"The African American Struggle for Library Equality: The Untold Story of the Julius Rosenwald Fund Library Program unveils the almost forgotten philanthropic efforts of Julius Rosenwald, former president of Sears, Roebuck, Co. and an elite business man. Rosenwald simply desired to improve, "the well-being of mankind" through access to education.Many people are familiar with Mr. Rosenwald as the founder of the Julius Rosenwald Fund that established more than 5,300 rural schools in 15 Southern states during the period 1917-1938. However, there is another major piece of the puzzle, the Julius Rosenwald Fund Library Program. That program established more than 10,000 school, college, and public libraries, funded library science programs that trained African American librarians, and made evident the need for libraries to be supported by local governments.The African American Struggle for Library Equality is the first comprehensive history of the Julius Rosenwald Fund Library Program to be published. The book reveals a new understanding of library practices of the early 20th century. Through original research and use of existing literature, Aisha Johnson Jones exposes historic library practices that discriminated against blacks, and the necessary remedies the Julius Rosenwald Fund Library Program implemented to cure this injustice, which ultimately influenced other philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie and Bill Gates (the Gates Foundation has a library program) as well as organizations like the American Library Association."--Publisher's website (viewed 2019 September 24).

"Although illegal, racial segregation was strictly enforced in a number of American states, and public libraries were not immune. Numerous libraries were desegregated on paper only: there would be no cards given to African Americans, no books for them to read, and no furniture for them to use. It was these exact conditions that helped create Freedom Libraries. Over eighty of these parallel libraries appeared in the Deep South, staffed by civil rights voter registration workers. While the grassroots nature of the libraries meant they varied in size and quality, all of them created the first encounter many African Americans had with a library. Terror, bombings, and eventually murder would be visited on the Freedom Libraries--with people giving up their lives so others could read a library book. This book delves into how these libraries were the heart of the Civil Rights Movement and the remarkable courage of the people who used them"--Back cover.

As we begin February, we also mark the beginning of Black History Month. Black History Month dates back to 1915, when Charter G. Woodson attended the 50th Anniversary of Emancipation, sponsored by the state of Illinois. He, along with others, exhibited displays about black history and highlighted the progress of the black community since the end of slavery. Captivated and inspired by the celebration and the public’s interest, Woodson created the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The goal of the Association was to encourage others to popularize and promote the achievements of the black community. In February 1926, he announced the first “Negro History Week”. Woodson picked February because the month encompasses the birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, “two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history.” Woodson believed, “history was made by the people, not simply or primarily by great men…Rather than focusing on two men [Lincoln and Douglass], the black community…should focus on the countless black men and women who had contributed to the advance of human civilization.”

Here at the Daniel Cracchiolo Law Library, Kristen Keck, Library Services Associate and Cataloger, curated a book display celebrating the life and achievements of black women. Black Women's History Month is a relatively new celebration started by Atlanta-based entrepreneur, Sha Battle in 2016. Battle often felt the diverse contributions of Black women weren’t well represented in education. Therefore, she started a movement to recognize April as Black Women's History Month to uplift and support the achievements of Black and minority women of the diaspora-especially those not traditionally taught in schools. Battle, an Atlanta resident, received an official declaration from the City of Atlanta and a commendation from the Governor to honor April as Black Women's History Month.

As we begin February, we mark the beginning of Black History Month. Black History Month dates back to 1915 when Charter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History as a way to encourage others to popularize and promote the achievements of the Black community. In February of 1926 he announced the first “Negro History Week.” He chose February because it encompasses the birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, and urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

American Libraries senior editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the 1619 Project and honorary chair of Preservation Week, about the project’s origins, her team’s research, and why community archives are vital to preserving history. If you have feedback for the podcast team, email us or … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: A Conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones →

February is Black History Month, and the Muse Law Library is proud to present our celebration of Black achievement in the law. Here you will find the full collection of the 47 slides exhibited throughout the Library this month, each one documenting a different Black trailblazer or icon. The people featured here all displayed resounding courage and perseverance as they struggled against injustices and abuses at the hands of an oppressive, bigoted system. You will find lawyers and judges, writers and artists, and civil rights activists all connected by the common thread of a dedication to racial justice.