Library News

Acknowledging Black History Month

History. A lot of things may come to mind for each of us when we read the word. For some, those thoughts begin as questions – are we talking ancient history, modern history, the history of something? Maybe the biggest question would be whose history? When in fact one could argue that all of history is a shared history. After all human beings have been evolving alongside each other for the entirety of our collective history.  

That evolution concurrently happened either in complete ignorance of other groups of people or right alongside each other and as the world grew with each new exploration, it simultaneously became smaller, too. Overtime, what once separated us, whether it be distance or ignorance of each other, has been eliminated. In todays, where we are creating the history of the future, we are a people who are connected. What happens one mile or five thousand miles away is the knowledge of the world as soon as it hits the news – and even quicker if it hits social media first. 

Yet even though it is a shared history and we humans have far more in common than in contrast – taking the opportunity to embrace the story of where we as individuals have come from is a wonderful way to celebrate all the beauty that diversity offers. Without it, all art would look the same, all music would be played to one rhythm, each book would tell a story whose ending we already knew – how wildly boring a world that would be! 

Here in the Verde Valley, the diversity of nature shines each time we step outside. We can see the grandeur of Mingus with her impressive peaks, in Camp Verde we can be surprised with the sighting of a coati at Clear Creek, in Clarkdale the tracks of the elusive mountain lion could delight and startle us and here in Sedona the javelinas can entertain us with their antics. Okay, yes, sometimes it’s not so entertaining when they eat all our flowers but we all can admit those babies are the cutest! This valley we share is a place of natural wonder and beauty – from its landscape to its wildlife – all the way down to us, the humans occupying this space together. And when we as humans come together and celebrate the each and the all of us, we can build a history that we are eager to leave to our descendants yet to come. 

In that spirit, on February 19th at 6pm it’s time to CELEBRATE the beauty that is Black History! Wouldn’t you know — there will even be a bookish spin on the evening?! It’s time to gather and honor the wisdom, strength, and joy of Black voices. Celebrating Black Voices: Words That Inspire Us All! is a collaborative effort with numerous community members coming together to create a space for gathering, sharing, learning, reflection, and sparking new friendships, of course! Our artists, whether they be the painters, the composers, or the storytellers – are some of the most valuable and cherished recorders of our shared histories. Through them we have a unique chance to step into the past, slip into someone else’s shoes, and explore a world wholly new to us. How lucky we are to have them! 

In the wise words of Maya Angelou, someone we can all look up to and aspire to live up to, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” We all know that we thrive when we come together, when we share our passions and when we show compassion, and when we find the time to laugh – so let’s do all that as we celebrate Black voices. And if we want to come in style, let’s do that too! 

Luckily, we have the whole month of February to dig into Black history. With all there is to discover, why not start on the first of the month? Search the catalog for timeless classics by Academy Award nominees like Spike Lee, John Singleton, and Steve McQueen (the director, not the author). Browse the stacks for literary powerhouses like Yaa Gyasi, Alice Walker, and Robert Jones Jr. Cross the pond, landing in Africa by visiting communitylibrarysedona.org and registering for free online languages lessons through Mango Languages and learn Swahili! And check out Udemy, another free database available on our website to learn all about the history of black hair! 

Opportunities to explore Black history are endless when you have a library card in your hand! 

Community Library Sedona is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gifts supplement the funding and support we receive from the City of Sedona, Coconino and Yavapai County property taxes, and Friends of the Sedona Library. Visit communitylibrarysedona.org/donate to make an online gift. Thank you!  

As published by Red Rock News

Library News Column for January 17, 2025, by Tasha Spuches, Assistant Director

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