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Tom Bass' Commencement Address
Join storyteller and cultural historian Br. John as he portrays world-renowned equestrian and creator of the American Royal Horse Show, Tom Bass. Discover the secrets of Bass’ success, rising from humble beginnings as an enslaved Missouri farm boy to become friends and acquaintances of politicians, athletes, and royalty.
The Harlem Renaissance: Courage, Grace, and Vision (Zoom)
The Harlem Renaissance was the beginning of an explosion in creativity that transformed African American identity and history. Never had so many people of all backgrounds embraced the Black community’s productions, expressions, and style in art, literature, music, dance, and theater. Discover these inspired artists who produced groundbreaking works. Program registration will close 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Participants will be emailed a Zoom access code 15 minutes before the start of the program, so please include your email in the registration. Please note: You must sign into the room prior to the start of the program. Admittance to the classroom will close five minutes after the program's start time. Space is limited.
Virtual Event: Register at
https://www.mymcpl.org/events/90593/harlem-renaissance-courage-grace-and-vision-zoom
Our Skin is the Sin: Ghosts of the Plains, Kansas Black Cowboys & Farmers
Photographer Doug Barrett will discuss his exhibit "Our Skin is the Sin: Ghosts of the Plains, Kansas Black Cowboys & Farmers" on display at the Story Center and Woodneath Library through the end of February. The fourteen photographs tell a story about the determination, joy, and hard work of contemporary Black cowboys and farmers despite the challenges they face to maintain their way of life.
Tom Bass' Commencement Address
Join storyteller and cultural historian Br. John as he portrays world-renowned equestrian and creator of the American Royal Horse Show, Tom Bass. Discover the secrets of Bass’ success, rising from humble beginnings as an enslaved Missouri farm boy to become friends and acquaintances of politicians, athletes, and royalty.
Songs of the Black Pioneers
Hear original songs from storyteller Brother John. His performance will explore the remarkable contributions of African American pioneers such as astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, champion bicycle racer Marshall "Major" Thomas, and more.
Songs of the Black Pioneers
Hear original songs from storyteller Brother John. His performance will explore the remarkable contributions of African American pioneers such as astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, champion bicycle racer Marshall "Major" Thomas, and more.
Magical Jazz: Exploring Louis Armstrong
Join us for an inspiring show about the jazz pioneer and celebrated musician Louis Armstrong. Magical jazz performed by Tommy Terrific features magic tricks related to Armstrong's innovative jazz standards such as "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "What a Wonderful World." Get ready to get down, boogie, and be amazed!
Magical Jazz: Exploring Louis Armstrong
Join us for an inspiring show about the jazz pioneer and celebrated musician Louis Armstrong. Magical jazz performed by Tommy Terrific features magic tricks related to Armstrong's innovative jazz standards such as "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "What a Wonderful World." Get ready to get down, boogie, and be amazed!
Beginning African American Genealogy (Hybrid)
While sometimes challenging, researching your African American ancestry can take you on an amazing journey to the names, places, and stories of your family’s past. In this introductory-level class, you'll explore the basics of research and learn about federal, state, and local records that can be helpful to anyone researching ancestors of African descent. This class will be held in person as well as virtually via Zoom simultaneously. Registration is required and closes one hour before the start of the program. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or virtually when registering. An email address is required when registering to attend on Zoom. All start times are Central Time.
Hybrid Event
Register for Virtual at
https://www.mymcpl.org/events/91047/beginning-african-american-genealogy-hybrid
Magical Jazz: Exploring Louis Armstrong
Join us for an inspiring show about the jazz pioneer and celebrated musician Louis Armstrong. Magical jazz performed by Tommy Terrific features magic tricks related to Armstrong's innovative jazz standards such as "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "What a Wonderful World." Get ready to get down, boogie, and be amazed!
Tom Bass' Commencement Address
Join storyteller and cultural historian Br. John as he portrays world-renowned equestrian and creator of the American Royal Horse Show, Tom Bass. Discover the secrets of Bass’ success, rising from humble beginnings as an enslaved Missouri farm boy to become friends and acquaintances of politicians, athletes, and royalty.
Magical Jazz: Exploring Louis Armstrong
Join us for an inspiring show about the jazz pioneer and celebrated musician Louis Armstrong. Magical jazz performed by Tommy Terrific features magic tricks related to Armstrong's innovative jazz standards such as "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "What a Wonderful World." Get ready to get down, boogie, and be amazed!
Magical Jazz: Exploring Louis Armstrong
Join us for an inspiring show about the jazz pioneer and celebrated musician Louis Armstrong. Magical jazz performed by Tommy Terrific features magic tricks related to Armstrong's innovative jazz standards such as "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "What a Wonderful World." Get ready to get down, boogie, and be amazed!
Motown: Music That Moved the World (Zoom)
In 1960’s Detroit, Motown Records produced hits as efficiently as the Ford Motor Company produced automobiles - 110 Top Ten hits to be exact! Motown was the "Sound of Young America." Join Gary Wenstrup on a musical journey covering performers like The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. Program registration will close 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Participants will be emailed a Zoom access code 15 minutes before the start of the program, so please include your email in the registration. Please note: You must sign into the room prior to the start of the program. Admittance to the classroom will close five minutes after the program's start time. Space is limited.
Virtual Event: Register at
https://www.mymcpl.org/events/90594/motown-music-moved-world-zoom
Songs of the Black Pioneers
Hear original songs from storyteller Brother John. His performance will explore the remarkable contributions of African American pioneers such as astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, champion bicycle racer Marshall "Major" Thomas, and more.
