Mayor's Office

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the achievements by African Americans and a time to honor the central role of black Americans throughout history and in the present day. Madison’s Public Libraries are bringing you many ways to learn and celebrate Black history this February.

The celebration grew out of “Negro History Week,” established by historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans in 1928. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. This year's theme, "Black Health and Wellness" explores the "the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well."

You can learn more through a list of resources and programs to highlight Black History Month compiled by Madison Public Library.

Programs include:

Laura Coates for Just Pursuit
February 2, 7pm | Central Library Community Room 301 & 302

Alicia Ashman Library Celebrates Morgan Freeman
Wednesdays in February, 1:30-3 p.m. | Alicia Ashman Library Community Room

Goodman South Madison Book Club Discusses Deacon King Kong by James McBride
February 19, 1:30-3 p.m. | Goodman South Madison Library, Meeting Room 115

In addition, most libraries are hosting book displays, and the library maintains additional links to events in the community and reading lists of materials.

In keeping with the theme of Black Health and Wellness, I encourage you to check out local groups that advocate for Black health, including the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness and Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association.

As we work toward our goal of making Madison more welcoming and inclusive for all, I invite you to reflect with me on the important influence that Black Americans have had on our past and continue to have in shaping our future.