSON: AMERICAN PAINTER

Museum educator Alice W. Schwarz explores the folk portraits by Joshua Johnson, the earliest known professional Black painter, noon, Port Washington Library, 1 Library Dr., free. Register to attend in-person or online at pwpl.org, 516-883-4400.

UNIONDALE

PAINT AND LEARN

Learn about Aaron Douglas, an accomplished and influential visual artist of the Harlem Renaissance, and create your own painting inspired by his work, 7 p.m., Uniondale Library, 400 Uniondale Ave, free. Register at uniondalelibrary.org, 516- 489-2220. 

FEB. 7

BOHEMIA

FREE BLACK COMMUNITIES IN NEW YORK

Learn more about the contributions and history of New York’s Black communities in the period before the national abolition of slavery, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Connetquot Library, 760 Ocean Ave., free. Resident cardholders can register for a link to view online at connetquotlibrary.org, or watch the presentation on Zoom in-person at the library (no registration necessary), 631-567-5079.

FREEPORT

ONLINE: THE HISTORY OF DOO-WOP

Jo Ann Tufo of Historic Voices explores the doo-wop artists and songs that have influenced generations of performers, 7 to 8 p.m., hosted by Freeport Memorial Library, free. Register for a link at freeportlibrary.info, 516-379-3274.

GREAT NECK

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

Station Reader’s Society book club discusses the novel “Harlem Shuffle,” by Colson Whitehead, about a young Black man trying to get ahead in life in 1960s Harlem, 11-11:45 a.m., Great Neck Library-Station Branch, 26 Great Neck Rd., free. Register at greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055.

World Lit book club discusses the memoir “How to Say Babylon,” by Safiya Sinclair, about her struggle to break free of her rigid Rastafarian upbringing, 7 to 8 p.m., Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Ave., free. Resident cardholders only can register at greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055. 

HOLBROOK

ONLINE: UNSUNG HEROES — AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

Historian and educator Howard Rosenberg discusses how African American women have made invaluable contributions to the long struggle for equality, 7 p.m., hosted by Sachem Library, free. Register for a link at sachemlibrary.org, 631-588-5024. 

LONG BEACH

BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY STORY CRAFTER

Learn a bit about some of America’s most influential people of color, from the Underground Railroad to the Women’s Suffrage movement to the civil rights movement, for children ages 1 to 18, 5 p.m., Long Beach Library, 111 W. Park Ave., free. Registration is encouraged at longbeachlibrary.org, 516-432-7201.

NORTH BELLMORE

HARRY BELAFONTE

Retired video editor Jack Schnur discusses the life and career of the singer, actor and activist, featuring clips of his most famous songs and films, 2 p.m., North Bellmore Library, 1551 Newbridge Rd., free. Resident cardholders can register at northbellmorelibrary.org, 516-785-6260.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE

TEEN CRAFT

Celebrate the artistic achievements of African American creators and make your own work of art, for children ages 13 to 17, 4 p.m., Lakeview Library, 1120 Woodfield Rd., free. Email jdunlop@lakeviewlibrary.org, stop in or call in advance to register to ensure there are enough supplies on hand, lakeviewlibrary.org, 516-536-3071.

SUFFOLK COUNTY

ONLINE: CELEBRATING BLACK JOY

Brenda Simmons of the Southampton African American Museum, and Dr. Georgette Grier-Key of the Eastville Community Historical Society present a celebration of Black history, a Q&A and discussion follows, 7 to 8 p.m., hosted by Amagansett, Hampton, Cutchogue-New Suffolk, East Hampton, Hampton Bays, John Jermain in Sag Harbor, Quogue, Riverhead, Shelter Island, and Westhampton libraries, free, register for a link:

UNIONDALE

BLACK HISTORY BINGO 

Test your knowledge of members of the Black community, 7 p.m., Uniondale Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free. Register at uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

FEB. 8 

GLEN COVE

ONLINE: THE HISTORY OF MOTOWN RECORDS

Using audio and video content, music historian Gary Wenstrup traces the musical journey of Motown Records, including the music of The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5, 2 to 3:30 p.m., hosted by Glen Cove Library, free. Register for a link at glencovelibrary.org, 516-676-2130.

