Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month at LPL

Throughout February, join us as we celebrate Black history with programs, materials, podcasts, and more.

In Conversation with Frank X Walker

Join us for an evening with acclaimed poet, author, and educator Frank X Walker, a pioneer of the Affrilachian literary movement and former Kentucky Poet Laureate. This moderated discussion will explore Walker’s journey as a writer and his latest book, A Is for Affrilachia, a children’s book that celebrates people, physical spaces, and historical events relating to African American history in Appalachia.

Learn by Reading

Browse our catalog for books and other titles related to Black history and culture.

Search the catalog

Learn by Listening

Tune into our Tales from the Kentucky Room podcast as LPL librarians explore Black history in Lexington, spotlighting notable African American Kentuckians that have shaped politics, art, and culture.

Interested in taking a walking tour of African American heritage sites in downtown Lexington? Click here to download or listen to the tour.

Pralltown

Mariam sits down with JP Johnson, Kentucky Room Librarian, to discuss his research into Pralltown, one of Lexington's best known Black Enclaves, and highlights famous residents.

Black Enclaves of Lexington

Brenna shares her research on three of Lexington’s Black enclaves, founded by formerly enslaved persons after the Civil War.

Kentucky Baseball

Mariam and Wayne discuss the rich history of baseball in Kentucky, beginning with the Civil War. Photo by James Crisp, courtesy of University of Kentucky Libraries’ ExploreUK digital archive.

J. Alexander Chiles: The Fight Against KY’s Separate Coach Law

Mariam shares the history of Kentucky’s Separate Coach Law and Lexington’s second African American attorney, J. Alexander Chiles.

Julia Perry, Composer

David Bryant talks about the life and work of Lexington-born African American composer Julia Perry.

The Notable Kentucky African Americans Database

Mariam interviews Reinette Jones, founder of the Notable Kentucky African Americans database.

The 1964 March on Frankfort

Tales from the Kentucky Room host Mariam discusses the 1964 March on Frankfort with librarians Brenna and Heather.

Ruth Gaylord, LPL’s First African American Librarian

Mariam interviews Ruth Gaylord, Lexington Public Library’s first African American librarian.

Dolly Johnson Dandridge

J.P. Johnson guest hosts to celebrate the life of Dolly Johnson Dandridge, a Kentucky native who was the White House Chef for President Benjamin Harrison.

Lexington's African American Heritage Walking Tour

Join us for a walking tour of Downtown Lexington’s African American Heritage Sites.

Quilting Kentucky's Stories

Jerry Meriwether joins LPL with a remembrance of his Honor Flight. Jerry is Co-Commander of the National Association for Black Veterans, an organization that advocates for veterans and their families.

The Tragic Life of Margaret Garner

Mariam discusses the life of Margaret Garner, whose story inspired the tragic events of Toni Morrison’s novel, Beloved.

Segregated Lexington

Mariam sits down with Rona Roberts and Barbara Sutherland to discuss their work on Segregated Lexington which shows how systemic racism in housing results in unequal life opportunities.