For Immediate Release: January 9, 2007

African American History Month Brings Programs
That Honor, Inform, Celebrate & Inspire

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(Oakland, CA)-February will see music, poetry, inventions, stories, and much more coming through Oakland Public Libraries to honor and celebrate African American History Month. Our special events range from educational programs to challenging discussions and joyous celebrations of beauty and music for all ages. Program details follow:

Black Love, the 17th Annual African American Celebration through Poetry

The annual African American Celebration through Poetry welcomes first-time readers, published writers, and award-winning authors to come down and share your best work. Past participants have even included music, dance, and costumes in their performances. Black Love is the 2007 theme. Poetry about love of self, family, and community is encouraged, but poets of all ages are welcome to share work on any theme. Anyone who does not attend the rehearsal, held a week prior, can still read during the open mic portion of the event.
Saturday, February 3, 1 to 4 pm at West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St., (510) 238-7352.
(Rehearsal is Saturday, January 27, from 10 am to noon.)

Black Inventors and Inventions Exhibit
This display created by R. J. Reed highlights the many contributions of African Americans to the world of science and inventions. It will visit two of Oakland's branch libraries this month:
February 5 through 9 at Melrose Branch, 4805 Foothill Blvd., (510) 535-5623.
February 12 through 16 at West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St., (510) 238-7352.

*** Cancelled *** Renay Jackson Book Talk & Signing
Meet the author of the urban lit classic Oaktown Devil who will talk about his most recent novel, Crack City. A long-time custodian for the Oakland Police Department, Renay is an Oakland self-publishing success story. He's the 2002 winner of the Chester Himes Award.
Saturday, February 10, 2 pm at Elmhurst Branch, 1427-88th Ave., (510) 615-5727.

Wake Up Black America Book Talk
Author Robert R. Johnson will talk about tools for African Americans to take back their communities and solve problems like crime, joblessness, and the state of education.
Saturday, February 17, 2 to 4 pm at Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Avenue, (510) 597-5017.

African American Quilters Demonstration & Workshop
Members of this long-time Oakland group can help anyone get started quilting or develop their skills. Supplies will be provided. New in 2007, the African American Quilters will begin meeting monthly to share their experience with the public and swap resources. Join this well-established and widely-displayed group to bring your quilting to the next level of craft and creativity.
Saturday, Feb. 24, noon to 3:30 pm at West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St., (510) 238-7352
Group meets monthly on the last Saturday of the month from noon to 3 pm, same location.

Civil Rights Tales with Marijo and Stagebridge Players
Premiere storyteller Marijo and the Stagebridge Storytellers present a moving collection of Civil Rights stories and songs shared by the people who lived them. Adults and teens are welcome to come listen to the stories and share your own. A reception follows the program.
Monday, February 26, 6:30 pm at Golden Gate Branch, 5606 San Pablo Ave., (510) 597-5023

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMIILIES

MORE RAIL: Montage of Rail Experiences Creating an Intimate Legacy
All ages can learn about the history of African Americans and the railroad at this dramatic production with slides and music. A Soul in the City Urban Advocates presentation produced by Go Productions and created by Michael Copeland Sydnor.
Thursday, February 1, 3 pm, Eastmont Branch, 7200 Bancroft Ave., Suite 211, (510) 615-5726
Saturday, February 3, 2 pm, Asian Branch, 388 9th Street, Suite 190, (510) 238-3400
Wednesday, February 7, 6:30 pm, Main Library Children's Room, 125 14th St., (510) 238-3615
Tuesday, February 13, 3:30 pm, Brookfield Branch, 9255 Edes Ave., (510) 615-5725
Saturday, February 17, 2 pm, Melrose Branch, 4805 Foothill Blvd., (510) 535-5623
Tuesday, Feb. 20, 3:30 pm, M.L. King, Jr. Branch, 6833 International Blvd., (510) 615-5728.

Muriel Johnson, Storyteller
Muriel Johnson presents traditional folk tales for children from Africa and the American South in honor of African American History Month.
Tuesday, February 6, 10:30 am at Montclair Branch, 1687 Mountain Blvd., (510) 482-7810
Thursday, February 15, 10:30 am at Elmhurst Branch, 1427 88th Ave., (510) 615-5727
Tuesday, February 27, 7 pm at Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave., (510) 597-5017

Samba Samba!
Come learn about and experience rhythm, percussion instruments, and drums at this African American History month program. Ages four years and over welcome.
Tuesday, February 6, 7 pm, Dimond Branch, 3565 Fruitvale Ave., (510) 482-7844
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 10:30 am, Eastmont Branch, 7200 Bancroft Ave., Suite 211, (510) 615-5726
Thursday, February 8, 10:15 am, Golden Gate Branch, 5606 San Pablo Ave., (510) 597-5023
Saturday, Feb. 10, 1 pm, César Chávez Branch, 3301 East 12th St., Ste. 271, (510) 535-5620
Tuesday, February 13, 1 pm, Temescal Branch, 5205 Telegraph Ave., (510) 597-5049
Thursday, February 15, 1:30 pm, Asian Branch, 388 9th Street, Suite 190, (510) 238-3400
Tuesday, February 20, 1 pm, Brookfield Branch, 9255 Edes Ave., (510) 615-5725
Thursday, February 22, 10:30 am, Piedmont Ave. Branch, 160 41st Street, (510) 597-5011
Thursday, February 22, 1 pm, Lakeview Branch, 550 El Embarcadero, (510) 238-7344
Tuesday, February 27, 1:30 pm, Main Library Children's Room, 125 14th St., (510) 238-3615

For more information, please call the branch at the number above or (510) 238-3134, or see the Library's Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products. To request sign interpretation, or other accommodation, call the number above or (510) 834-7446 (TTY) at least five working days prior to the event. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland .

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