Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time for us to celebrate the diversity, history, and richness of Black culture. Join us at the Milton Public Library and explore our collection of stories and exciting programs!
Programs
February 8, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Main Library
For Black History Month, we want to celebrate the contributions Black people have made to society – to art, science, sports, culture, the law, and more. Teens are invited to work together to research a Black individual and create a poster about their life, which we will then put on display at a library branch for the month of February.
Participants will be able to earn volunteer hours. For ages 13-17.
February 13, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Sherwood Branch
February 14, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Sherwood Branch
Celebrate the beauty, depth and transformative power of love through artist Abiola Idowu’s works. Celebrate opening night with us!
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Live entertainment included!
February 14 – 21, During Open Hours, Sherwood Branch
Celebrating Love In a world where division and discord often dominate the narrative, my solo exhibition, ‘Celebrating Love,’ seeks to challenge this status quo. Through my art, I invite viewers to reflect on the transformative power of love, empathy, and compassion.
As a temporary custodian of this planet, I believe it’s essential to acknowledge that our actions, knowledge, and possessions have a lasting impact on future generations. By embracing love and kindness, we can create a ripple effect that resonates throughout the world.
My artwork is an ode to the human experience, a celebration of our shared existence, and a reminder that our individual heartbeats are connected to the collective energy of the universe.
I hope that ‘Celebrating Love’ inspires you to join me in spreading love, kindness, and compassion.
Let us cherish our time on this earth and leave a lasting legacy of love.
Love,
Abiola Idowu
February 22, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Main Library
In partnership with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) we invite families to join us for a morning featuring readings from Black children’s authors.
The Reading Corner with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) proudly announces the launch of its Book Kits, an exciting initiative to promote literacy, cultural pride, and inclusivity. These curated kits are designed to bring the joy of reading into homes while celebrating stories from the Caribbean and African diaspora.
February 23, 12:45 pm – 5:00 pm, Main Library
In celebration of Black History Month and the incredible contributions Black people have made to music throughout history, we’re having a musical biography movie festival.
Whitney Houston : I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022) The joyous, emotional and heart-breaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical super stardom.
Piece by Piece (2024) Follow this autobiography where Pharrell Williams shows his imaginative and creative process using Lego, as he constructs Lego models representing his artistic development. Each build reflects a different creative milestone.
February 23, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm, Sherwood Branch
In this healing session, Black community members are invited to answer the question: what are some pathways to experience a sense of home? Participants will be provided with an Out Here Healing journal to write out responses and take home. Out Here Healing is a married duo of Black therapists who believe in the power of healing.
Allies are welcome for the first half hour of the discussion. Space is limited. Registration required.
March 1, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Sherwood Branch
Experience a dynamic evening of:
- Live music and performances by talented local artists
- Delicious food and refreshing drinks
- Vibrant atmosphere with new friends and family
Share Your Talent!
- Sign up for an open mic slot and take the stage to showcase your skills. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a newcomer, this is your chance to shine! Register here.
Or Simply Enjoy the Show!
- Relax, unwind, and soak up the creative energy.
In partnership with Halton Black Voices.
March 21, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Sherwood Branch
An evening of conversation with wonderful and and talented Perdita Felicien: world champion, Olympian, TV host, speaker and author of the beautiful memoir, My Mother’s Daughter. Explore the book and its themes, ask questions, and get your copy of the book signed!
April 29, May 31, June 28, September 20, October 18, November 22, December 13, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Main Library
Look Like Me, Read Like Me will offer kids the chance to see themselves in the stories they hear in order to foster confidence, imagination, and a love for reading and writing.
Facilitated by Halton Black Voices, the sessions will be filled with fun games, tasty snacks, and a welcoming space where new friendships can bloom. This monthly program is for children to feel seen, celebrated and inspired. Discover more about Halton Black Voices.
For children 4-8 years of age. Parents/caregivers must remain on-site for the duration of the program.
The Fabric of Our Being Quilt
In celebration of The International Decade for People of African Descent, poet Nadine Williams helped guide community members to create a textile quilt as part of her “Fabric of Our Being” project.
Surrounding the central image are quilt squares, each made by individuals to represent their personal stories, cultural heritage, and individual identities.
Drop by our Main Library at the Bandura Fireplace Lounge to see it!
Grab Your FREE Magazine!
Pick up a free copy of Kayak: Canada’s History Magazine for Kids – Black History Edition at the Milton Public Library! This engaging and educational magazine explores the rich and diverse stories of Black Canadians, highlighting their contributions, resilience, and impact on our shared history. Perfect for students, educators, and history enthusiasts, this special edition is part of Canada’s History Society’s educational package.
New Book Kits
The Milton Public Library, in partnership with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, will be offering specialized book kits that highlight the works of Black authors and stories showcasing diverse voices and perspectives. These kits are thoughtfully curated to provide readers with an opportunity to engage with compelling narratives that reflect the richness of Black experiences and cultures. Curated for young readers, these kits celebrate the power of storytelling and encourage deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse communities.
Please visit our partner organization, Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, for more Black History Month programming offered in Halton.
