Celebrating Black History Month

The theme for 2024 is African Americans and the Arts. 

"African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans." To learn more: ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life and History), opens a new window

 

Learn about Black History Month

Online Resources: 

Kanopy On-demand streaming platform with over 30,000 indie and classic films. Users are allowed 16 tickets per month. Check out the Kanopy Black History Month page., opens a new window

ProQuest Research Library ProQuest Research Library is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary database that provides access to a vast collection of scholarly and peer-reviewed articles, journals, magazines, and other research materials. It covers a wide range of academic disciplines, making it a valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals seeking authoritative information on various subjects. Read about Black Freedom Struggle in the United States: A Selection of Primary Sources, opens a new window 

Gale eBooks  Enjoy an award-winning, hassle-free eBook experience—anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Gale’s eBook platform provides comprehensive support from many of today’s top publishers. Check out the many titles from African American Authors. 

PressReader  Get access to more than 7,000 of the world’s top newspapers and magazines like The African Report. Find content from over 120 countries in 60 different languages. Read online or download. Save publications to read later, listen to content out loud, and instantly translate up to 19 different languages. Newspapers include up to 3 months of back coverage. 

Booklists for All Ages: 

Black History – Booklist for Children 

Black History – Booklist for Teens 

Black History – Booklist for Adults  

National Resources: 

History Channel Black History Month, opens a new window 

African American History and Culture in the United States, opens a new window 

Black Mental Health, opens a new window

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, opens a new window  

Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture, opens a new window 

State Resources: 

Buffalo Soldiers Museum – Tacoma WA, opens a new window  

African American History Event – Tacoma WA, opens a new window 

Black Heritage Society of WA State, opens a new window  

Black Arts and Heritage Organizations in Washington State, opens a new window  

 

TRL is committed to the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. TRL Celebrations recognize significant events throughout the year to promote a culture of inclusion, representation, and belonging that reflects communities we serve, and encourage connection to the richness and diversity of our communities and the world at large.