Kankakee Public Library to celebrate Black History month

KANKAKEE — Kankakee Public Library will honor Black History Month with a range of activities this month.

Throughout the month, the library will feature guest speakers, special programs, live entertainment and local food vendors.

The library will hold the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Feb. 15, hosted by Patricia Polk for families on the second floor.

At 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 19, guest speaker Dr. Amira Millicent Davis will present “Jalimusa: An Epic Tale of Black Women’s Mothering” on the third floor of the libary.

Parents and teens are invited to participate in the Chat & Chill program in the Teen Zone, featuring discussions on mental health and well-being with local Black authors Dean Sharon Sykes this coming Wednesday and on Feb. 19, Glenn Davidson on Feb. 12, and Latoya Smiter on Feb. 26.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday the library will hold Taste of Soul. Attendees can enjoy offerings from local Black-owned food vendors, accompanied by live entertainment on the first floor of the library.

The featured vendors include Mac’s BBQ this coming Friday, Essential Smoothies on Feb. 14, Kountry Girl Kitchen on Feb. 21, and Plate 348 on Feb. 28.

Performances include Christopher Clark on Friday, a saxophone and piano duo by LeVar Kellogg on Feb. 21, and Tonita Butler on Feb. 28.

Patrons will have the opportunity to purchase items from their menus. All events and programs are free to attend and open to the public.

Any questions should be directed to Shanelle Robinson: srobinson@lions-online.org