Black History Month Comes To Life At The New Rochelle Public Library

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Public Library announced that it is celebrating Black History Month all February long with a packed lineup of free events and programs.

"The Fine Art of Illustration," by Westchester-based artist Cedric Lucas, will be on display until February 25 in the Lumen Winter Gallery, during regular library hours. Lucas has been honing his skills as an artist/illustrator since he was a child. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, with a BFA and MFA from Lehman College, he has 33 years of art teaching experience in Westchester schools and has published 12 children's books.

An African Dance workshop by the Bokandeye African Dance Troupe will take place on February 3, 10, and 17, from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., and February 24, from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Attendees will learn basic traditional West African dance movements, some of which date back to the 13th century Old Mali Empire. The workshop is suitable for all ages. Registration for the workshop is requested and can be done here. On February 24, at 3:30 p.m., participants in the workshop series will present a public performance of traditional rhythms and dances from the Senegambia Region of West Africa. Registration for the performance is requested and can be done here.

On February 4, at 2 p.m., the library will screen the award-winning social documentary film "The Presumption of Guilt," based on Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree’s best-selling book, "The Presumption Of Guilt: The Arrest Of Henry Louis Gates Jr. And Race, Class, And Crime In America." In this collaboration between author and filmmaker, the camera is used to highlight the complex issues of race, class and crime in American society. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the film’s creative personnel, Hafiz Farid and Shelley Grodner Seidenstein, moderated by Linda Tarrant-Reid, author, historian, freelance journalist, photographer and community advocate. Registration is requested and can be done here.

On February 5, at 7 p.m., the library will present a virtual program about Madam C.J. Walker. Born in 19th century rural Louisiana to former slaves, Sarah Breedlove eventually became the first female African-American self-made millionaire in the United States. Known as Madam C.J. Walker, she developed a line of beauty care products for black women. She built a factory, hair salon, mail-order business and a beauty school which trained 20,000 sales agents. Breedlove later became a philanthropist and was active in organizing the NAACP’s Silent Protest Parade in New York in 1917. Presented by Rick Feingold, a teacher of American Business History at Bergen Community College, who has lectured at over 50 libraries in New Jersey and New York and holds an MBA from Penn State University and a B.A. in History from Rutgers University. Registration is required and can be done here. The Zoom link to the program will be provided after registration.

On February 7, at 7 p.m., the library will present a virtual talk with Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Park Ranger Kevin W. Bryant. Douglass, who spent his life fighting for justice and equality, was born into slavery in 1818. After escaping as a young man, he became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People can still find inspiration today in his struggle, words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Douglass's legacy is preserved at Cedar Hill, the Washington, D.C. house where he lived during his last 17 years. In this virtual program, attendees will learn more about Douglass, and how his home came to be part of the National Parks System. Registration is required and can be done here.

On February 11, at 2 p.m., the New Rochelle Public Library and Young Musicians of Westchester will present an afternoon concert with Amadi Azikiwe and Mikael Darmanie, including works by composers David Baker, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Jessie Montgomery and Ludwig van Beethoven. Amadi Azikiwe, violist, violinist and conductor, has been heard in recitals in major cities worldwide and has been a guest of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. He is a sought-after faculty member at both NYU and the Mannes School of Music. Pianist Mikael Darmanie has performed in several settings, including The Weill Institute at Carnegie Hall, Rachmaninov Hall in Moscow and as the keyboardist for the band Warp Trio. He is currently finishing his doctorate at Stony Brook University under the mentorship of Gilbert Kalish. Registration is requested and can be done here

On February 16, at 7 p.m., The Ray Blue Ensemble will return to the New Rochelle Public Library for an evening of jazz. Ray Blue is a renowned saxophonist and composer. His ensemble of musicians includes Jeff Barone (guitar), Nat Adderley, Jr.(piano), Belden Bullock (bass), and Alvester Garnett (drums). Registration is requested and can be done here.

On February 25, at 2 p.m., there will be a screening of the documentary film, "Maya Angelou: Reflections of a Blessed Soul" in the Ossie Davis Theater, offering an intimate portrait of one of the greatest artists/poets/activists/teachers and humanitarians of our times. In the comfort of her home, Dr. Angelou shared insights on the most controversial and pressing issues, such as racism, mother and daughter bonds, anger and bitterness, the country’s first black president and more, as well as stories of her rich and colorful life. The film is a recipient of the Telly Awards; Best Documentary Film, Newark International Film Festival; and Official Selection, Garden State Film Festival. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the film’s creative personnel Hafiz Farid and Shelley Grodner Seidenstein, moderated by Linda Tarrant-Reid, author, historian, freelance journalist, photographer and community advocate. Registration is requested and can be done here.

All programs are free and take place at the New Rochelle Public Library, located at 1 Library Plaza, in New Rochelle.

Find out more about the New Rochelle Public Library on their website.