Norfolk, VA (Friday, February 1, 2010) -- Norfolk Public Library recognizes African-American History Month in February with a calendar full of programs aimed at cultivating a deeper understanding of the pivotal role African-Americans have played in American History.
The 2010 theme, The History of Black Economic Empowerment, celebrates the centennial anniversary of the National Urban League (NUL). The oldest and largest community-based organization of its kind in America, the NUL is on a mission to “enable African-Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.”
Coinciding with this years’ theme, the library is featuring a month-long exhibit entitled Black Businesses in Norfolk: A Historical Display, highlighting early pioneer and present day African-American entrepreneurs in Norfolk. The library is also hosting monthly Financial Health Workshops and a bi-weekly Real Estate Information series.
African-American History Month will not be devoid of the usual family fun. NPL offers a gamut of entertaining programs ranging from contemporary jazz and R & B concerts with DeCarlo Woodhouse and SaReale, to traditional storytelling, historical reenactments, and African drumming and dance with renowned performing arts companies Orisirisi (pronounced o-re-she-re-she) and Atumpan – The Talking Drums.
Discover aspects of African-American history that will keep you talking and questing for more knowledge. For a complete listing of programs, stop by your NPL location to pick up a 2010 African-American History Month Program Guide and Bibliography, or go online to www.npl.lib.va.us.
Black Patriot: A Conversation with John Rollison
Saturday, February 6 @ 2:00 PM
Pretlow Anchor Branch ~ 111 W. Ocean View Avenue ~ 441-1750
Performer James Cameron will present a living history reenactment of the life of John Rollison, a Revolutionary War-era African-American. Rollison, a free black man who managed to acquire wealth and notability in Williamsburg, Virginia soon learned that “free” did not always mean “equal.” (All Ages)
Orisirisi – African Folklore
Performing artists Don and Tutu Harrell will share the beauty and poignancy of African life and culture through drumming, dance, and stories surely to entertain everyone! (Family)
Tuesday, February 16 @ 6:00 PM
Lafayette Branch ~ 1610 Cromwell Drive ~ 441-2842
Thursday, February 18 @ 4:00 PM
Van Wyck Branch ~ 1368 DeBree Avenue ~ 441-2844
Saturday, February 20 @ 2:00 PM
Pretlow Anchor Branch ~ 111 W. Ocean View Avenue ~ 441-1750
Financial Health Workshops *registration is advised
Saturdays @ 10:00 AM (Feb. 6; Mar. 6 & Apr. 10)
Jordan-Newby Branch ~ 961 Park Avenue ~ 441-2843
Ms. Babs Kennedy, Vice President of SunTrust Bank in Norfolk, facilitates these Financial Health workshops. Question and answer periods follow. (Adults)
Feb. 6: How to Budget
Mar. 6: Managing Your Money
Apr. 10: How to Start a Small Business (This workshop starts @ 11:00 AM)
Real Estate Information Series *registration is advised
Saturdays @ 10:00 AM (Feb. 27; Mar. 13 & 27; Apr. 10 & 17)
Jordan-Newby Branch ~ 961 Park Avenue ~ 441-2843
This real estate series is presented by Angela Williams, realtor with Long & Foster Realtors and a Certified City of Norfolk Realtor Ambassador. Ms. Williams will answer your questions about buying and other options. (Adults)
Feb. 27: First Time Home Buyers
Mar. 13: Am I Stuck in this House?
Mar. 27: VHDA Certification Course (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Apr. 10: Buyers’ Perspective-Short Sale & Foreclosure
Apr. 17: Sellers’ Perspective-Short Sale & Foreclosure
Black Businesses in Norfolk: A Historical Display
February 1-28 from 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Blyden Branch ~ 879 E. Princess Anne Road ~ 441-2852
This exhibit will highlight some of the early pioneer and present day black entrepreneurs in Norfolk. (All Ages)
Atumpan – The Talking Drums
Come move to the beat of the Talking Drums. You’ll enjoy this high-energy program that
compares today’s Hip-Hop dances to traditional West African dances. (Family)
Wednesday, February 3 @ 5:30 PM
Larchmont Branch ~ 6525 Hampton Boulevard ~ 441-5335
Tuesday, February 9 @ 6:30 PM
Little Creek Branch ~ 7853 Tarpon Place ~ 441-1751
Thursday, February 18 @ 2:00 PM
Park Place Branch ~ 620 W. 29th Street ~ 664-7330
Thursday, February 25 @ 10:30 AM
Janaf Branch ~ 124 Janaf Shopping Center ~ 441-5660
Sax By DeCarlo
Wednesday, February 17 @ 6:30 PM
Horace C. Downing Branch ~ 555 E. Liberty Street ~ 441-1968
Come relax to smooth jazz and easy contemporary music with local jazz artist
DeCarlo Woodhouse. (Teens & Adults)
###