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“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’”
Martin Luther King Jr., Aug. 28, 1963
Winter 2009 is a momentous season for hopes and dreams. On the heels of a new year and new resolutions, the country will see the inauguration of a new President, the annual remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr., the celebration of Presidents Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays, and the commemoration of Black History Month.
Find resources for realizing your hopes and dreams at your library or at www.wearefree2.org.
View the Inauguration at
San Francisco Public Library
To mark the historic inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama, San Francisco Public Library will host a free public viewing of the televised coverage of his inauguration on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The Main Library at 100 Larkin Street is opening the Koret Auditorium to all who would like to watch the live telecast of the inaugural events, starting at 9 a.m. Pacific Standard Time and continuing until Noon. The event is sponsored by the Library’s African American Interest Committee.
Remember Abraham Lincoln’s Life, Accomplishments and Legacy
All Men Created Equal Exhibition
This national traveling exhibition examines Abraham Lincoln's life, accomplishments, and legacy. Lincoln's path from a self-educated, rough-hewn lawyer with virtually no administrative experience, to the president who guided a divided nation through the crises of slavery, secession and Civil War are depicted. The exhibition also demonstrates how Lincoln transcended age and left a constitutional legacy for all Americans.
To accompany this exhibition, the Library is displaying a selection of materials from its own collections, representing Lincoln’s life, career and legacy, as well as other significant persons and events of
the Civil War era. The diverse range of materials includes an 1852 edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Carleton Watkins’ photographs of Lincoln obsequies in San Francisco; and, a lithograph commemorating California’s ratification of the 13th Amendment. The influence of the Civil War on California and specifically, San Francisco, is also spotlighted, with the activities of Thomas Starr King. More contemporary items focus on the visible reminders in San Francisco of our 16th President.
Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times is a national traveling exhibition organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The traveling exhibition has been made possible in part through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to expanding American understanding of human experience and cultural heritage.
Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times
February 4-March 5, 2009
Skylight Gallery
Main Library, 100 Larkin St.
Related Programs
Thursdays at Noon: Film Series on Abraham Lincoln
February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 12 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium,
Lincoln and San Francisco
Historian and author John William Templeton recounts the many links between Lincoln and San Francisco, including the tribute to Lincoln embedded in the sanctuary of Third Baptist Church and the San Francisco painter whose murals are in the Lincoln Memorial, as well as other paintings in the Main Library and other sites locally.
Sunday, February 8, 2─4 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium
Mary: A Novel
Author Janis Cooke Newman discusses her book; book sale and signing to follow.
Tuesday, February 10, 6:30─7:30 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium
Lincoln, Thomas Starr King, San Francisco, and the Civil War
Former California State Librarian and San Francisco City Librarian and current historian Kevin Starr to discuss the role of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War in California with a specific focus on the contributions of Thomas Starr King.
February 24, 6 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room,
Andrew Ward reads from his book, The Slave’s War
The African American Center presents acclaimed historian and author of The Slave’s War, Andrew Ward, who will discuss how he crafted the book, which is the first comprehensive narrative of the Civil War told entirely from the perspective of those whose destiny it decided: the slaves.
Thursday, February 26, 6─7 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium,
Celebrate African American History Month
Children's Programs
*Destiny: The Sound Sculptress Please join us for an afternoon of music as Destiny will mesmerize you with her musical imagery on her harp. For children of all ages.
Monday, February 2, 4 p.m.
Glen Park Branch Library,
2825 Diamond Street (near Bosworth)
*Celebrate African American History Month with Yolanda Rhodes
Yolanda Rhodes weaves music and movement into her lively folk tale stories from Africa. For children ages 3-6. Space limited; call (415) 355-5727 for reservations.
Tuesday, February 3, 4 p.m.,
Western Addition Branch Library,
1550 Scott Street (at Geary)
*Family Night
Harpist from the Hood Destiny Muhammad brings her wonderful harp music to Parkside! For children of all ages.
Wednesday, February 4, 7 p.m.,
Parkside Branch Library,
1200 Taraval Street (at 22nd Avenue)
*Craft Program: African American Quilts
The Museum of Craft and Folk Art presents this wonderful program in celebration of African American History Month. Learn about African American quilt-making through a short slideshow presentation and a hands-on group quilt-making activity. Fun for children 6 and older.
Wednesday, February 4, 4 p.m.,
Western Addition Branch Library,
1550 Scott Street (at Geary)
*Celebrate African American History Month with Yolanda Rhodes
An interactive performance of story, rhythm, music, and movement. For children of all ages.
Saturday, February 7, 11:30 a.m.
Excelsior Branch Library,
4400 Mission Street (at Cotter)
Stories and tales from the African-American experience - Mary J. Kelly,
Oakland-based master storyteller, is known for her interactive storytelling performances. Her rich and varied repertoire of stories makes her one of the Bay Area's most sought after performance artists for all ages. She also serves as Education Director of the Young Audiences of Northern California, which is sponsoring this performance. For children of all ages.
Wednesday, February 8, 2 p.m.,
Main Library, Second Floor, Fisher Children’s Center,
100 Larkin Street (at Grove)
*Marijo, Storyteller
– Stories from The Drinking Gourd, in celebration of African American History Month. For children of all ages. Call Tim Troy for class reservations (415) 557-4554.
