30th Black History Calendar Unveiling

Library Director Tim Rogers opened the unveiling of the pearl edition of the 2019 Jacksonville Black History calendar, January 17, 2019.  He spoke to an enthusiastic

audience of about 460 in the Main Library Hicks Auditorium.
 
 Mayor Lenny Curry honored the event, recognizing the progress of African Americans, the importance of the calendar, and the necessary resources that libraries contribute to the success of the community. 
 
 Above, Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, co-creator of the Jacksonville Black History Calendar, stands with an enlarged picture of the cover of this year's calendar. 

Joy Purdy from WJXT-TV 4 served as Mistress of Ceremonies and introduced 2019 Black History Calendar adult and student honorees (pictured below.)

  Everyone received a copy of the calendar and a commemorative tote with "2019 Jacksonville Black History Calendar - 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition" with a large pearl stamped on the black and silver bag.

A special thank you goes to these staff members for making thie 30TH Anniversary of the Black History calendar a great success (L/R):  Mrs. Denise Thomas, Tamethia Billings, Corey Scott, Milicia Thomas, and Chanika Kimbrough.  Not pictured is Graham Branch's Cranston Burney who gave some input and sent the pictures above.

Main Children's Colors Their World

The variety of events in February 2018 color the world of the Main Children’s Department:

Marcie O'Dell says, "We have an Olympics Tracking Wall Interactive made by Kelli Heath. There was a great Emoji Lantern’s Program presented by Hannah Genslinger.

"We had kids add hearts to our Kindness Tree to decorate for Valentine’s Day.

"And, to celebrate Black History Month, Marcie O’Dell’s Art Creations class made African Masks!  Be careful if you stop on by because WE’RE  ALWAYS  HAVING  FUN! "

JB's Black History Program

JB's Gail Blumberg coordinated a two hour Beaches Branch Library Black History Program, February 11, 2017.  It was designed to educate, inspire and entertain customers using African-American history, poetry and music.  The Fletcher High School Step Dance Team, "Ladies of Pink Ice", led by coach Wanda Ware, performed. Courtney Amaro served as poet and Tony Harmon was the vocalist.  Pictured are mistresses of ceremony, Gloria Gipson and Almeritta Wilcox, who are friends of JB staff.  Almeritta is also a former JPL employee. 

2016 Jacksonville Black History Calendar Unveiling

Some two hundred residents attended the 27^th Annual Jacksonville Black History Calendar Unveiling on January 21 at the Main Library.

                Library Director Barbara Gubbin (2nd from right) and others hail the unveiling.

The 2016 theme, Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories, highlights American Beach to the north, Hemming Park in downtown, Fort Mose to the south and other spaces significant to Florida and African American history.

This year's dedication of the calendar honors Mr. Ernest J. Vickers, a former general manager of a Burger King for 20 years.   Due to his diligence, Mr. Vickers was later offered an opportunity to own a Burger King franchise and became the first African American to do so.  Among his other accomplishments, Mr. Vickers is responsible for Burger King Restaurants being the title sponsor for the Jacksonville Black History Calendar since 1997.

                      Mr. Ernest J. Vickers reviews calendar's dedication page honoring him.

The calendar is the creation of Board of Library Trustees member and former chair, Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins--who narrated the event--and the late Ms. Clovia Russell of AT&T. JPL staffs Pat Morrison, Arthur Finley, and Cranston Burney are an integral part of the research and support to bring this relevant and popular event to the Main Library for the past ten years.

Beside the title sponsor, Burger King Restaurants, the calendar, is a collaboration with Florida State College at Jacksonville, the James Weldon Johnson Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the Jacksonville Public Library and WJXT4.

Calendars are planned to be available at all JPL locations by February 1.

WBK Teen Wins Prizes

 “Name the Trailblazer in America” Black History Month

contest winner is 14 year old Simone Footman.  Simone correctly named 13 of the 15 faces on the poster. She won a $10 gift card from Winn Dixie and a JPL bag stuffed with goodies. Library Assistant Antoinette Walker originally designed the display to get customers thinking about historical trailblazers & Library Associate Kimberly Cherry decided to make it a contest and it was quite a success.  (Please see previous article and picture on this blog about WBK's Black History Month celebration.)