Black History Month celebrated at library
February is Black History Month and the library is providing a variety of ways that you can celebrate the month and learn a little more about African American history.
Tee-Off Black History Month started off on Feb. 4, when the library helped launch the new book "Twice as Good, "about Stark County's own William Powell and Clearview Golf Club. Powell fell in love with the game as a child, but when he returned from World War II and Europe he experienced racism and segregation when he attempted to play golf on local courses. He responded by designing, building and operating his own golf course; the only golf course which an African American has created. He instilled his love of the game in his daughter Renee, who was one of only three African American women to play the LPGA tour.
At all library locations, families are invited to make a quilt square for our Family Freedom Quilts. Oral histories tell of codes included in quilt patterns to aid escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad. Quilts were hung out to air and pass messages to others. Families are invited to library locations to create a square which will be included in quilts that will be displayed at the library's "Celebrating Black History Month 2012" Main Event on Saturday, February 18. Find a program and make your family's square.
Historical presenter Paul Goebbel will explore the Dred Scott Decision at the Madge Youtz Branch at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Finally, experience life for Jackie Robinson, when Gregory Gibson Kenney presents "Jackie: Cross the Line" at the main library's Black History Month 2012 Main Event on Feb. 18. Kenney portrays Robinson from his humble beginnings in Pasadena, Calif., to being the first African American to play Major League Baseball. Also at this event will be the presentation of the Lena Calhoun Award, a display of the Freedom Quilts created at the library's branches and the Canton YMCA Suga Babies Double Dutch and Dance Team. The Main Event will be at the Arts in Stark Education Center, 1014 Cleveland Ave. NW, on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 1-3 p.m.