Miami, Fl January 4, 2005 -- Miami-Dade Public Library System invites residents of all ages to participate in its 2005 extensive series of events that celebrate Black History Month. This year’s theme, The Niagara Movement, pays tribute to the secret meeting of twenty-nine African-American intellectuals held in Niagara Falls, Ontario and led by W.E.B. Du Bois. The outstanding programs are free and include renowned storytellers, author presentations, music and important art exhibits.

Author presentations will include Roland Laird; Natasha Tarpley, who will read from her popular children’s books; Donna Washington, also an accomplished storyteller, and Jeffrey Dean Swain. Haitian culture will be featured with participation from author Marie-José Alcide Saint-Lot, musician Eddy Altine, and the Louines Louinis Haitian Dance Troupe. For cooking enthusiasts, local author and chef Liliane Nerette-Louis will teach guests and patrons how to make a traditional Haitian dish. Families will be mesmerized by stories and folktales from Donna Washington and Baba Adekemi Lyons. And a talented group of children’s librarians will celebrate Jamaican culture by singing and storytelling.

The art exhibit series kicks-off January 18 with a bold and colorful exhibition by African American quilter Mozell Benson and the raffia textile exhibit Braided Messages of the Dida people of the Ivory Coast. Talented photographers Howard Moss and Carl Van Vechten are presenting extraordinary exhibits as well. For teens, there is the 2005 Black History Month Teen Essay and Poetry Contest, open to all young adults, ages 12-19, with prizes in three categories. For additional information, please call (305) 375-BOOK or visit www.mdpls.org.

Media Contact:
Marivi Prado
305.375.5180