Embark on a journey with us to better understand yourself and others. Take time this month to celebrate and learn about the histories, contributions, and current experiences of those around you.
The stories highlighted here act as windows into other cultures and mirrors of our own experiences. Source: By Rudine Sims Bishop, The Ohio State University. "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors" originally appeared in Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom. Vo. 6, no. 3. Summer 1990.
Black History Month (February)
Historic Black Settlements of Ohio: Author David Meyers
Feb 6th | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Meet local author David Meyers as he talks about his book, Historic Black Settlements of Ohio. Book sale ($24/each) and signing to follow.
Urban Strings Columbus: Youth Orchestra
Feb 9th | 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Listen to music from popular African American composers and arrangers, performed by Youth String Ensembles.
Turtle & Rabbit Tales with Lyn Ford
Feb 15th | 10:00am - 10:45am
Become immersed in the “trickster critters” stories of Affrilachian oral tradition shared with humor and history. Performed by Lyn Ford.
Anniversary of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
May 31 marks the anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre in the neighborhood of Greenwood (Black Wall Street) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Learn About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
These titles are perfect to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Signing Black in America
Part of the doc Talking Black in America, this excerpt covers Black ASL and its impact on identity within the Black Deaf Community.
Equity First: Path to Inclusion & Belonging (Online Course)
Mary-Frances discusses gender equality, racial and ethnic equity, sexual orientation equity, and equity for people with disabilities.
Marvel Voices Comic Series
Originally starting as a podcast, Marvel Voices has expanded to comic format to highlight characters and creators of color in Marvel comics.
Black History Month (Mixed Media)
Listen and watch as you discover more about the lives of important peoples, and stories with Black History.
Discussing Racism with Dr. Christina Greer (Online Course)
Dr. Greer covers best practices for speakers and listeners, the real-life impacts of racism, and how conversations can lead to action.
Historical Underground Railroad Trail (Ohio.org)
Includes a list of sites in Ohio that were part of the Underground Railroad, including Hanby House in Westerville. Printable map included.
Black History Month - The Legends (Download or Stream)
Enjoy songs from legends like Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye.
Black History Month (Streaming Movies)
Learn more about the remarkable achievements and the heroes who’ve paved the way for change with this curated collection on Kanopy PLUS.
Black History Films
These documentaries about Black History in America will guide you through powerful points in history and Black culture.
WeRISE, WeREAD 2024: New Kid by Jerry Craft
Jan 09, 2024
Read the graphic novel New Kid by Jerry Craft, then dive into rich conversations about racial identity, code-switching, marginalizing…
2025 Schedule of Celebrations
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women's History Month
- April: Arab American Heritage Month
- May: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
- July: Disability Pride Month
- September: Hispanic Latino Heritage Month
- November: Native American Heritage Month
Feminist Rage and Passion in Music
Listen to these Feminist and Feminist-Coded music choices for a reflection on women's lived experiences.
Women's History Month for Kids (eBooks & audiobooks)
Celebrate the history of influential women this month, and all year long, with this collection of ebooks and audiobooks from Hoopla.
Celebrate Women's History Month
Read these books as a way to celebrate Women's History Month.
Women's History - Little People Big Dreams Series
This list focuses on the stories of many influential women from the best-selling book series for kids, Little People Big Dreams.
Feminist Rage and Passion in Music
Listen to these Feminist and Feminist-Coded music choices for a reflection on women's lived experiences.
Women's History Month for Kids (eBooks & audiobooks)
Celebrate the history of influential women this month, and all year long, with this collection of ebooks and audiobooks from Hoopla.
Celebrate Women's History Month
Read these books as a way to celebrate Women's History Month.
Women's History - Little People Big Dreams Series
This list focuses on the stories of many influential women from the best-selling book series for kids, Little People Big Dreams.
About This Initiative
The Westerville Public Library’s intention with this initiative is to reflect our diverse community, encourage acceptance, promote respect, expand understanding, amplify a wide range of voices, and energize community conversations. Suggestions for future celebrations welcome.
Heritage in this context is intended to encompass the people, places, and things that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
