The San Diego Public Library (SDPL) has a full schedule of all-ages programming planned for Black History Month. During February, SDPL is hosting several free programs, including an author discussion, storytimes and craft projects featuring freedom quilts and traditional African masks.

“The San Diego Public Library’s Black History Month programming explores the richness and diversity of the Black experience and identity,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “Working with our community partners, SDPL staff has created unique opportunities for people to connect through stories and shared experiences."

 Black History Month events at SDPL include:

• Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia with Dr. Sabrina Strings.
  • Feb. 25, 2024. 1 – 3 p.m. at Central Library. Presented by University of San Diego and San Diego Public Library.
  • Author talk and book signing by author and professor Dr. Sabrina Strings. She will discuss the idea that the contemporary ideal of thinness is, at its core, radicalized and racist.
• Afro-Mexicanos: Mexico Finally Recognizes Its Black Citizens.
  • Feb. 26, 2024. 6:30 p.m. at Central Library.
  • WorldBeat Cultural Center’s Jorge Gonzalez will lead a discussion on the presence and history of people of African descent in Mexico and the omission of Afro-Mexican from Mexican history, governmental rights and society.
• Black History Pride Storytime.
  • Feb. 20, 2024. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Skyline Hills Library.
  • Celebrate Black History Month with a special Pride storytime. The library will celebrate diversity and individuality through age-appropriate stories and songs.
• Crafternoon and Create It! Programs for Youth.
  • Throughout the month of February at several SDPL locations.
  • Kids will have the opportunity to create several different types of projects including kente cloth paper crafts, freedom quilt fabric designs and African masks.

SDPL will also host several lectures, discussions and storytimes at its library locations throughout the month. For a full list of programs, registration information and Black History Month book lists, visit the library’s Black History Month webpage.

About the San Diego Public Library 

With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org.