OTTAWA — Black History Month is an important opportunity for celebration, affirmation, and focused attention on the ways that Black Canadians have contributed to Canada’s history and culture. Did you know that each year there's a different theme for Black History Month? In 2022, the official theme is February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day. In honour of Black History Month, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) has organized educational, artistic and cultural virtual programming for everyone to partake in the celebration and learning.
OPL’s online programming has something for all ages, everyone is invited to join:
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February 9 at 3 pm: Sound in Living Colour (Music and Painting) with Kathryn Patricia Cobbler. The Library is proposing a feast for the eyes and the ears geared for older adults to explore their creative visual talents inspired by the music a remarkable classical composer and performer from here Ottawa! While listening to atmospheric musical pieces played by Kathryn on her sublime viola, participants will learn painting techniques and paint the type of imagery they are feeling and experiencing.
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February 15 at 7 pm: Black History Month: Hip Hop and Graffiti. Graffiti is expressive public art that reflects the unique styles and perspectives of individual artists as it evolves with the times and imprints on our communities. This OPL workshop is an invitation to help create a collective mural and learn the basics of design, illustration, and large-scale composition. Participants will receive an explanation of the history of Hip Hop and graffiti art, followed by a Black History themed graffiti and lettering workshop.
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February 26 at 10 am: Black History Month: Hip Hop and Graffiti for Families! A fun way to explore hip hop and the art of graffiti together as a family. Participants will explore mural creation by learning the basics of graffiti design, illustration, and create a mural inspired by Black History Month.
Mark your calendars for the week of February 14 to 18 when OPL’s Instagram account as well as OPL’s @opl_bpo Teen Instagram account @oplteens_adosbpo will be featuring guest posts from local Black community influencers. We encourage you to leave a comment and a like to show your support.
For those eager to engage in Black History Month before our programming begins, we invite you to visit OPL’s Black History Month YouTube playlist to check out our recorded past events, which includes a variety of discussions with authors and a youth panel spotlighting three remarkable young Black Canadians discussing their courageous leadership projects and the challenges they had to overcome.
Finally, OPL librarians have put together lists of recommended resources for your reading pleasure. Reading books from OPL’s collection is a great way to discover the history of Afro-Canadians' and their contributions to Canadian culture. Check out the resources and booklists in OPL’s blog post for adult, teens and kids alike. For inspiration and ideas anytime visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca. If you don’t yet have a FREE library card sign up now online.