For Immediate Release: January 14, 2009

Fun and Enlightening Events Mark Black History Month
at the Oakland Public Library

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( Oakland, CA)—Throughout the month of February, in celebration of Black History Month, the Oakland Public Library will host exhibits, poetry readings, author talks, cooking demonstrations, and performances that highlight African American culture. Admission to all events is free.

The African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) will put on a variety of events in its historic downtown Oakland home. AAMLO is located at 659 14th Street. On Saturday, February 14, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., AAMLO hosts the Collaboration of the Year, an afternoon of spiritual enlightenment put on by the Oakland Community Chorus conducted by William Bell, and The Friends of the Negro Spirituals. Call (510) 637-0200 to RSVP.

On Saturday, February 21, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., AAMLO presents African American Pioneers in the Olympic Games. It’s an opportunity for fans of track and field to meetOlympians and gold medalists, who will discuss topics ranging from "The First African American in the Olympics" to "The Future of African Americans in the Olympic Games." Call (510) 637-0200 for an invitation.

On Saturday, February 28, from 2 to 7:30 p.m., AAMLOhosts 400 Years of History: African American Composers. The public is invited to enjoy an afternoon of music and history, highlighting the accomplishments of African American composers. Seating is limited. Please RSVP: (510) 637-0200.

Lakeview Branch, 550 El Embarcadero, will present a month-long exhibit of paintings by local artist and musician "Ed N Sted,” aka Ed Harris. The art of Ed N Sted celebrates funk music from the ’60s and ’70s. A great time to see the art is on Saturday, February 14, from 2 to 3 p.m., when the artist will host his Ed N Sted Funky 45 Show. Mr. Harris will lay down classic funk grooves, so come and dance at the Lakeview Branch. Call (510) 238-7344 for information.

The West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline Street, is putting on a couple of related events, starting with its 19 th AnnualAfrican American Celebration through Poetry, on Saturday, February 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. Poets of all ages, especially those sharing their work for the first time, are encouraged to participate. Interested poets will need to attend a rehearsal on Saturday, January 21. Call (510) 238-7352 for information.

On Saturday, February 28, from noon to 4 p.m., the West Oakland Branch presents its annual African American Quilters of Oakland Demonstration and Workshop.Come watch quilting demonstrations and join in a hands-on workshop in quilting. All supplies will be provided. For information call (510) 238-7352.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch will add to the fun with a Nigerian Cooking Workshop, on Saturday, February 21, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Don’t miss this popular demonstration on making healthy and delicious Nigerian food, and stick around to sample tasty dishes. The King Branch is located at 6833 International Blvd. Call (510) 615-5728 for information.

Additionally, this year The Big Read Project, from February 21 to March 19,will focus on African American novelist Ernest J. Gaines’ A Lesson Before Dying. The Oakland Public Library and its partner, California State University East Bay, will host several Big Read events. For information, please see http://thebigreadoakland.tumblr.com/.

For more information, please call (510) 238-3134, or see the Oakland Public Library’s Web site: http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/ . The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland.

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