DeKalb County Public Library celebrates Black History Month with free exhibits, events, performances

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Throughout February, DeKalb County Public Library will showcase African-American performances, visual arts and culture to celebrate Black History Month. Programs will be hosted at many of the library’s locations.

“As the library, we are committed to celebrating Black history all year round, and for Black History Month we are placing a spotlight on the arts and reading with a selection of special programs,” said Alison Weissinger, director, DeKalb County Public Library. “We invite everyone to come to the library or enjoy a virtual program from home.”

Programs and activities will feature musicians, performers, artists, authors and more, along with crafts, films, virtual programs and educational sessions for people of all ages. Program highlights include:

• African Beats: Titilayo Dance Company on Saturday, Feb. 11, 1-1:45 p.m., Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. Celebrate West African culture and heritage through the rhythmic performance of drums, songs, stories and dance.
• Breaking Ground on Saturday, Feb 18, 11 a.m.- noon, Northlake-Barbara Loar Library. Breaking Ground is a one-man family show presented by Jerry G. White that incorporates theater, music, percussion and singing into a vibrant, interactive and educational performance about five African-American men who had to break down barriers to achieve greatness.
•   Bo Legs: Marvin Arrington, Sr., An Atlanta Story on Saturday, Febr. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at South DeKalb Senior Center, 1931 Candler Rd., Decatur. DeKalb County Public Library, in partnership with DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, will present a screening of the film, which is about one of Atlanta’s most significant political leaders, yet one of its least recognized. Lunch will be served. Registration required.
• Art Exhibit: The Paintings of Calvin Couther on display through the end of February at Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. Couther’s watercolor and acrylic paintings reflect African-American history, community and hope from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s.

Programs are free and open to the public. Some events require registration. To see the full list of events, program details and registration information, visit DeKalb County Public Library’s events calendar at http://www.dekalblibrary.org/events. Search for “Black History Month” or the name of the program.