Black History Month Events

Whose Streets? A Film Screening for Black History Month Tuesday, February 5, 6:00 PM Hubbard Room.
Whose Streets? (2017) is an unflinching look at how the killing of 18-year-old Mike Brown inspired a community to fight back, and sparked a global movement. The film has been nominated for Critics' Choice and Gotham Independent Film awards. Run time: 1 hour 43 minutes. MPAA. rating is R.

This program is open to all ages. Drop in; no registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library and the Teen Leadership Institute of the North End Action Team.

Racial Justice Book Group: The Cooking Gene by Michael Twitty Tuesday, February 5, 6:00 PM Meeting Room 2.
Michael Twitty relates his ancestral culinary history, revealing a truth that is more than skin deep—that food has the power to bring the kin of the formerly enslaved to a common table with the kin of their former slaveholders, where they can discover the real America together. The Racial Justice Book Group is offered in partnership with the Middletown Racial Justice Community. Drop in; no registration required.

Film Discussion: I Know A Man...Ashley Bryan Wednesday February 6th 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Hubbard Room
Film 'I Know A Man...Ashley Bryan is the story of a 94 year old artist who skips and jumps in his heart like a child, yet is a spiritually deep creative wonder and poet illustrator of more than 50 children's books. He is a maker of magical puppets and sea glass windows from found objects inspired by his African heritage.

Ashley was drafted out of Cooper Union into the segregated US Army at age 19. In response to the darkness of war and racism, he has been using art to celebrate joy, explore the mysteries of faith, and create loving community. His life story and the art he makes from this wellspring of experience is an inspiration to people of all ages.

Ashley is a winner of the New York Public Library Literary Lions, a Newbery Honor, and several Corretta Scott King Book Awards among many others. Film by Richard Kane and Robert Shetterly. NR Running time 56 minutes.

Film Showing: Veterans of Color Thursday, February 28, 6:30 PM Hubbard Room
African Americans served in some of the bloodiest combat missions in American history, then faced even fiercer battles when they returned home to encounter housing and job discrimination, racial hatred, and other hardships. In the film, Veterans speak directly about their experiences. Not rated; running time 60 minutes. See a trailer and learn more below:

Drop in; no registration required. All members of the community are welcome. Sponsored and hosted by the Russell Library Veterans' Writing Group, We Were There.