2026 Black History Celebration
Keynote Speaker
Frankie Freeman Inspirational Address
Friday, February 6, 7:00 p.m.
Vivian Gibson
“The Last Children of Mill Creek”
In Conversation with Gwen Moore, Curator of Urban Landscape and Community Identity at the Missouri Historical Society
From its origin at the turn of the 20th century to its destruction in 1959 in the name of urban renewal, Mill Creek Valley was a center for Black life in St. Louis. Vivian Gibson grew up in Mill Creek Valley. Her moving memoir, “The Last Children of Mill Creek,” depicts the families, friends, shop owners, church ladies, teachers, and others who made Mill Creek into a warm, tight-knit African-American community. Gibson will be joined in conversation by Gwen Moore, curator of the Missouri History Museum’s exhibition, “Mill Creek: Black Metropolis.”
During the event, Ohun Ashe, Michael P. McMillan, Kayla Reed, and Michelle D. Tucker will receive the Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award.
Adults. Clark Family Branch
Highlighted Events
Feature Film: “The Pruitt-Igoe Myth”
Wednesday, February 4, 6:00 p.m.
View the film and then participate in a discussion. MPAA rating: Not Rated. Running time: 53 min.
Adults. Natural Bridge Branch
Set the Night to Music
Friday, February 13, 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Drew Project! Enjoy music, light refreshments and a fun photo backdrop. Singing and dancing encouraged.
Adults. Florissant Valley Branch
Music in Common
Wednesday, February 18, 6:00 p.m.
Music in Common presents The Black Legacy Project, featuring a short film, live performance and discussion celebrating community and connection through music.
All ages. Florissant Valley Branch
Freedom Suits Before and After Dred Scott
Saturday, February 21, 11:00 a.m.
An esteemed panel featuring Hon. David C. Mason, attorney Paul Venker and archivist Dr. Kenneth Winn will highlight a few of the more than 300 enslaved individuals who valiantly sued for their freedom through the St. Louis Circuit Court.
All ages. Lewis & Clark Branch
“Takunda”
Monday, February 23, 6:00 p.m.
Presented by The Black Rep
Sixteen-year-old Takunda's world is turned upside down when her father is arrested for his political activities in the turbulent Rhodesia of 1973. This coming of age story incorporates African folk tales and songs, featuring an ensemble of four actors and the vibrant art of storytelling.
All ages. Lewis & Clark Branch
Gift of Gospel
Saturday, February 28, 1:00 p.m.
Pastor Shaun Williams returns once again to present amazing local gospel talents, including the Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis, Chrystal and Charity Williams, Valaur Dickerson and others. Be ready to have a hand clapping, toe tapping good time.
All ages. Clark Family Branch
Author Events
Matthew Delmont, “Until the Last Gun is Silent: A Story of Patriotism, the Vietnam War, and the Fight to Save America’s Soul”
Monday, February 2, 7:00 p.m.
Civil rights historian and award-winning author Matthew Delmont presents the untold story of the Black patriots–from soldiers in combat to peace protestors–who ended the Vietnam War.
Adults. Clark Family Branch
Gregory O’Malley, “The Escapes of David George: An Odyssey of Slavery, Freedom and the American Revolution”
Monday, February 9, 7:00 p.m.
One out of six inhabitants of the 13 original colonies was enslaved. Historian Gregory O’Malley reveals a remarkable, untold experience of the American revolutionary period—a Black man’s decades-long quest for the freedom espoused by our Founders, but denied him and other enslaved people.
Adults. Clark Family Branch
Pat Simmons, “Accomplices in Love: The Jamieson Legacy--The Next Generation”
Tuesday, February 10, 5:30 p.m.
Pat Simmons is a St. Louis-based, multi-published Christian romance author of 50+ titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. Her popular Jamieson Legacy Series weaves American Black history and genealogy with uplifting romance. Pat will discuss her experiences in the publishing world and highlight her work as an African American Christian author.
Adults. Natural Bridge Branch
Lachi, “I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity and Power”
Thursday, February 12, 7:00 p.m.
Lachi is an award-winning recording artist, a co-producer of a Grammy-nominated album and the first openly disabled National Trustee of the Recording Academy. With style and straight talk, Lachi defines disability as a cultural movement, an empowering identity, and a blueprint for innovation. Her memoir, "I Identify as Blind" pulses with energy. Through magnetic storytelling, pop-culture deep dives, and historical insight, Lachi challenges mainstream views on disability with humor and heart.
Adults. Clark Family Branch
Deborah Roberts, “Sisters Loved and Treasured: Stories of Unbreakable Bonds”
Thursday, February 19, 6:00 p.m.
Veteran ABC News correspondent and 20/20 co-anchor, Deborah Roberts shares a celebration of sisterhood, featuring more than 50 personal stories by Viola Davis, Jenna Bush Hager, Octavia Spencer, and many more. Beacons of support, understanding, and love, sisters are there for us through it all. But how often do we step back from our busy lives to acknowledge what they truly mean to us? In “Sisters Loved and Treasured,” Roberts curates a collection of conversations, meditations, and anecdotes from her own sisters, celebrity friends and everyday people alike who share deeply personal accounts of how their relationships as sisters shaped their lives.
Adults. Clark Family Branch
Whispering Sweet Nothings: African American Romance Writer Panel
Friday, February 20, 7:00 p.m.
Love is in the air with authors LaQuette, Kristina Forest and Jamie Wesley. An author of sexy, stylish and sensational romance, LaQuette’s latest novel, “Janae Sanders’ Second Time Around,” follows a single mom who gets a second chance at love with her high school sweetheart. USA Today bestselling author Kristina Forest’s latest romance, “The Love Lyric,” shares the story of an R&B singer and a corporate executive finding love that hits the right notes. In Jamie Wesley’s sweet and sexy romance, “Fake It Tell You Bake It,” a reality star and a cupcake-baking football player pretend to be a couple in order to save his bakery.
Adults. Florissant Valley Branch
Sadeqa Johnson, “Keeper of Lost Children”
Tuesday, February 24, 7:00 p.m.
In this new novel from the bestselling author of “The House of Eve,” one American woman’s vision in post WWII Germany will tie together three people. Toggling between the lives of multiple characters, “Keeper of Lost Children” demonstrates that love—familial, parental and forbidden, even love of self—can be transcendent.
Adults. Clark Family Branch
Tayari Jones, “Kin”
Monday, March 9, 7:00 p.m.
Award-winning author of “An American Marriage,” Tayari Jones has written an unforgettable novel about two lifelong friends. A novel about mothers and daughters, friendship and sisterhood, “Kin” is an emotionally rich work from one of the brightest voices in contemporary fiction.
Adults. Clark Family Branch
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