Summit Public Library February 2023
The Summit Free Public Library will be hosting several programs this February in commemoration of Black History Month. We have organized these events with members of our community in order to invite a better understanding and greater awareness of Black narratives, art, and history. All of these events are free and open to the public.
Art Talk: Faith Ringgold — Artist, Author, Educator, Organizer
Sunday, February 5, 2:00 pm – 3:00pm
Born in Harlem in 1930, Faith Ringgold is best known for her story quilts; she also creates politically charged paintings, prints, sculptures, public art, performance art, and more. Her provocative and politically honest work, which reimagines art history, is born of that commitment. Presented by Janet Mandel. Via Zoom.
Monday at the Movies: Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard
Monday, February 6, 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm
This documentary tells the story of Tamara Lanier, an African American woman determined to force Harvard University to cede possession of daguerreotypes of her great-great-great grandfather, an enslaved man named Renty. The film features attorney Benjamin Crump, author Ta-Nehisi Coates, and scholars Ariella Azoulay and Tina Campt.
NR. 95 minutes.
Before You Can Say Jackie Robinson: Black Baseball in America
Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Black professional baseball originated in the 1880s, and reached an end shortly after Jackie Robinson’s entry into the Major Leagues. This program investigates that history and these great baseball players. Presented by baseball historian Larry Hogan. Poet and playwright Kevin Kane will also present his original poem “Breaking the Line with the Mudville Nine”. In-person.
Brown Bag Book Club: “We are Not Like Them” by Christine Pride
Friday, February 17, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Our lunchtime book group for adults will discuss We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride. Told from alternating perspectives, an evocative and riveting novel about the lifelong bond between two women, one Black and one white, whose friendship is indelibly altered by a tragic event. In-person.
Monday at the Movies: Race
Monday, February 27, 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm
Young Jesse Owens (Stephan James) becomes a track and field sensation while attending the Ohio State University in the early 1930s and gains national recognition for breaking numerous records. After heated debates, the United States decides not to boycott the Olympics in Nazi Germany. Owens seizes the opportunity to show the world that he’s the fastest man alive. PG-13. 134 minutes.
Virtual Author Talk with Sadeqa Johnson
Tuesday, February 28, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sadeqa Johnson will discuss her award-winning book The House of Eve. In The House of Eve, fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation. This talk will be followed by a Q&A session where participants can ask questions directly with the author. Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium and the Friends of the Summit Free Public Library.
Via Zoom.
