Black History
Each year, the Library partners with the Local Investment Commission (LINC) and the Black Archives of Mid-America to produce a series of Black History Month materials celebrating the legacies and accomplishments of notable African-Americans from the Kansas City area. The individuals featured in the 2019 series all helped break down barriers in our community, elevating and inspiring others then and now. Read on to learn more about their achievements.
From classic literature to contemporary cinema, the Library offers a number of ways to discover stories celebrating the African American experience. As we commemorate Black History Month, check out a selection of recommended books and browse the collection of documentaries and films available through the free Kanopy streaming service.
During Black History Month, we celebrate the African American experience and the legacies of those who have shaped our nation. The Library's Kansas City Digital Media Lab has been producing videos throughout the month that highlight notable Black Americans and their achievements as part of their second Black History Live Museum project. The series follows the theme “The Journey Continues,” underscoring the ever-changing impact of our collective past and today’s ongoing efforts to ensure equality, justice, opportunity, and freedom for all.
As we commemorate Black History Month, there are many ways to discover stories celebrating African American experiences. Check out a selection of recommended books and browse a collection of films available through the Library's free streaming services. Attend one of our public speaker events or activities. You can also explore, learn, and celebrate with resources from the Kansas City Black History website and commemorative booklet.
The Library commemorates Black History Month with a collection of speaker events, activities, and book discussions. Tune in to watch live online, or check out past programs on our YouTube channel.
Amid a heightened struggle with longstanding racial inequity and injustice, the Library is joining our city and country in marking the annual February observance of Black History Month. Never, perhaps, has it had more resonance.
From classic literature to contemporary cinema, the Library offers a number of ways to discover stories celebrating the African American experience. As we commemorate Black History Month, check out a selection of recommended books and browse the collection of films available through the Library's free streaming services.
During Black History Month, the Library highlights stories, history, resources, and more that celebrate the African American experience. Explore reading recommendations, tune in to online events and activities, and learn about the Black Kansas Citians who helped shape our region.
From classic literature to contemporary cinema, the Library offers a number of ways to discover stories celebrating the African American experience. As we commemorate Black History Month, check out a selection of recommended books and browse the collection of films available through the Library's free streaming services.
From classic literature to contemporary cinema, the Library offers a number of ways to discover stories celebrating the African American experience. As we commemorate Black History Month, check out a selection of recommended books and browse the collection of films available through the Library's free streaming services.
Each year, the Library partners with the Local Investment Commission (LINC) and the Black Archives of Mid-America to produce a series of Black History Month materials celebrating the legacies and accomplishments of notable African-Americans from the Kansas City area. The seven individuals featured in 2018 left indelible imprints on our community and beyond.
Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans on June 19, 1865, following the end of the Civil War. Just in time for 2021's Juneteenth, Congress passed long-discussed legislation making the date a federal holiday — the 12th in U.S. history. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on June 17. In celebration of the newly official holiday, the Library offers a number of book recommendations, films, and a special event that highlight the history of the Black experience in America.
Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans on June 19, 1865, following the end of the Civil War. This milestone in America's history came to be known as Juneteenth — combining "June" and "Nineteenth" — and is observed annually. In commemoration of the holiday, the Library offers a number of book recommendations, films, and other resources that highlight the history of Black experiences in America.
The Library's Dial-A-Story service features several books that celebrate Black stories and voices as part of Black History Month. Dial 816.701.3456 to hear these titles read by our special narrators the week of February 9 -12, 2022. You can also listen online.
Each year, the Library partners with the Local Investment Commission (LINC) and the Black Archives of Mid-America to produce a series of Black History Month materials celebrating the legacies and accomplishments of notable African-Americans from the Kansas City area. The individuals featured in the 2020 series all helped break down barriers in our community, elevating and inspiring others then and now. Read on to learn more about their achievements.
Kansas City Black History is a new website spotlighting the contributions of Black Kansas Citians who blazed trails, broke barriers, and shaped our city’s history. Developed by the Kansas City Public Library, Local Investment Commission (LINC) and the Black Archives of Mid-America, the site features biographies, essays, educational resources, and additional content that celebrates the legacies and accomplishments of notable African Americans in our community.
The Library and two institutional partners – the Local Investment Commission (LINC) and the Black Archives of Mid-America – are being honored with the nation’s top award for the preservation of state and local history. They’ll receive the American Association for State and Local History’s Award of Excellence, recognizing their multifaceted 2021 Kansas City Black History project. It features a 44-page publication highlighting Black trailblazers, barrier breakers, and history makers in the city and the surrounding area, along with a companion website offering lesson plans, Black history programming, and other related content.
Each year, the Library partners with the Local Investment Commission (LINC) and the Black Archives of Mid-America to produce a Black History Month booklet celebrating the legacies and accomplishments of notable African Americans who blazed trails, broke barriers, led and left a mark on Kansas City history. The special 2020-21 edition, Kansas City Black History: The African American story of history and culture in our community, compiles the stories of more than 70 influential figures — with new essays from several local contemporary voices.
Lucile Bluford – namesake of the Library's L.H. Bluford Branch – was a local civil rights leader and helped make The Kansas City Call one of the most important African-American newspapers in the nation. During July, The Library celebrates Bluford’s impact on the KC community and the nation at large.
We’re celebrating the 100th birthday of Kansas City jazz legend Charlie Parker. Known as “Yardbird,” or just “Bird,” he was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on August 29, 1920, and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, during its peak years of jazz culture. Discover more about Parker’s impact on Kansas City and explore his musical legacy through the Library’s Missouri Valley Special Collections. You can also listen to albums of Parker’s music, available for free with your library card.