For Immediate Release: January 23, 2008

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

            The 18^th annual African American Celebration through Poetry will mark the centennial of Richard Wright, author of such seminal works as Native Son, Black Boy, and The Outsider. All poets, regardless of age or experience, are invited to come and recite their original verse. Participants will be required to attend a rehearsal on Saturday, January 26, from 10 a.m. to noon. The main event will take place Saturday, February 2 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St. Call (510) 238-7352 for information.

            The Huey P. Newton Photo Exhibit celebrates the achievements and influence of the charismatic co-founder of the Black Panther Party. The exhibit will be displayed from February 1 to 29 at the West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St.

            The Black Panther Party is also featured in Educate to Liberate: the Schools of the Black Panther Party, 1969-1982. The photo exhibit, which also recognizes the 35^th anniversary of the Oakland Community Learning Center, is presented by the Oakland History Room in conjunction with It’s About Time. It will be on display from January 15 to April 15 at the Main Library, 125 14^th St., 2^nd floor.

            On Saturday, February 16, at 1:00 p.m., a reception will be held for the Huey P. Newton and Educate to Liberate exhibits. The reception will be hosted by Elbert “Big Man” Howard, one of the original six members of the Black Panther Party and the editor of the Black Panther Party newspaper. The event will take place at the West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St. For information call (510) 238-7352.

            February 6 marks the beginning of Opening Doors: Contemporary African American Academic Surgeons, an exhibit celebrating the achievement of four pioneering African American academic surgeons and educators whose contributions to medicine and medical education are an inspiration to current and future generations. This exhibition was developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture.  The exhibit will be on display through April 19 at AAMLO, 659 14^th St. For information call (510) 637-0200.

            Author Sarah O’Neal Rush is the great-granddaughter and biographer of Booker T. Washington. She is also the founder of Booker T. Washington Empowerment Network, and an accomplished speaker who emphasizes such themes as rising above circumstances. She will discuss and sign copies of her new biography, Timeless Treasure: Reflections of God’s Word in the Wisdom of Booker T. Washington. Washington is widely remembered for his leadership in the late 19^th century, as well as for founding the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. The event will take place on Saturday, February 16, 2:00–4:00 p.m., at AAMLO, 659 14^th St.

            “Civil Rights Tales” is a “living history” of Civil Rights performed by Stagebridge, the nation’s longest-running senior theater company. Stagebridge strives to bridge the generation gap by connecting with intergenerational audiences. The stories will be followed by an open discussion about the road we’ve traveled and the journey ahead. It will take place on February 25, 6:30–7:30 p.m., at the Golden Gate Branch, 5606 San Pablo Ave. Call (510) 597-5023 for information.

            New Soul Cooking with Tanya Holland promises to be a popular event. Ms. Holland is a chef, author, and regular host of the Food Network’s “Melting Pot Soul Kitchen,” and she will share tips and techniques to create healthful, mouth-watering soul food. She will appear on Saturday, February 9, at 2 p.m., at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, 6833 International Blvd; and on Monday, February 25, at 5:30 p.m., at the Elmhurst Branch, 1427 88th Ave. Call 615-5869 for information.

            A preliminary showing of artwork selected for AAMLO’s exhibit Visions Toward Tomorrow will be held February 2. AAMLO is looking for young talented and aspiring artists to participate in the exhibit, which officially opens March 2008. Please call (510) 637-0200 for further details.

            On Saturday, February 9, 2008, 1–4 p.m., AAMLO will host a Children’s Book Marathon. The event will include games, movies, storytelling, giveaways, and a chance to meet local writers, including Al Young, Curtis Hunt, Kim McMillon, Dr. Tolossa, and Alfonzo Tucker. Limited seating is available, so RSVP at (510) 637-0200.

            AAMLO will also collaborate with the African American Book Festival in presenting an Evening of Intellectual Entertainment, Friday, February 29, at 6:00 p.m. Rabbi Michael Lerner, author of The Left Hand of God: Taking Our Country Back from the Religious Right and editor of the liberal Tikkun magazine, will be the event’s special guest. The Reverend Michael Smith and Reverend Bryan Williams, pastor of the Resurrection Community Church and a syndicated columnist for the Oakland Tribune, will also be on hand.

            For more information, please contact your neighborhood Oakland library, or see the Oakland Public Library’s Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products to library events. To request sign interpretation or other accommodation, please call one of the numbers listed 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. (Photographs are available upon request.)

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