Celebrate Black History month Tuesday, February 27 from 5-7:00 pm with a party for Langston Hughes at the Coos Bay Public Library. The all-ages event will feature dessert (provided by Black Market Gourmet), music, a reading of There Was a Party for Langston, poetry, a hands-on art project, a dance floor and dessert, The event is free and open to the public. Child attendees will receive a copy of There Was a Party for Langston written by Jason Reynolds and illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey. The recipient of both the Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honor Medals for illustration, the book is a joyous celebration of Black history, art, and the power of words. Local actor William Ferrer will read the book and offer a poem inspired by the book. The event is being funded in part by the South Coast Equity Coalition. The South Coast Equity Coalition is part of a statewide initiative that serves as a bridge to historically underserved and underrepresented communities. Their goal is to empower diverse groups to become involved in developing unique, culturally appropriate solutions to pervasive issues of inequity that impact the health outcomes and wellbeing of community members. Under the umbrella of United Way of Southwestern Oregon, the Coalition now supports both Coos Hispanic Allies and Southern Oregon Coast Pride. For additional information about programs being offered by the Coos Bay Public Library please contact the library by calling (541) 269-1101 x 3606 or visit the library’s website at https://www.coosbaylibrary.org/.
