Things to Do
From crafts to STEM to film, celebrate Black History Month in Cobb
During a celebration of 2006 Black History Month at Marietta system's Lockheed Elementary School, kindergartners perform an African dance routine taught to them by their teacher.
There’s no one way to celebrate black history.
So it’s a good thing Cobb County’s libraries are offering many different types of events to recognize and learn about the worldwide contributions of black leaders.
If a book discussion isn’t your thing, try a STEM event focusing on black inventors or maybe black history bingo.
Maybe use some black history education as a way to exercise the brain of a student out of school for Winter Break.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to recognize Black History Month in some way.
Check out some opportunities below:
- Black History Month at the MoviesSwitzer Library, 266 Roswell St. NE in MariettaWatch "Selma" on Feb. 11 and "Pride" on Feb. 25., both starting at 3 p.m. For more information, call 770-528-2331.
- African-American Author Book Discussion meeting Stratton Library, 1100 Powder Springs Road SW in Marietta; 7-8 p.m., Feb. 13The book is "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" by Bryan Stevenson. Stevenson is the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Ala., and his book centers around his experience as a lawyer helping those "desperately in need of compassion in the justice system of America." For more information, call 770-528-2522.
- Black History Month Crafternoon Kennesaw Library, 2250 Lewis St. in Kennesaw; 3-4 p.m., Feb. 16Join in on fun and creative craft activities for all ages. Don't worry, they'll have all the materials you'll need. For more information, call 770-528-2529.
- Black History Month: Family Bingo East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta; 3:30-4:30 p.m., Feb. 16Families with children of all ages can play a special version of bingo featuring African-American icons and black history. For more information, call 770-509-2730.
- Dr. Oral Moses presents The Story of the Negro Spiritual South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton; 1-2 p.m., Feb. 18Kennesaw State University Professor Emeritus Oral Moses will speak about how Negro spirituals arose from music used during the slave trade from West Africa. His presentation will also include an overview of the famous Fisk Jubilee Singers and their significance in beginning the tradition of presenting " these simple, poignant melodies to audiences throughout the world." For more information, call 678-398-5828.
- Black History Month – Celebrating Two Famous African-American Inventors South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton; 2:30-4:30 p.m., Feb. 18The program for ages 5 through twelve will highlight potato chip inventor George Crum and traffic light creator Garrett Morgan. They thought ahead; snacks will be provided. For more information, call 678-398-5828.
- Celebrate Black History Month: Family STEM!West Cobb Regional Library, 750 Dennis Kemp Lane NW, in Kennesaw; 3:30-4:45 p.m., Feb. 18The whole family can enjoy STEM activities inspired by African-American inventors. For more information, call 770-528-4699.
- Winter Break Fun: Black History Month Bingo! West Cobb Regional Library, 750 Dennis Kemp Lane NW, in Kennesaw; 3:30-4:30 p.m., Feb. 22Don't let that kiddo lounge around the house all winter break. Bring them to the library to play some black history bingo. Children at preschool ages and older are welcome. For more information, call 770-528-4699.
- Winter Break Kids Create: Celebrate Black History Month! West Cobb Regional Library, 750 Dennis Kemp Lane NW, in Kennesaw; 3:30-4:30 p.m., Feb. 23A day after some black history bingo (see above), come on back for some crafting. All materials will be provided. And all ages are welcome, but younger children may need the caregiver assistance. For more information, call 770-528-4699.
- Black Inventors – The Long Journey for Recognition, a lecture by Lawrence P. KingSouth Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton; 1-2 p.m., Feb. 25The discussion will focus on black inventors like George Washington Carver and Dr. Percy L. Julian. The conversation will touch on "the long process to secure their recognition and induction" into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. For more information, call 678-398-5828.
About the Author
Ben Brasch is the reporter tasked with keeping Fulton County government accountable. The Florida native moved to Atlanta for a job with The AJC. If there's something important to you going on in Fulton, he wants to know about it. Help him better metro Atlanta by dropping a line, anonymously or otherwise.
