St Paul Public Library - Imagine, Create. Explore: Black History Month

A month long series of programs celebrated Black History Month (February 2010). Programs jointly sponsored by the St Paul Public Library and the Friends of the St Paul Public Library.

The Poetry of Rap -
Alexs Pate presented "The Poetry of Rap," an argument for a fresh understanding of rap as an example of powerful and effective poetry, rather than a negative cultural phenomenon. (Rondo Community Outreach Library)

My Heart Sings So My Spirit May Fly -
Popular Twin Cities' actor, vocalist and Emmy Award winner T. Mychael Rambo shared music, songs and poems of African Americans in his stellar program, "My Heart Sings So My Spirit May Fly." (Arlington Hills Branch Library)

Sowah Mensah and Friends -
Acclaimed performer, ethnomusicologist, composer and a "Master Drummer" from Ghana, West Africa, Sowah Mensah, and his fellow musicians presented "Sowah Mensah and Friends," an electrifying musical mix featuring drums, xylophones and other instruments that define African music. (Rice Street Branch Library)

Open Mic -
In a partnership with the Canvas Teen Art Center, a Rondo neighborhood artist workshop run by teens, for teens, a program of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Twin Cities' hip hop artists shared the love of poetry, dance, and emceeing in an open mic hosted by Tish Jones, with performances by Unicus Harry of Kanser, Niles Miller, Alissa Paris, Aneka McMullen, MC Isreal Coleman, Brittany Delany and B-Boy Showcase. (Rondo Community Outreach Library)

Stories of Hope -
Twin Cities' beloved actor, author, storyteller and educator, Isabell Monk O'Connor presented "Stories of Hope," an hour of tales from our national past that are heavily influenced by the African-American journey. (Merriam Park & Highland Park Branch Libraries)

My People -
Twin Cities' jazz archivist, historian, memoirist and family history aficionado Tony Garrett presented "My People," a genealogical journey focused on preserving family history. The presentation was followed by a genealogy workshop demonstrating how to use Ancestry Library to research family histories. (St. Paul Central Library)

Tommy Watson -
Author and elementary school principal Tommy Watson shared how one man came from "below nothing" to achieve personal success and inspire others as he discussed his 2008 biography A Face of Courage: The Tommy Watson Story - How Did He Survive? (Sun Ray Branch Library)

Dean Brewington Quartet -
The Dean Brewington Quartet and jazz vocalist Debbie Duncan offered an unforgettable afternoon of great classic jazz in a two-hour musical tribute to the late great Duke Ellington. Guest jazz historian Tony Garrett provided historical context for the music. (St Paul Central Library - Take the A train to the Library; A Tribute to Duke Ellington)

Alexs Pate -
"A Literary Evening with Alexs Pate" featured this best-selling author of Losing Absalom, Amistad, West of Rehoboth, and other works and a fascinating look at his body of literary work and his experience as a contemporary African American author. (Hamline Branch Library)

Dean Brewington Quartet -
Black History Month events ended with a big finish with a return engagement of the Dean Brewington Quartet and a performance titled "Warm Up to Super Cool Miles Davis," accompanied by vocalist extraordinaire Lila Ammons. (Rondo Community Outreach Library)

Dreamgirls - A Sunday afternoon presentation of the movie, "Dreamgirls." (St. Paul Central Library)