February is Black History Month, a time to learn about and celebrate African American culture.

Black History Month Events at the White Plains Library

This February, the White Plains Library is celebrating Black History Month with various events for all ages. A selection of events includes a virtual showcase of works created during the Harlem Renaissance (February 15th at 7:00pm) and a children’s STEAM program celebrating the achievements of African Americans in the field of science (February 22nd at 4:00pm). 

To see a full list of Black History Month events hosted by the White Plains Library, and to register for an event click here. 

Black History Month at the Ferguson Library in Stamford, CT

The Ferguson Library in conjunction with the Stamford NAACP will be hosting a variety of special events during Black History Month. Exploring the theme of Black wellness, events will include a conversation about Chasing Me to My Grave: An Artist’s Memoir of the Jim Crow South by the late Winfred Rembert, and an evening with DaMaris Hill, who will discuss her book of narrative in verse, Breathe Better Spent: Living Black Girlhood. Also part of the programming is the month-long Black Health and Wellness Matters art exhibit, and the National African American Read-In virtual story circles for all ages taking place every Saturday in February.

To see a full list of Black History Month events taking place at the Ferguson Library, and to register for an event click here. 

Alvin and Friends at the Rye Art Center

In celebration of Black History Month, the Rye Art Center will be hosting the Alvin and Friends exhibit featuring artist Alvin Clayton and highlighting emerging Black artists from the region. Alvin Clayton, a Trinidad-born artist, restauranteur, model, and Renaissance man, expresses his everyday life through his paintings using bright bold colors reflecting his past and present experiences as a Caribbean/African American man.

Event Dates: The exhibit will be on view from January 13, 2022 through February 26, 2022. A gallery opening reception will be taking place February 3; An artist talk will be taking place February 19.

Registration: For more information or to register for a specific event, click here.

Lunch & Learn: Black History Month Reading Series 

In honor of Black History Month, Kingston Library and People’s Place are teaming up for a month-long discussion series.

Each week a short story by an African American author will be discussed while sharing a meal graciously provided by People’s Place Café. Stories can be picked up ahead of time at the Kingston Library (55 Franklin Street, Kingston NY) or People’s Place Cafe (777 Broadway, Kingston NY).

Event Dates: Every Tuesday in February at 12:00pm

Event Registration: To register, click here.

Westchester County African American Heritage Trail

While many of the events Westchester County typically holds to commemorate Black History Month have been postponed, residents can take a self-guided tour of the African American Heritage Trail and explore the African American historical sites and culture that is woven through Westchester’s communities.

Westchester has a long history as a home to African American culture. Westchester County is home to 14 historical landmarks on the African American Heritage Trail, dating back to the 17th century.

From the important collection of African art at the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase, to the Jack Peterson Memorial in Croton, and the statue of Ella Fitzgerald in Yonkers, take a tour of Westchester’s African American cultural sites using the African American Heritage Trail as your guide.