Black History Month (February)

Black History Month honors the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

Learn more about the history of African Americans at the library in February.

February 2026 Events

All month:

• Black history books display (all titles available to check out)

Wednesday, Feb. 4: Harriet Tubman (online presentation)
Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, often referred to as the "Black Moses" of the Underground Railroad, dedicated her life to creating safe passages for slaves to escape to freedom. This presentation delves into the life and impact of Harriet Tubman, and the need to embrace her story in our troubled times. Sign up to receive the Zoom meeting code. 11am-12:30pm on Zoom.

Friday, Feb. 6:  "John Lewis: Good Trouble" film (2020) (PG)
Free screening of the PG-rated film. This documentary film explores the Georgia representative's 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health care reform, and immigration. 3-5pm in the Oak Room.

Monday, Feb. 9:  "A Man Called York" A presentation on York of the Lewis and Clark Expedition by Oregon Black Pioneers
York was a Black man born in Virginia around 1772. He was enslaved by William Clark, who brought him west as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-1806). York worked as a laborer and hunter during the journey, and showed friendship and goodwill to Native nations. Upon reaching the Pacific Ocean in 1805, York became the first Black person to cross North America above Mexico.York’s contributions helped ensure the Expedition’s success, but he received no compensation for his services. He asked Clark for his freedom and Clark refused. York’s efforts were rarely acknowledged in the two centuries that followed. Come learn about this highly important and overlooked historical figure!  
6-7:30pm in the Oak Room.

Friday, Feb. 13:  "Ruby Bridges" film (1998) (PG)
The real-life story of young Ruby Bridges, one of the first African-American children to attend an integrated school in the Deep South. At only age 6, Ruby is selected to attend an all-white school in New Orleans, causing an uproar in the racially divided region. Starring Chaz Monet, Penelope Ann Miller, and Michael Beach.
3-5pm in the Oak Room.

Friday, Feb. 20:  "Loving" film (2016) (PG-13)
Interracial couple Richard and Mildred Loving fell in love and were married in 1958. They grew up in Central Point, a small town in Virginia that was more integrated than surrounding areas in the American South. Yet it was the state of Virginia, where they were making their home and starting a family, that first jailed and then banished them. Richard and Mildred relocated with their children to the inner city of Washington, D.C., but the family ultimately tries to find a way back to Virginia. Starring Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, and Terri Abney.
3-5pm in the Oak Room.

Friday, Feb. 27:  "Fences" film (2016) (PG-13)
Troy Maxson makes his living as a sanitation worker in 1950s Pittsburgh. Maxson once dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but was deemed too old when the major leagues began admitting black athletes. Bitter over his missed opportunity, Troy creates further tension in his family when he squashes his son's chance to meet a college football recruiter. Starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, and Jovan Adepo.
3-5pm in the Oak Room.