News
January 30, 2019Albany Public Library Celebrates African American History Month with Programs
Albany Public Library celebrates African American History Month in February with a series of films, lectures, and an exhibit at several library branches. These programs are free and open to the public.
SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM SERIES: “RACE/RELATED”
Feb. 4 (Mon)｜6:00-8:00 pm
Howe Branch｜105 Schuyler St.
View the 2016 documentary that explores race and ethnicity, and then have a discussion with fellow attendees. The Social Justice Film Series is a partnership with the library, Center for Law & Justice, Youth FX, and EquiVisible. This film program is for adults. Please call (518) 472-9485 to register.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH FILM SERIES
Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26｜5:00-7:30 pm
Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch｜148 Henry Johnson Blvd.
The branch is screening impactful movies about black history from the library’s collection. These films are for adults.
• Feb. 5｜“Malcom X” (1992, rated PG-13)
• Feb. 12｜“The Color Purple” (1995, rated PG-13)
• Feb. 19｜“Selma” (2014, rated PG-13)
• Feb. 26｜“Glory” (1989, rated R)
LECTURE
“Brought to Light: Unearthing the History of an African-American Cemetery in Kinderhook”
Feb. 11 (Mon)｜2:00-3:30 pm
Pine Hills Branch｜517 Western Ave.
Filmmaker Barbara Reina screens her documentary that shows how a few villagers in Kinderhook set out to clean up stone markers in an overgrown field, which led to the discovery of a forgotten “slaves’ cemetery” from the 1880s. The film is a portal into the Underground Railroad in Kinderhook and follows efforts to restore respect to the Persons of Color Cemetery. Reina moderates a question and answer session after the screening. This program is for adults. Please register at (518) 482-7911 x2.
INTERACTIVE MUSIC WORKSHOP
Pilgrimage of African American Music History Project
Feb. 13, 27 (Wed)｜6:00-7:30 pm
Howe Branch｜105 Schuyler St.
The Pilgrimage of African American Music History Project hosts this two-part, interactive workshop series with live performances by local artists. Participants celebrate the contributions of African slave culture to American music. The series explores the history and purposes of African music before the slave trade, focusing on sub-Saharan African folk and dance music. The elements of tribal African music, including syncopation, ring shout, and call and response, are included in the music workshop. Light refreshments are provided. This workshop series is for all ages. Please register by calling (518) 472-9485.
EXHIBIT
African American Periodicals in Albany
Feb. 16-24 (Sat-Sun)｜During Regular Hours
Washington Ave. Branch｜161 Washington Ave.
Attendees view reproductions of African American-produced newspapers and newsletters published in Albany and housed in the Pruyn Collection of Albany History. Featured titles on display include “Unity” (1937), “The Albany Liberator” (1960s-1970s), and “South End Scene” (1970s-1990s). The exhibit can be seen on the library’s first floor. All ages are welcome.