GREAT NECK

LECTURE: TAKING THE A TRAIN

Learn about the history of the Sugar Hill neighborhood in Central Harlem, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Ave., free. First come, first seated, greatnecklibrary.org, 516-466-8055. 

HUNTINGTON

GROUNDBREAKING BLACK COMEDIANS

Celebrate the contributions comedians Godfrey Cambridge, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby and Eddie Murphy brought to the world of comedy, and in their distinctive voices introduced an incomparable style to the world, breaking racially prejudiced barriers, 7 p.m., Huntington Library, 338 Main St., free. Register at myhpl.org, 631-427-5165.

PLAINVIEW

THE OBAMA PORTRAITS

Art professor Thomas Germano discusses the National Portrait Gallery’s portraits of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama by the artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, respectively, learn about the tradition of presidential portraiture and take an in-depth look at works by the two artists, 2 p.m., Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, 999 Old Country Rd., free, poblib.org, 516-938-0077.

UNIONDALE

AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING

Learn the art of African hair braiding, for children in grades six through 12, 6:30 p.m., Uniondale Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free. Register at uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220. 

ONLINE: AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

A genealogist explores the uncommon challenges that trouble African American genealogical research and shares opportunities for optimal research success, 7 p.m., hosted by Uniondale Library, free. Register for a link at uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220.

FEB. 9

CENTRAL ISLIP

MOVIE

Screening of the biographical drama “Glory” (1989, rated R, 2:02) starring Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman, about Robert Gould Shaw, who leads the Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army and the Confederates, 1:30 p.m., Central Islip Library, 33 Hawthorne Ave., free. Register at cilibrary.org, 631-234-9333.

GARDEN CITY

THE R&B SOUNDS OF THE 70s

Blue Magic, Black Ivory and The Legendary Blue Notes perform their R&B classic hits, including “If You Don’t Know Me by Now,” “Don’t Turn Around,” “Sideshow” and more, 8 p.m., Adelphi University, 1 South Ave., $45-$50. Register for tickets at adelphi.edu/events, 800-877-4000. 

GREAT NECK

JOINING VOICES

Musical program to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring the Shireinu Choir of Long Island and Voices of Victory, with guest speaker storyteller Dana Arschin, 7:30 p.m., Temple Beth-El, 5 Old Mill Rd., $25. Reserve tickets at hmtcli.org, 516-655-8834. 

MIDDLE ISLAND

ONLINE: DIVERSITY IN FILM AND ENTERTAINMENT

Learn the important history, role and influence of diverse filmmakers, storytellers and performers in film, including Spike Lee, Jordan Peel, Sidney Poitier, Ava DuVernay and more. Learn how they used their unique backgrounds, style and voice to make groundbreaking contributions to the film or entertainment industry, 7 to 8:30 p.m., hosted by Longwood Library, free. Register for a link at longwoodlibrary.org 631-924-6400.

NEW HYDE PARK

MOVIE

Screening of the biographical romantic drama “Loving” (2016, PG-13, 2:03) starring Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton, about Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple whose arrest for interracial marriage in 1960s Virginia ended with the Supreme Court’s historic 1967 decision, 1 p.m., Hillside Public Library, 155 Lakeville Rd., free. Register at hillsidelibrary.info, 516-355-7850.

PORT WASHINGTON

SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRE

Learn about the life of Madam C.J. Walker, who pioneered her own brand of cosmetics and hair care products for African American women and is recognized as one of the first female self-made millionaires in America, noon, Port Washington, 1 Library Dr., free. Register at pwpl.org, 516-883-4400.

