Black History Black Superhero Showcase

Knowledge is power!

Expand your knowledge about the history of black superheroes with trivia and comics. We will also be watching Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (PG-2hrs 41 mins/2022). Snacks and drinks with be provided.

Synopsis of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

For more information, please email Ms. Dupree at fdupree@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-2207.

Tell The True Story ” The First Black Man killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.”

Honoring the ones before us!

Join us at the Ben May Main Library in Bernheim Hall to honor the memory of Julius Ellsberry, a 19-year-old Sailor who was awarded a Purple Heart after he was killed on the USS OKLAHOMA (BB-37) when it was bombed by Japanese planes in the surprise attack on December 7, 1941. The event will feature a screening of a 30-minute film based on the attack on Pearl Harbor, followed by a presentation by former Chief Navy Counselor Jason Lewis, who will share the story of Julius Ellsberry and how he was awarded the Purple Heart. Chief Jason Lewis will also share his story of the attack at the Pensacola Navy Base. The Buffalo Soldiers will be in attendance. It promises to be a touching and informative event. We hope to see you there!

After his talk, there will be a question-and-answer session, followed by refreshments served in the Armbrecht Briskman Meeting Room.

For more information on this event at the Ben May Main Library, please email Adrienne McSwain at amcswain@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-2298.

Family Research with the DAR

Family Research with DAR at Local History & Genealogy

Learning about family history! Members of the Tristan de Luna Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be at the Local History and Genealogy Division to assist you with your questions and research concerning your ancestors.

For more information, please email Ms. Theris-Boone at etheris@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-2172.

Rosenwald Campaign & Schools

You Need a Schoolhouse!

Join us at the Ben May Main Library for an evening discussion about Rosenwald Schools with Stephanie Deutsch, author of You Need A Schoolhouse. The program will open by screening the short film Rosenwald: Toward A More Perfect Union by the director/producer Charles Poe. Following the screening, there will be a reading from You Need A Schoolhouse by Mrs. Deutsch. Her discussion will offer a rare insight into the collaboration between Booker T. Washington, the founder of Tuskegee Institute, and Julius Rosenwald, the president of Sears, Roebuck, and Company. They brought thousands of modern schoolhouses to African American communities in the rural South during the era preceding the civil rights movement. Furthermore, Ms. Deutsch will also speak on the Rosenwald campaign, which advocates for the establishment of a National Historical Park that would commemorate and interpret Rosenwald’s overall legacy.

After her talk, there will be a question and answer session, followed by light refreshment served in the Armbrecht Briskman Meeting Room. Before leaving, please take time to view the Rosenwald Schools Exhibit located the Lobby.

To receive more information about the Rosenwald Campaign, use this link: https://www.rosenwaldpark.org/campaign-3

For more information on this event at the Ben May Main Library, please email Adrienne McSwain at amcswain@mplonline.org or call (251) 494-2298.

Documentation – A Must: African American Genealogy Workshop

Traces of ancestors history.

Join us in the Ben May Main Library Meeting Room, via Zoom, or on Facebook Live. Professional genealogist and Mobile African American Genealogical & Historical Society President Mary Jones-Fitts will present on the importance of documentation in your genealogical research and how to stay organized. This program is presented in partnership with the Mobile African American Genealogical & Historical Society. Light refreshments will be served following the in-person presentation, as well as a special 30 minute session focusing on helping in-person attendees with their research problems.

Registration is required to participate in this program in-person or on Zoom. To register, please email Ms. Theris-Boone at etheris@mplonline.org and indicate if you would like to attend in-person or on Zoom. You may also call (251) 494-2172 for more information.