Six Special Black History Month Events at Westfield Memorial Library

Throughout the month of February, the Westfield Memorial Library will celebrate Black History Month with six special programs for adults, teens and children. Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements by African Americans and a time to pay tribute to their role in American history. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

Also known as African American History Month, the event traces its history to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans declared the second week of February to be “Negro History Week” as it coincided with the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

On Thursday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m., a new book discussion group called “Courageous Conversations” will be held. The purpose of this group is to bring together Westfield residents to build community across differences, increase awareness of their blind spots, and help align their behavior with intentions.

The first book the group will discuss is The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee.

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER and LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD, The Sum of Us offers a powerful exploration of inequality and the lesson that generations of Americans have failed to learn: Racism has a cost for everyone—not just for people of color.

Group size is limited, so registration is required.

On Wednesday, February 15, the new Teen Book Discussion group will meet between 5:15 and 6:00 p.m. Teens should come prepared to talk about a book they have recently read by an African American author or featuring an African American protagonist.

The book can be fiction or non-fiction (history, biography, memoir), and read in any format. For suggestions, teens can ask a librarian or look at Novelist, a helpful resource available through the library’s website.

While the book discussion is open to all Union County Teens, the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) members must be Westfield residents, and should arrive 15 minutes early, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Teen Zone, and snacks will be served.

An Evening with Judge Victoria Pratt will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. Judge Pratt is recognized nationally and internationally for her commitment to reforming the criminal justice system. She’s been called a pioneer in procedural justice­­ -a simple, proven approach to transforming our court system using the power of dignity and respect. This event is co-sponsored by the Town of Westfield Human Relations Advisory Commission. Registration is required.

Lisa G and cast members of Antioch Baptist Church present Black History’s First Watch Night Service in America on Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. This visual narrative explains the first watch night service in America’s Black history, and how and why the Watch Night service came to be a tradition celebrated by Black Americans in their homes, communities and churches. Registration is required.

On Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library will present a children’s program, “From Africa to Zydeco.” Presented by Sounstage4kids, this lively program features roots music from Africa to Louisiana. This fun family event can be a great introduction to the magic of music. Tickets will be distributed the afternoon of the event while supplies last. Registration is required.

On Tuesday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m., actor Keith Henley of the American Historical Theatre performs “Langston Hughes: I too, have a song to sing!” Poet, playwright and social activist Langston Hughes was a resident of Downer Street in Westfield, in the late 1920s. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

To register for the events, visit the library’s website at https://wmlnj.org/.

To sign up for a library card, learn more about the library’s resources, or register for other programs, please visit https://wmlnj.org/, or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

Currently library hours are Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m.