SELDEN

CONCERT

The Sugar and Spice Soul Band performs music by Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, The Temptations and more, open to patrons ages 14 and older, 2 p.m., Middle Country Library, 575 Middle Country Rd., free. Library cardholders can register at mcplibrary.org, 631-585-9393.

UNIONDALE

CONCERT: HARLEM CULTURAL FESTIVAL RECREATED

Jerome “City” Smith and the City Sounds Music Ensemble perform music from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, 2 to 3 p.m., Uniondale Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., free, uniondalelibrary.org, 516-489-2220. 

FEB. 10

AMAGANSETT

EXPLORING AFRICAN AMERICAN ANCESTRY

Discover the nuances of African American genealogy research, learn about important genealogical sources and the impact of slavery on historical records, 1 to 2 p.m., Amagansett Library, 215 Main St., free. Register at amagansettlibrary.org, 631-267-3810.

COPIAGUE

HOW A BASEBALL TEAM BROKE RACIAL BARRIERS

Author and history instructor Christopher Verga discusses the Cuban Giants, the first established Black League that produced players such as Solomon “Sol” White, 3 to 4 p.m., Copiague Memorial Library, 50 Deauville Blvd., free. Register at copiaguelibrary.org, 631-691-1111.

ELMONT

ROMARE BEARDEN’S HARLEM JAZZ

Napoleon Revels-Bey and his band perform music inspired by the jazz traditions of America, 2 p.m., Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., free. First-come, first-seated, elmontlibrary.org, 516-354-5280.

HUNTINGTON

MOVIE

Screening of the drama “Daughters of the Dust,” (1991, rated TV-PG, 1:53) directed by Julie Dash, starring Cora Lee Day, Alva Rogers and Barbarao, 7 p.m., Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., $16. Reserve tickets at cinemaartscentre.org, 631-423-7610.

CULT CAFE MOVIE

Screening of the movie “Shaft,” (1971, rated R, 1:40), starring Richard Roundtree, about a crime lord who hires black private eye John Shaft to find and retrieve his kidnapped daughter, 9:30 p.m., Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue, $16. Reserve tickets at cinemaartscentre.org, 631-423-7610.

RIVERHEAD

GENERATIONS CONCERT

An intergenerational music, poetry, dance and spoken-word performance that celebrates milestones in Black history, 2 p.m., Riverhead Library, 330 Court St., free. Register at riverheadlibrary.org, 631-727-3228.

SETAUKET

LECTURE: 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, including Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson and George Shirley, an aria performance follows, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., free. Resident cardholders can register at emmaclark.org, 631-941-4080.

WEST BABYLON

CONCERT: PURE JOY

Paige Patterson presents a Valentine’s Day homage to Black History, 2 to 4 p.m., West Babylon Library, 211 Rte. 109, free. Register at wbab.suffolk.lib.ny.us, 631-669-5445.

FEB. 11

BALDWIN

MUSIC PERFORMANCE: COTTON, THE DREAM AND HOPE OF THE SLAVE 

Tanisha Mitchell performs a three-act show that crafts the words of slaves through themes matched with slave narratives and spirituals, 2 to 4 p.m., Baldwin Library, 2385 Grand Ave., free. Tickets are required and available at the library reference desk, baldwinpl.org, 516-223-6228.

PATCHOGUE

CONCERT: SOUL WOMAN 

A tribute to some of the great women who influenced soul music, from Diana Ross to Gladys Knight, Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer and more, 2 to 4 p.m., Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., free. Register at pmlib.org, 631-654-4700.

WESTBURY

ART EXHIBITION AND OPENING RECEPTION

Opening reception for “Fifty-Five Years of Black Creativity,” an exhibit by members of the Long Island Black Artist Association (on display through March 22), opening reception is 2 to 4 p.m., Westbury Arts, 255 Schenck Ave., free. Register at westburyarts.org, 516-400-2787. 

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

Gina Tabarus
By Gina Tabarus

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