Events

Resources

Celebrate African American History Month!

February events you don't want to miss!

Learn about and enjoy African American heritage during this month of celebration. Tuesday nights at 7:00 join us for an African American History Series. Learn about local connections to the Underground Railroad and how to uncover your own family's history. Miz Rosie will entertain and educate kids with her dramatic portrayal of The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman. We top off the month with our fifth annual Taste of Soul Sunday on February 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. This family friendly event features entertainment, food samples from local restaurants, history and author presentations, and a Jazz Composition Workshop for Teens.

Taste of Soul Sunday

On Stage: Ryerson Auditorium - Level 3

Classical & Jazz Music
1:30 pm | Ryerson Auditorium | Level 3

The Quatenus String Quartet will perform classical pieces. Violinist Brysien Beer will finish the performance with jazz pieces accompanied by guitarist Eric White.

Root Doctor
2:30 pm | Ryerson Auditorium | Level 3

For 20 years Root Doctor has played all over the country and released 3 albums. Their most recent album reached number 12 on the national blues charts. They describe their music as "roots music blues with a heavy R&B flavor."

The Central High School United Harmony Choir
3:30 pm | Ryerson Auditorium | Level 3

Gospel music sung by singing stars from Central High School. Directed by Debra Perry.

History & Author Presentations

		History of Black Boxers in Michigan Dr. Louis Moore \| 1:30 pm & 3:00 pm Storytime Room \| Level 2 Discover the history of black boxers in Michigan from the 1880s to the early 20th century. Learn about the careers of C.A.C. Smith and George Peters. Find out how the communities of Grand Rapids and Detroit reacted when the famous black heavyweight fighter Peter Jackson visited in 1889. Understand why the Governor banned the proposed 1901 Colored Heavyweight Championship contest between Frank Childs and "Denver" Ed Martin that was supposed to transpire in Grand Rapids.
		The World of Self-Publishing Maseyree \| 1:30 pm & 3:00 pm Adult Computer Training Center \|Lower Level Grand Rapids native and Creston High School graduate, Maseyree, author of Only Time Will Tell and It Just Gets Better with Time will share her journey to becoming a writer as well as tips on self-publishing.
		Lessons from the Jim Crow Museum Dr. David Pilgrim \| 2:15 pm & 3:45 pm Vander Veen Center for the Book \| Level 4 Dr. Pilgrim is the founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum, a 5,000 piece collection of racist artifacts located at Ferris State University. The museum uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance. This lecture will include an introduction to the mission and history of the museum, an overview of the learning/teaching strategies used by museum docents, and a discussion of some of the lessons learned by the curator.
		When the Church Becomes Your Party: Contemporary Gospel Music Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard \| 2:15 pm & 3:45 pm Quiet Study Room Lower Level The hip hop beats and clothing (muscle tee shirts, tight jeans and cleavage) that are a part of contemporary gospel music help its artists attract both attention and controversy. Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard, author of When the Church Becomes Your Party, will use DVD examples to illustrate that these artists are as committed to sharing the good news as their more traditional counterparts.
		Complimentary Food Samples Food samples are provided by Jamaican Dave's, Southern Fish Fry, and Selam Store.

For Teens

Jazz Composition Workshop for Teens
Brysien Beer & Eric White | 3:00 pm
Youth Computer Training Center | Level 2

Violinist Brysien Beer and guitarist Eric White will share tips and tricks for composing jazz music. Learn the basic anatomy of a piece of music. Teen musicians and vocalists are encouraged to bring ideas and work to share.

For Kids

		The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman Miz Rosie \| 2:00 pm Storytime Room \| Level 2 Miz Rosie will engage the audience in an energized, dramatic, and interactive storytelling experience as she brings the life and times of Harriet Tubman to life.
		Craft: Musical Instrument 1:00 - 3:30 pm Youth Area \| Level 2 This year we will be crafting an instrument based on traditional African designs.

		History of Black Boxers in Michigan Dr. Louis Moore \| 1:30 pm & 3:00 pm Storytime Room \| Level 2 Discover the history of black boxers in Michigan from the 1880s to the early 20th century. Learn about the careers of C.A.C. Smith and George Peters. Find out how the communities of Grand Rapids and Detroit reacted when the famous black heavyweight fighter Peter Jackson visited in 1889. Understand why the Governor banned the proposed 1901 Colored Heavyweight Championship contest between Frank Childs and "Denver" Ed Martin that was supposed to transpire in Grand Rapids.
		The World of Self-Publishing Maseyree \| 1:30 pm & 3:00 pm Adult Computer Training Center \|Lower Level Grand Rapids native and Creston High School graduate, Maseyree, author of Only Time Will Tell and It Just Gets Better with Time will share her journey to becoming a writer as well as tips on self-publishing.
		Lessons from the Jim Crow Museum Dr. David Pilgrim \| 2:15 pm & 3:45 pm Vander Veen Center for the Book \| Level 4 Dr. Pilgrim is the founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum, a 5,000 piece collection of racist artifacts located at Ferris State University. The museum uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance. This lecture will include an introduction to the mission and history of the museum, an overview of the learning/teaching strategies used by museum docents, and a discussion of some of the lessons learned by the curator.
		When the Church Becomes Your Party: Contemporary Gospel Music Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard \| 2:15 pm & 3:45 pm Quiet Study Room Lower Level The hip hop beats and clothing (muscle tee shirts, tight jeans and cleavage) that are a part of contemporary gospel music help its artists attract both attention and controversy. Dr. Deborah Smith Pollard, author of When the Church Becomes Your Party, will use DVD examples to illustrate that these artists are as committed to sharing the good news as their more traditional counterparts.
		Complimentary Food Samples Food samples are provided by Jamaican Dave's, Southern Fish Fry, and Selam Store.