It’s February and, for many, the month represents the last full month of winter before the spring thaw. But to many others, it is a time to look forward to as it's Black History Month.
Milton Public Library is one such group. Staff have a number events planned to help area residents learn and appreciate the significant contributions Black Canadian have made to their communities and the country at large.
Here is what the MPL has set for Black History Month:
Black Brilliance: Making posters for Black History Month
The title says it all: teenagers are invited to take part in making posters. Participants will research a notable individual from black history and immortalize them in 2D. These individual celebrations of black accomplishments will be put on display for all to see for the rest of the month.
The gathering will happen between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Feb. 8 in the Main branch’s Teal Room (1010 Main St. E). The event is open to anyone between the ages of 13 and 17. Registration is required and space is limited.
Games Night and Speed Friending
A chance to make friends and play games awaits people in the Teal Room of the Main branch. Anyone looking to meet new people can merely show up there at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13.
Celebrating Love: Art Exhibition
Beginning on Valentine’s Day, award-winning artist of Yoruba descent Abiola Idowu’s work will beautify the Sherwood branch (6355 Main St. W). In a letter to his audience, he says that Celebrating Love, as the exhibition is called, challenges the status quo “in a world where division and discord often dominate the narrative.”
The exhibition will kick off with an opening reception at 6 p.m. on Feb. 14. The show will go on until Feb. 21. Registration is required.
Reading Corner with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton
The MPL is working with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton to invite families to storytime with books written by black authors. The Saturday gathering will also be when the MPL will be announcing new Book Kits meant to promote literacy, inclusivity and cultural pride.
The event will take place on Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. in the Main branch.
Black Legends of Music: Movie Festival
On that same day, in the Beaty Branch (945 Fourth Ln.), film buffs, history and music lovers will get to see two movies featuring titans of black entertainment.
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody is a 2022 flick about the life of the eponymous singer. Perhaps best known for giving her rendition of I Will Always Love You, the film will feature the soaring heights and crashing lows of her life.
The autobiography of Pharrell Williams titled Piece by Piece will follow Whitney Houston. The film takes a playful turn as Williams explains concepts using Lego.
Show time is at 12:45 and the film festival of sorts comes to a close at 5 p.m.
I Am Home: A Healing Session
The married duo of Black therapists collectively known as Out Here Healing – a clothing and other merchandise brand – will do what it says on the tin, healing people.
They will be posed a question, what are some pathways to experience a sense of home? Those who attend will be provided a notebook to record their thoughts.
Space is limited and registration is required for the Feb. 23 event, which starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Sherwood branch.
Check out the Vibes
The Black experience continues into March with the MPL partnering with Halton Black Voices for an evening of entertaining. What awaits them at Sherwood is live music, food and drinks as well as an open mic portion. The fun is for those 19 years of age and older and they can expect a relaxed atmosphere.
The gathering debuts at 4 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. on Mar. 1. Those who want to take part in the open mic are asked to register in advance.
An Evening with Perdita Felicien
MPL is once again partnering with Halton Black Voices to bring a chat with retired Olympian Perdita Felicien. She is the author of her memoir called My Mother’s Daughter, a TV host and public speaker.
Those who attend will get to hear her talk about her book and can buy a signed copy. The Friday, Mar. 21 question and answer session will start at 7:00 in the evening and will happen at the Sherwood Branch. Those interested must register ahead of time.
More information about the MPL’s Black History Month programming can be found on its website.