2 New Exhibits Honor Black, Intersectional Cultural Identities At PGCMLS

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Two new exhibits have opened at the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. The library celebrates and honors Black and intersectional cultural identities year-round with programs, curated collections and educational resources. The two exhibits open this February are “In Freedom’s Name” and “Black and Proud+.”

“In Freedom’s Name”
“In Freedom’s Name” is a touring exhibit that celebrates the military service and sacrifice of Black Marylanders throughout U.S. history. The exhibit opened at the Laurel Branch Library Tuesday and will tour four other branch libraries until July.

Developed by the Maryland Military Historical Society in partnership with Stevenson’ University's Department of Public History & Humanities, the exhibit features 38 panels that include 63 major stories and 245 photographs and images. It explores the stories of Marylanders and Prince Georgians whose courage and service are an inspiration for young people and adults alike. “In Freedom’s Name” was previously displayed at Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture, and public libraries in Anne Arundel, Frederick and Howard counties.

The tour schedule for "In Freedom's Name will be:

• Laurel Branch Library Feb. 22-March 22
• New Carrollton Branch Library March 24-April 26
• South Bowie Branch Library April 28-May 24
• Spauldings Branch Library May 26-June 28
• Oxon Hill Branch Library June 30-July 26

“Black and Proud+”

“Black and Proud+” is a community art exhibit curated by the PGCMLS Black History and Culture Team and LGBTQ+ Team. Opening at the Oxon Hill Branch Library Feb. 28 at 10 a.m., it features work by Black and LGBTQ+ artists who call Prince George’s County and the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area home. Works range from poetry to portraits that celebrate the strength and courage of Black Americans.

The exhibit will be on display at Oxon Hill through March 2022. Featured artists include Ny’Lah Green (student, Suitland High School), Live’N’Tune (artist, Upper Marlboro), MotherPat (artist, Cheverly), Shaymar Higgs (artist, Upper Marlboro), Leigh Marget (artist and former PGCPS educator, Laurel), Jasmine Lee (student, Suitland High School) and Rae Akino (artist, Prince George’s County Native).