Black History

Month Celebration

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Join us throughout February as we celebrate and learn more about Black History! The emails will come out each Monday of the month and will expand our knowledge of the impact Black History has had, while encouraging us to learn more. As you scroll through the email, you'll find highlighted historical Black figures, Black arts/education, and featured local Black owned businesses in the area!

Historical Figures at a Glance

Sojourner Truth

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Sojourner Truth didn't let being bought and sold four times as a slave prevent her from making a good life for herself. It was through these trials that she became a strong woman who, through charismatic speeches and pursuit of equal rights, became a leading Black woman in history. Amongst her accomplishments, she was the first Black woman to sue a white man and win the case (to regain custody of her son who was sold as a slave after she escaped) and was even invited to the White House by Abe Lincoln for her activism during the abolitionist movement. Tell her tale to your children while allowing them to color in a Sojourner Truth coloring page to engage their artistic side. Learn more about her and her strength in the face of extreme adversity by clicking the link below.

Learn More Here

Hank Aaron

A slightly more modern day example of a Black historical figure is the recently passed Hammerin' Hank Aaron. A strong individual, as evidenced by his name being atop of the career home runs from 1974 through 2007, his strength went much further than that. No stranger to racial inequality, Hammerin' Hank had to endure he received around a million letters and threats to his life as he approached Babe Ruth's home run record. He defied this racism and used it to fuel him to his historical greatness. Explore his tale, while your kids color in a picture of him and learn more about his history.

Learn More Here
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Black History in Books

Help us celebrate Black history by also celebrating the arts. Just below this paragraph you'll find various recommended books detailing Black history or written by Black authors. Purchase them for yourself or seek them out at William Jeanes Memorial Library or another local library! If you have any recommendations of your own, please let us know by email.

Books for Children -


  • Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o


Written by actress Lupita Nyong'o (Black Panther, Us), this children's picture book follow's a young girl as she finds her own unique beauty.

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Purchase Sulwe Here


  • Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling


Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling bring the inspiring true story of the Black women who helped launch astronauts into space to a children's picture book!

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Purchase Hidden Figures Here!

Books for

Teens and Adults -


  • Invisible Man by Ralph Emerson


A renowned novel depicting the struggles of a young Black man in 20's who is fighting for a better life but is truly fighting racist undercurrents. According to the New York Times, Barack Obama modeled his 1995 memoir Dreams from My Father on the novel.

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Purchase Invisible Man Here!


  • The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas


A young adult novel that explores the Black Lives Matter Movement in a harrowing story that is a glimpse into a fictional world that runs parallel with some current events. A must read that spent almost an entire year at #1 on the New York Times best-seller list.

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Purchase The Hate U Give Here!

Featured Black Artist

Kara Walker -


There are a multitude of Black artists out there who are worthy of notice and one of those is Kara Walker. Her signature art style is silhouettes which she has been focusing on since 1994. Her silhouettes explore the issues of race in the Antebellum South and incorporate a cinematic feel to them. See one of her pieces from the Emancipation Approximation below and see more on her Instagram.

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Kara's Instagram

Local Black Owned Businesses

While learning about Black History, you can also support local businesses with Black owners! Read about some local businesses here and then visit them in your travels or order from them online to show your support! If you have recommendations for local Black owned businesses that we should feature this month, please let us know by email!

  • Breakfast Boutique - Chestnut Hill

The name of the business perfectly encapsulates the product you're able to get at the Breakfast Boutique! They're right in our backyard and was nominated for the best Black owned brunch in Philadelphia! Check out their menu and order below or visit them in person at 8630 Germantown Pike, Chestnut Hill, PA 19118.

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Breakfast Boutique Menu!
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  • Deneen Marcel Lashes - Bryn Mawr & Philadelphia

Lashes are their specialty! From lash extensions, brow shaping, and lash lifts, you'll be able to leave Deneen Marcel looking like a star! For both men and women, the stylists brighten up and highlight your natural beauty. Check out their website below and book a session to support this local business.

Deneen Marcel Lashes Website
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There is so much more that you can discover about Black history. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the link below. The Free Library of Philadelphia has a load of other items and links to explore. The celebration of Black History Month doesn't end with this email, there's always more to learn and celebrate!

Free Library of Philadelphia Black History Month Landing Page
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