Join the library, the Historical Society of Forest Park, and the Illinois Juneteenth Committee for a month-long series of events celebrating Black History Month.
Black History Month Jacqueline Woodson Community Storywalk
February 1-28
Text and illustrations from award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson’s The Year We Learned to Fly will be posted on Madison St. to honor Black History Month. Stop by the Library to get a map of the walk.
Sew-It Workshop Gee’s Bend Inspired Potholder Project (Virtual)
Monday, February 6
The last in our Sew-It Workshop series, a potholder project draws inspiration from history and the quilts of Gee’s Bend and the art of the Freedom Quilting Bee. For more on the story of the amazing women in Gee’s Bend, click here. For kids.
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Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad
Sunday, February 12 at 2 pm
Connie Martin, M.A. will present a one-hour multi-media experience including PowerPoint slide presentation, storytelling, and display of over a dozen beautifully hand-crafted quilt replicas, representing patterns and special stitching used over 300 years ago by abolitionists and fugitive slaves to signify escape routes in the North.
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Show Your Sparkle! Black Girls Glam Event at Model Esteem
Saturday, February 18 at 2 pm
This is an offsite event at Model Esteem at 7451 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130.
Taking inspiration from Black Girl Shine and Black Girl Rising we’re hosting a storytime and event for mothers, grandmas, and girls to bond and celebrate beauty inside and out. Designed for kids and teens of all ages and the women in their lives.
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Beloved Community Quilt
Sunday, February 19 from 2-4 pm
In the isolated African American community of Gee’s Bend, Alabama a unique tradition of quilt began out of necessity for warmth and lack of resources. Watch a short film on the tradition of Gee’s Bend and its influence on quilting. After the film join in making the 3rd annual Black History Month, Beloved Community Quilt. No experience is necessary, all skill levels will have the opportunity to create a square for this year’s quilt which will be displayed at the library for Black History Month in 2024.
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Stories and Songs of African People with Shanta Nurullah
Sunday, February 26 at 2 pm
Multitalented storyteller and musician Shanta Nurullah visits us to share traditional stories and music. Designed for kids and families of all ages.
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Black History Banners
Throughout the month of February, the Park District of Forest Park will display seven banners with information on various topics of Black history. Enjoy a brisk winter walk down Harrison Street to read about influential events and people. The banners can be found on the soccer field fence (Harrison & Beloit) at the Park District of Forest Park.
Beloved Community Quilt
On view at the Forest Park Public Library during the month of February. This quilt was created with squares made by community members during Black History Month in 2021. A second quilt will also be displayed that was made from squares in 2022. You can join us this year (sign up coming soon) by signing up on Sunday, February 19 at 2 pm. Sign up here.
Celebrate Black Lives Book & Movie Recommendations
