By James Parrott, Collection & Technical Services Manager
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” — Angela Davis, activist and educator.
History is not just the story of what has been but a guide for what could be. Black History Month offers us an opportunity to reflect on these possibilities through the lens of shared histories.
History teaches us of long marches and longer moral arcs, of changes that take lifetimes and beyond to come to fruition. It is a record of struggle and triumph, pain and progress, and the moments that shape our collective identity. Singular days stand out as touchstones: July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence; June 19, 1865, Juneteenth and the end of slavery; July 2, 1964, the passage of the Civil Rights Act.
Black History Month, recognized nationally in 1976, traces its roots to earlier observances in 1926. Today, this month invites everyone to engage with and reflect upon the complexities of Black history—a history that speaks to pride, resilience, and the ongoing work of reckoning with America’s past.
For libraries, Black History Month is a time to honor the role of reading as a tool for empowerment, empathy, and change. Libraries serve as spaces of learning and enlightenment for Black communities, providing access to books, ideas, and the power to shape narratives. They are repositories of stories—stories that inspire and challenge us to think about our role in the world.
This February, we encourage our patrons to explore Black history through the lens of historical fiction. These narratives offer a way to connect with the past, shedding light on personal and collective experiences that history books may overlook.
Recent titles like ” The American Queen” by Vanessa Miller, ” A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” by Tia Williams, “The Mayor of Maxwell Street” by Avery Cunningham, and ” Symphony of Secrets” by Brendan Slocumb provide insights into the Black experience in America’s more recent past. These stories are not only captivating but also educational, bridging the gap between history and personal understanding.
As we honor Black History Month, let us commit to learning and unlearning, to celebrating and reflecting, and to acting as if change is always within reach.
Visit us at the library to explore these and other titles or simply take a moment to reflect on the stories that shape our shared world.
Together, let’s make history.
The American Queen by Vanessa Miller
Based on actual events, this novel shares the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom in Appalachia as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a new way of life.
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
A swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance, and opportunity of New York — whose lives are uniquely and irreversibly linked. Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamor.
The Mayor of Maxwell Street by Avery Cunningham
The tale of biracial Jay Rutledge, who arrives in 1920s Chicago to chase the American Dream. Haunted by his past, Jay navigates racial and cultural complexities, carving out a life amidst the city’s vices and virtues.
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
A gripping tale of a music professor’s quest to reveal the truth — that a renowned American composer may have plagiarized his work from a forgotten Black Jazz Age genius.
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