Tuesday, February 10, 10:30–11:30 a.m.,
Main Library, Second Floor, Fisher Children’s Center,
100 Larkin Street (at Grove)
*S. Kwaku Daddy
In honor of African American History Month, internationally known Master Drummer and folklorist, S. Kwaku Daddy, introduces traditional culture, music, dance and stories of Ghana, as well as other African countries. For children of all ages.
Tuesday, February 10, 3:30 p.m.,
Marina Branch Library,
1890 Chestnut Street (near Webster)
*African American Visionary Arts Program presented by Museum of Craft and Folk Arts
In celebration of African American History Month, children will create chalk pastel masterpieces depicting their personal “dreams, visions and imaginations” in the style of notable African-American artists. For children of all ages.
Tuesday, February 10, 4:30 p.m.,
Ocean View Branch Library,
345 Randolph Street (at Ramsell)
*Make Your Own Silhouette Craft Program
Let’s honor Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday! We’ll make silhouette portraits of ourselves just like they did during Mr. Lincoln’s time. For ages 5 and older. Space limited; call (415) 355-5760 for reservations.
Saturday, February 14, 3 p.m.,
Ortega Branch Library,
3223 Ortega Street (at 39th Avenue)
*J. P. Myrick, Storyteller
In recognition of African American History Month, renowned storyteller J. P. Myrick will present Harriet Tubman, famed African American abolitionist and humanitarian. For children of all ages. Call Tim Troy for class reservations (415) 557-4554.
Tuesday, February 17, 10:30─11:30 a.m.,
Main Library, Fisher Children’s Center,
100 Larkin Street (at Grove)
*Celebrate African American History Month with Yolanda Rhodes
A journey through stories, music, movement and more! For ages 3-5.
Tuesday, February 17, 11 a.m.
North Beach Branch Library,
2000 Mason Street (at Columbus)
*Harpist from the Hood
Celebrate African American History Month with the beautiful music of internationally acclaimed harpist, Destiny Muhammad. For children of all ages.
Thursday, February 19, 10:30 a.m.
St. Teresa’s Church, (Potrero Branch’s program),
390 Missouri Street (at Connecticut)
*Celebrate African American History Month with Yolanda Rhodes
Stories, music and movement. For Ages 5 and younger. Meeting room is not accessible by elevator.
Tuesday, February 24, 10:15 a.m.,
Golden Gate Valley Branch Library,
1801 Green Street (at Octavia)
*Celebrate African American History Month: Folklore and Fun
Come listen to traditional folklore and create your own masterpieces in celebration of African American History. For children of all ages.
Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m.,
Ocean View Branch Library,
345 Randolph Street (at Ramsell)
Celebrate African American History Month
Adult Programs
African American Book Group
African American Historical and Cultural Society Black History Month Event: Learning from the Past – Building a Better Future, a slave narrative. The San Francisco African American Historical and Cultural Society Herndon Lecture Series in collaboration with the African American Center, San Francisco Public Library, and the San Francisco Unified School District Office of
Teaching and Learning invites you to a conversation with Regina Mason about her book, Life of William Grimes, the Runaway Slave.
Sunday, February 1, 2–4 p.m.
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium,
100 Larkin Street (at Grove)
*Reachout for the Rainbow Afterschool and Museum of African American Technology (MAAT) Science Festival
Interactive science projects, Black inventions, living food demonstrations, dental screening, fitness demonstrations, and much more!
Sunday, February 8, 1─4 p.m.,
Bayview Branch Library,
5075 3rd Street (at Revere)
San Francisco Black Independent Film Festival
Film screenings of films by local black, independent filmmakers.
Sunday, February 14, 1─4:30 p.m.,
Main Library, Lower Level, Koret Auditorium,
100 Larkin Street (at Grove)
*I AM POTUS: A Star Studded Black Gay Inaugural Read
This reading celebrates the shifting of race, private candidacies and political office running, personal and public calls to service from the outer edges of hope to the center podium, and ultimately to the center stage through theater, poetry, essay and prose. Featuring Bay Area and nationally known writers: Brian Freeman, Alan Miller, Jay Frazier, Marvin K. White, and Terry Tapplehead.
Thursday, February 19, 6 ─7:45 p.m.,
Main Library, Lower Level, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room,
100 Larkin Street (at Grove)
*The San Francisco Black Panther Party
An exhibit of photos, newspapers and memorabilia that explores the personal and historical significance of the San Francisco Black Panther Party that came into existence in 1968 in the Fillmore district.
Exhibition: Through March 12, 2009,
Main Library, Third Floor, African American Center,
100 Larkin Street (at Grove)
The African American Concert Singer 1900-1960
The history of African Americans in the vocal arts in the world of classical music and opera has a long and rich tradition. Yet, it is a history that has too often been a footnote in the larger text on concert and opera singers in the 20th Century. During this most historic Black History Month of 2009,
the library pays homage to the careers of many well known and forgotten singers through the medium of rare advertising, concert programs, posters and historic recordings. Highlights include rare San Francisco Bay Area and West Coast memorabilia of pioneering singers Roland Hayes, Marian Anderson,
Dorothy Maynor, Paul Robeson, William Warfield and Leontyne Price. Also showcased are the less well known names/careers: Carol Brice, Kenneth Spencer, Lawrence Winters, Camilla Williams and Adele Addison.
Exhibition: February 9 through April 9, 2009,
Main Library, Third Floor, General Collections and Humanities Center
100 Larkin Street (at Grove)
*Program funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library
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