Houston Public Library is excited to announce a series of events in celebration of Black History Month, offering the community an opportunity to engage with and honor the rich cultural legacy and contributions of Black Americans. From creative writing workshops to cultural performances and thought-provoking author talks, HPL invites all to participate in these free, enriching activities throughout February.
Featured Events Include:
• Documentary Screening: Black Lives Matter in Latin America: This documentary focuses on Black activism in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Cuba, showing the importance of challenging state-led violence against Black people.
Saturday, February 1 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus
• Author Talk with Dr. Wendy Okolo: Dr. Okolo shares her memoir Learn to Fly: On Becoming a Rocket Scientist.
Tuesday, February 4 | Central Library
• Words of Defiance: How Black Newspapers Amplified Labor Justice and Social Change: Marquel Sennet discusses how black media shaped the African American labor movement during times of racial tension.
Saturday, February 8 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus
• Get to Know an Architect: John S. Chase: Learn about this trailblazing Black architect that has over 200 sets of his drawings housed at our research center.
Saturday, February 13 | Online Only
• After Dark: The Labor of Love: Join therapist and relationship expert, Dr. Kyee Young, who will guide us through modern day love and a special viewing of the Reverend William Lawson Love Letters.
Friday, February 14 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus
• Cultural Connections: Celebration of our community's rich diversity with food, fun activities, and cultural performances for all ages.
Saturday, February 15 | Johnson Neighborhood Library
These are just a few of the events happening throughout the month. Additional activities include storytelling sessions, film screenings, and community gatherings, all designed to foster appreciation and understanding of Black culture.
• African American Read-Ins (multiple dates) will take place across various libraries in Houston, including Stella Link, Blue Ridge, Smith, and Central Library. A celebration of Black literature with readings from influential Black authors.
• Black Poetry Readings (Feb 10, 20, 22) and Relax & Write Workshops (Feb 8, 18), as well as an African American Archives Tour (Feb 22) held at the African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus.
For event registration, visit houstonlibrary.org/events or follow HPL’s social media for updates and highlights.
Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to introduce a brand refresh for its History Research Centers (HRCs). These centers house a diverse, carefully curated collection that support a wide range of research interests—from African American history and genealogy to local Houston history and Hispanic heritage. Each center plays a vital role in making history accessible and engaging, offering expert staff and resources that are among the best in Texas. Together, these centers represent the pinnacle of historical research and preservation in Texas.
At the core of each logo is the open book, a timeless symbol of knowledge, learning, and the preservation of history. The book represents the vast collection of stories, documents, and resources that form the foundation of the HRC’s.
Rising from the pages of the book is the tree, symbolizing growth, connection to the past, and the branching out of ideas. The tree’s roots are signified as an anchor in history, while its branches represent the exploration and development of new insights. This imagery underscores the intertwined relationship between the past and present.
Combined, the book and tree elements create a cohesive logo family that aligns with the mission of the History Research Centers—preserving, sharing, and exploring history while inviting others to engage with and contribute to the ongoing narrative.
"To further connect with a broader audience, a new logo family was designed for the History Research Centers. While the previous logo emphasized the historical significance of each site, the new design focuses on research and learning. By combining the symbolism of the book and the tree, we’re emphasizing the growth and discovery that our centers foster. This redesign is a visual representation of our commitment to preserving the past while inspiring future generations,” said LaDonna Weems, Deputy Assistant Director of Communications.
"As we continue to make history more accessible to our community, this new logo beautifully captures the essence of our work. We are excited to share this new chapter with our visitors and look forward to welcoming even more people to explore our collections," said Miguell Ceasar, Senior Manager of History Research Centers.