Library to celebrate artistic expression of African Americans during Black History Month

This February, the Library explores the history of visual arts, music, and drama in the Queen City created by African Americans. The exploration begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Main Library during the event C. Smith: Your Personal Photographer. Renowned photographer C. Smith is discussing his passion for the craft and share stories from a career spanning six decades. This event complements three exhibits currently on display at the Main Library: Better than Good: The Photography of C. Smith (through March 12), From Downtown to Uptown Photographed by C. Smith (through March 12), and Your Personal Photographer: C. Smith (through March 2).  

Other Main Library Events and Classes

  • Photography and Genealogy Research
    Saturday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m.
    Behind every photo lies a story. Genealogist Thomas Jordan, author of Double Jordan: My Journey Towards Discovering My Paternal Ancestors, explores genealogical clues contained in cabinets of pictures and photo albums found at home.
  • Preserving Your Family Photos
    Saturday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m.
    Every genealogist knows that photographs are fragile objects. Come to the Main Library’s MakerSpace and learn steps to protect and preserve family photos using the latest scanning and storage technology available at the Library for free. While there, learn how to make your own book based on genealogy research. 
  • The Cincinnati Jazz Scene
    Saturday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m.

    Jazz music has been an integral part of Cincinnati's heritage since the 1920s. Join a panel of historians and musicians for a discussion of some of the great players and the many jazz locations in the Tristate area.
  • Hank Mautner Quintet Jazz Concert
    Saturday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m.
    Celebrate Cincinnati’s jazz history with trumpeter, composer, arranger, and conductor Hank Mautner.
  • The History of Black Theater in Cincinnati
    Saturday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m.
    Join Tony Darnell Davis, professor of theatre emeritus from the University of Cincinnati, for a look at the efforts and struggles to provide the dramatic arts to the African American community in Cincinnati and the establishment of the Cincinnati Black Theater in 2001.

In addition, many library branches are celebrating Black History Month with events, storytimes, performances, music, special book club selections, and art. All events are free, but registration may be required. For a comprehensive listing of Black History Month events at select branches, visit www.CincinnatiLibrary.org. For more information call 513-369-6900.