February is celebrated in the United States as Black History Month. The idea was conceived by Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), author of more than twenty books. He dedicated his life to educating African Americans about the achievements and contributions of their ancestors. February was then officially recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, to “seize the opportunity and honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The theme this year is “African Americans in Times of War”. The legacy of African-American participation in the armed forces dates back to the Revolution. During the Civil War over 180,000 black men fought for the Union Army in volunteer regiments.
In 1866, Congress created segregated regiments, whose members became known as “The Buffalo Soldiers.” Many of these men were garrisoned at the Presidio, and some never left—over 400 are buried there. You can read more about these brave men in books written by Catherine Reef, Tom Willard, T.G. Steward and TaRessa Stovall.
Many other books are available at the library about the achievements, stories, and considerations of black Americans. As Barack Obama stated: “Let us reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of African Americans and let us resolve to continue our march toward a day when every person knows the inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Our librarians suggest the following:
For children:
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
For young adults:
Dear Marin by Nic Stone
As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds, poet, author and award winner
For adults:
Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.
Schedule of February’s Windsor Library Events
Library Closed: Monday, February 18
Read to a Dog: Every Monday, 3 to 4 p.m.
Baby Time: Tuesdays, February 12, 19 and 26; 10:15 a.m.
Toddler Time: Thursday, February 21, 10:15 a.m.
Coffee and Crosswords: Fridays, February 1 and 15, 10:30 a.m.
Master Gardeners: Rose Pruning, Saturday, February 2; 10:30 a.m.
Lego Club: Saturday, February 2, Ages 5 & up, 2 p.m.
Meet the Author: Mac Barnett (ages 5 and up), Saturday, February 2, 4 p.m.
Fitness Fun with my gym: (ages 1-4) Monday, February 4, 10:15 a.m. Registration required.
Adult Monday Mystery Book Club: Monday, February 4, 2:30 p.m. at the Senior Center
Stay-n-Play Family Storytime (ages 0-5), Tuesday, February 5; 10:15 a.m.
Tech Classes: How to Set Up an Email, Wednesday, February 6, 1 p.m. Registration required.
Valentine’s Day Crafts (ages 4 and up), Wednesday, February 6, 4 p.m.
Dental Storytime with Cavity Free Sonoma! (ages 2-5), Thursday, February 7, 10:15 a.m.
Maker Studio: Light Up Origami, Friday, February 8, 4 p.m. Registration required.
Family Storytime (ages 0-5), Saturday, February 9, 10:30 a.m.
Magician Mike’s Winter Magic Show, Saturday, February 9, 2 p.m.
Adult Book Discussion: Medium Raw, by Anthony Bourdain, Tuesday, February 12; 2:30p.m.
Tech Classes: Social Media Basics, Wednesday, February 13, 1 p.m. Registration required.
Introduction to 3D Printing (ages 9-12), Wednesday, February 13, 3:30 p.m.
Valentine’s Day Toddler Time (ages 18 months- 3 years) Thursday, February 14, 10:15 a.m.
Friends of Windsor Library Meeting (FoWL): Thursday, February 14, noon
Writing Club for Kids: Friday, February 15, 4 p.m.
Black History Month Film Series: I Am Not Your Negro, February 16 at 2 p.m.
eBook & eAudiobook: Drop-in help. Bring your charged smart device or Kindle. Saturday, February 16, 10:30 a.m.
Tech Classes: Internet Beyond the Basics, Wednesday, February 20, 1 p.m.; registration required.
Writing Club for Adults: Wednesday, February 20; 6 p.m.
Zumba for Kids: Thursday, February 21, 4 p.m.
Art Time: (ages 3-7), Saturday, February 23, 10:30 a.m.
African American Folktales with Kirk Waller: Saturday, February 23, 4 p.m.
Kids Yoga: (ages 6-11), Tuesday, February 26, 4 p.m. Registration required.
Family Yoga: (3-6 years), Wednesday, February 27, 10:15 a.m. Registration required.
Introduction to 3D Printing: (teens and adults) Wednesday, February 27, 4 p.m.
BiblioBop Dance Party: (ages 0-5), Thursday, February 28, 10:15 a.m.
Windsor Regional Library, 9291 Old Redwood Highway, Building 100, 707-838-1020
Sue Ingalls Finan is a writer who enjoys her husband, her dog, a good book, and a great glass of wine. Sometimes in that order…
