Catawba County News
Honoring Black History 2020
Published: February 12, 2020
As the library continues to observe Black History Month this February, we’re offering several opportunities for county residents to learn more about the memorable events and people who helped advance civil rights in America.
• On the heels of the popular 2019 movie about the famous figure, we’re hosting an educational program for school-aged children called Celebrating Heroes: Harriet Tubman. We’ll share biographical details about the one-time slave and tireless abolitionist, discussing how she escaped her owners and helped lead dozens of other slaves to freedom via the network of safe havens called the Underground Railroad. Following this lesson, the program will break out into hands-on activities to engage young minds.
Celebrating Heroes takes place at 5:30 pm on Monday, February 17 at the Southwest Branch Library in Mountain View.
• The library’s monthly Black History Discussion Group will be looking at the intersection of black history and education at its upcoming meeting, focusing on the period from 1835 to the present day. One particular point of interest will be a conversation about the nation’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including an overview of the work they’re doing and some little-known initiatives they’ve implemented.
The discussion group takes place at 4 pm on Tuesday, February 18 at the Main Library in Newton. All are welcome to bring their curiosity and understanding to participate. Light refreshments will be served.
• The community is also invited to Catawba Valley Community College’s 18th annual Black History Celebration, coordinated by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. The event features vocal entertainment, tables showcasing local resources and opportunities, a keynote address, and an award for a person or group who has made an impact on the quality of life of African-Americans. This year, the theme is We the People, and it honors the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment, which granted black men the right to vote.
The celebration takes place from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, February 25 at the Tarlton Complex on CVCC’s campus (2550 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory). For more information, click here.