The New Orleans Public Library is hosting a few special events in February as part of their 2016 Black History Month Celebration. On Saturday, February 13 at 2p, Bounce Queen of New Orleans and reigning monarch of Krewe du Vieux Big Freedia will be on hand at the Main Library (219 Loyola Ave.) to talk about her book "God Save the Queen Diva," music, and future plans. A question & answer session with the audience will follow her chat.
On Saturday, February 27, the Main Library will host two genealogy workshops in conjunction with the Louisiana Division/City Archives. The first session, "Introduction to AfricanAmerican Genealogy Research" (10:30a-12p) will be led by Greg Osborn, staff member in the Louisiana Division/City Archives. Osborn will introduce attendees to genealogy resources available in the Louisiana Division/City Archives. His discussion will pay special attention to the ways in which these resources address African American heritage.
The second session, "African American Military Experience and Participation in Louisiana (1729-1865)" will run from 1-3p. In it, Isiah Edwards will discuss the African American Military Experience and Participation in Louisiana from 1729-1865. Edwards is a veteran with forty-two years of Federal Service, with over half of those in the military, and Chapter President of the Sons of the American Revolution, Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter.
Also on display throughout the month is a Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club Historical Exhibit featuring several of the organization's beautiful and elaborate costumes and artifacts. The exhibit provides viewers an up close look at Zulu traditions. Zulu will parade on Mardi Gras Day (February 9).
The library is also hosting a special story time series for kids around Black History Month at the Norman Mayer branch. Each story time will be based on the 2016 Black History Month theme, "African American Memories and Places," and will include sub themes of Music, Art, Neighborhood, Folktales, and We're All Different, We're All the Same. Theme related books will be read and crafts will be created.