Brown v. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Movement (Zoom)
Learn about the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement and the court case that outlawed segregation in education. A ranger from Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park will discuss the struggle for equal rights in America, desegregation of public education, and how Brown helped ignited a nationwide civil rights movement. Program registration will close 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Participants will be emailed a Zoom access code 15 minutes before the start of the program, so please include your email in the registration. Please note: You must sign into the room prior to the start of the program. Admittance to the classroom will close five minutes after the program's start time. Space is limited.
Virtual Event: Register at
https://www.mymcpl.org/events/90660/brown-v-board-education-and-civil-rights-movement-zoom
Songs of the Black Pioneers
Hear original songs from storyteller Brother John. His performance will explore the remarkable contributions of African American pioneers such as astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, champion bicycle racer Marshall "Major" Thomas, and more.
African American Genealogy: Methodology and Strategies (Zoom)
Join us on February 12th for LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson's presentation, African American Genealogy: Methodology and Strategies. The lecture will illustrate both methodologies and strategies for meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard when researching families that survived American slavery. The focus on strategies will arm attendees with the tools needed to overcome the challenges of researching during the antebellum period.
Virutal event
Register at
https://www.mymcpl.org/events/91194/african-american-genealogy-methodology-and-strategies-zoom
Tom Bass' Commencement Address
Join storyteller and cultural historian Br. John as he portrays world-renowned equestrian and creator of the American Royal Horse Show, Tom Bass. Discover the secrets of Bass’ success, rising from humble beginnings as an enslaved Missouri farm boy to become friends and acquaintances of politicians, athletes, and royalty.
South Park: The Case that Came Before Brown v. Board
In 1948, six years before Brown v. Board changed the nation, a school desegregation lawsuit out of present-day Merriam, KS, came before the Kansas Supreme Court. Learn about the roots, details, and legacies of the South Park case and how it changed the area forever. This class will be held in person as well as virtually via Zoom simultaneously. Registration is required and closes 1 hour before the start of the program. Please indicate whether you will be attending in person or virtually when registering. An email address is required when registering to attend on Zoom. All start times are Central Standard Time.
The Story of the Buffalo Soldiers (Copy)
Experience the history of the African American Buffalo Soldiers, and discover how they distinguished themselves, from the American frontier to the battlefields of World War II.
John "JR" Bruce is President of the KC Buffalo Soldiers Chapter and earned four Bronze Stars for Valor in Combat in Vietnam. Certified Oral Storyteller.
The Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O’Neil
Join educator and author Kristy Nerstheimer as she introduces the late Buck O’Neil with her book "The Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O’Neil". Participants will learn more about this former Kansas City Monarchs baseball player, his impressive career, and how he became the first African American to coach in the major leagues.
The Story of the Buffalo Soldiers
Experience the history of the African American Buffalo Soldiers, and discover how they distinguished themselves, from the American frontier to the battlefields of World War II.
John "JR" Bruce is President of the KC Buffalo Soldiers Chapter and earned four Bronze Stars for Valor in Combat in Vietnam. Certified Oral Storyteller.
The Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O’Neil
Join educator and author Kristy Nerstheimer as she introduces the late Buck O’Neil with her book "The Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O’Neil". Participants will learn more about this former Kansas City Monarchs baseball player, his impressive career, and how he became the first African American to coach in the major leagues.
The Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O’Neil
Join educator and author Kristy Nerstheimer as she introduces the late Buck O’Neil with her book "The Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O’Neil". Participants will learn more about this former Kansas City Monarchs baseball player, his impressive career, and how he became the first African American to coach in the major leagues.
Songs of the Black Pioneers
Hear original songs from storyteller Brother John. His performance will explore the remarkable contributions of African American pioneers such as astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, champion bicycle racer Marshall "Major" Thomas, and more.
Executive Order 9981: Desegregation of the Armed Forces
President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948, banning segregation in the armed forces and ordering full integration of all branches. Hear the story of how desegregation of the military became a reality despite considerable resistance to the President’s executive order.
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Searching for My Gift: Claudie Wells
Nine-year old Claudie Wells is surrounded by the art, music, and creativity of the Harlem Renaissance of 1922. It seems everyone in her world is blessed by some gift, and she has yet to discover hers. Join us on Claudie’s journey as she celebrates the creative and glamorous world around her.
6:00pm - 6:45pm
Finding African American Military Service Records: Revolutionary War to WWII
African American military service history began with Colonial America. Learn how to unearth the hard-to-find records that detail African American veterans from Colonial America to WWII. The role of the African American women in WWII will also be covered.
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Learning From Gordon Parks
Black author, photographer, and filmmaker Gordon Parks established himself as one of the most renowned documentarians of American life and culture in the 20th century. Born in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1912, he was drawn to photography as a young man after seeing images of migrant workers in a magazine. He would become one of the most esteemed photographers of all time, documenting segregation, poverty, and urban life over a career spanning more than five decades.
Local photographer Ann Dean discusses the impact and inspiration found in three of Parks’ seminal books: The Learning Tree (1963), A Choice of Weapons (1966), and Half Past Autumn (1997). She examines how these works were rooted in his mother’s teachings in love, dignity, and hard work – lessons still relevant in today’s complicated world – and what they tell us about his struggles and triumphs.
Dean is an artist and freelance photographer based in Lawrence, Kansas. She teaches photography at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Program:
2:00 pm
Room:
Helzberg Auditorium
In Person Event