The Byron branch of the London Public Library is celebrating Black History Month with a day filled with various activities. London Public Library Masonville branch supervisor Lana Winchester-Tucker says this year will be different as they will have more “uplifting activities.”
“We need to remember that it is not a matter of acceptance; it is a matter of just existing in a diverse environment,” says Winchester-Tucker. “This year, we will interactively focus on that.”
According to Winchester-Tucker, families can participate in storytelling, dancing, games, crafts, a scavenger hunt, and prize giveaways in the morning. A talent event featuring child singers, musicians, artists, and the London Kids Community Gospel Choir is scheduled for the afternoon. A tween and teen-focused hair braiding activity will take place after the performance.
“The library has been a longstanding partner with the London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC),” says Winchester-Tucker.
The LBHCC is a nonprofit in London tasked with organizing events for black interests in London and the surrounding areas.
“For Black History Month, we have a planned calendar of events. So the family celebration event is only one of those events,” says Winchester-Tucker. “This is being coordinated and spearheaded by the library, but in conjunction with the city, London Police, the London Children’s Museum, and the LBHCC.”
Winchester-Tucker says that this is their 22nd year celebrating this event. She adds they expect over a thousand people to attend this year.
“In past years, we have had many people attending. This year, we expect more as we have more activities and shows,” says Winchester-Tucker.
She says there is always work to be done involving diversity and inclusion. She encourages everyone to learn more about others, learn more about what makes up their lives, and their lifestyles.
“We do not want people to learn just about black history and culture,” Winchester-Tucker says. “We want people to discover who lives among them and celebrate differences.”
The event starts at 10 a.m. on Feb. 10. The talent showcase goes from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and the hair braiding program from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch below for more details:
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