Join us throughout February as we celebrate and learn more about Black History! The emails will come out each Monday of the month and will expand our knowledge of the impact Black History has had, while encouraging us to learn more. As you scroll through the email, you'll find highlighted historical Black figures, Black arts/education, and featured local Black owned businesses in the area!

As is the case with many of the most influential Black figures in history, Maya Angelou had a rough childhood. During her childhood, she was sexually assaulted by her mothers boyfriend. In retaliation, Angelou's uncle murdered the rapist, but Angelou was unfortunately scarred by both events and was virtually mute for about five years after. Thankfully she worked through her trauma, as she has blessed us with her true artistic talent. Through poems, books, acting, and screenplays, she exemplified being a well-rounded artist. She also was a strong civil rights activist, as she assisted Malcolm X in establishing the Organization of Afro-American Unity and was extremely close to Martin Luther King Jr. Explore her tale in more detail, while your kids color in a picture of Maya.

Malcolm X had a very tumultuous life, from the death of his father, to being surveilled by the FBI, and to his organization of Afro-American Unity which was extremely influential. His childhood and early adult life were filled with tragedy and helped to lead him to the Black nationalist group, the Black Muslims, who thought of white people as the devil. While he was an activist fighting for civil rights, he was doing so much differently and much more controversially than Martin Luther King Jr, as he wanted action "by any means necessary". in 1964 he found himself and changed his tactics, which made him more influential and helped to progress the movement. Teach your children of his trials and tribulations while allowing them to color in a Malcolm X coloring page to engage their artistic side. Learn more about his background by clicking the link below.

Help us celebrate Black history by also celebrating the arts. Just below this paragraph you'll find various recommended books detailing Black history or written by Black authors. Purchase them for yourself or seek them out at William Jeanes Memorial Library or another local library! If you have any recommendations of your own, please let us know by email.

Books for Children -

• Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison

Vashti Harrison does a wonderful job of bringing true life stories of various Black men in history to a children's book. He goes into detail in Black men that you don't always hear about, so this is a great opportunity to learn more!

• Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison

What Vashti did for Black men, he also did for Black women. Covering 18 different trailblazing Black women, Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History is a must read!

Books for

Teens and Adults -

• The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Born into bondage, the main character discovers a mysterious power that helps empower him to escape his owners and fight for not only his freedom, but the freedom of others around him.

• Grown by Tiffany Jackson

Tiffany Jackson delivers a fantastic novel that underscores the tough obstacles that life holds for young Black women. An instant New York Times bestseller, this is a interest capturing book that will also enlighten the reader.

Theaster Gates -

Theaster Gates focuses on works of art that that feature space theory and land development. He repurposes items and uses them to display "life within things". Not only does he create art for others, he teaches art as well at the University of Chicago. An award winning artist, Theaster believes that art can revive neighborhoods and be so much more than just "art".

While learning about Black History, you can also support local businesses with Black owners! Read about some local businesses here and then visit them in your travels or order from them online to show your support! If you have recommendations for local Black owned businesses that we should feature this month, please let us know by email!

• Buutchiis Grille - Ambler

You may not have had it before, but authentic African/Caribbean cuisine is what you'll get to enjoy at Buutchiis Grille. By combining spices grown in Africa with a southern American grilling method, they create dishes from scratch that people from all over can enjoy.

• The Black Reserve Bookstore - Lansdale

The Black Reserve Bookstore is so much more than a bookstore. They provide an ambiance and a true community feeling as they cater to all. You can find all sorts of books from general learning to Black culture. Buying books doesn't have to be a chore, it can be a memorable experience as well.

• Moody Jones Gallery - Glenside

Moody Jones Gallery's mission is to simply introduce their customers to a variety of artists working in different art styles. As a boutique art gallery, they have a lot of exceptional work on display and hope to introduce to the community or into your home!

There is so much more that you can discover about Black history. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the link below. The Free Library of Philadelphia has a load of other items and links to explore. The celebration of Black History Month doesn't end with this email, there's always more to learn and celebrate!