Miami, Fl January 13, 2004 - - The Miami-Dade Public Library System invites residents of all ages to participate in its 2004 extensive series of events that celebrate Black History Month. The free programming includes renowned storytellers, author presentations, jazz performances and important art happenings that include an exhibit curated and sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute for Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES). In addition, the Library is celebrating, throughout 2004, the 200th anniversary of the proclamation of Haitian Independence by Jean-Jacques Dessalines with a series of Haitian events and lectures showcasing Haitian culture. For additional information on programs and locations, please contact (305) 375.5501 or visit www.mdpls.org.

A Tribute to Langston Hughes
Jazz composer Nicole Yarling and her jazz quartet celebrate the life of poet Langston Hughes through music, recitation of the author’s poetry, and original poetry by Hughes’ friend Dan Jaffe.
Culmer/Overtown Branch, Feb. 5, 4:00 p.m.; Coral Reef Branch, Feb. 21, 2:00 p.m.

Author Jeffrey Dean Swain
Does race hinder our achievements? Author, essayist, and community activist Jeffrey Dean Swain, J.D. will read from his latest book A World of Color, a collection of poems and essays on the issue of race. Followed by a lecture and discussion about the need for an ongoing dialogue about racial issues and racial prejudice in America. Main Library, Feb. 5, 6:00 p.m.

Author Preston Allen
Preston Allen is the best-selling author of Hoochie Mama. He was recently awarded the Sonja H. Stone Prize in Literature for his short story collection Churchboys and Other Sinners. Join the author as he reads from his latest novel Bounce.
North Central Branch, Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m. and South Dade Regional Library, Feb. 28, 3:00

Eldridge Williams, Former Tuskegee Pilot
When President Truman desegregated the armed forces in 1948, the talented Tuskegee airmen overcame negative stereotypes in order to succeed. Join speaker Colonel Eldridge Williams, one of the actual Tuskegee Airmen, and a major player in the desegregation of Miami-Dade Public Schools.
Coral Reef Branch, Feb. 7, 2:00 p.m. and Culmer/Overtown, Feb. 10, 11:00 a.m.

Elements of Jazz
Enjoy this upbeat introduction to jazz, performed by composer Nicole Yarling and her jazz quartet. The audience is strongly encouraged to bring their own instruments for a collaborative jam session. For audiences of all ages.
North Dade Regional, Feb. 7, 3:00 p.m.

I Am The Blues
Celebrate the origins of Pop, R & B, Gospel, and Jazz music with the Iron-Barr Group production I Am The Blues, a play that commemorates the legendary achievements of African-Americans in the music industry.
West Dade Regional, Feb. 11, 7:00 p.m. Miami Beach Branch Library, Feb. 14, 2:00 p.m. Allapattah Branch, Feb. 28, 2:00 p.m.

Speaking Hands
Don’t miss this dramatic group of young, hearing-impaired children as they use American Sign Language and dance to interpret gospel music.
Feb. 14 - South Dade Regional, 11:00 a.m. and Coral Gables Branch, 2:00 p.m.

Storytelling with Madafo
Storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson will enchant audiences of all ages with his lively presentation of folktales, stories, myths, poetry, and songs about the African and African-American experience. Naranja Branch Feb. 17, 6:30 a.m.; Miami Springs Branch, Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m.; Culmer/Overtown Branch, Feb. 18, 3:30 p.m.; West Dade Regional, Feb. 19, 3:30 p.m.; Edison Branch, February 23, 10:30 p.m.; Key Biscayne Branch, Feb. 24, 12:30 p.m.; Tamiami Branch, February 24, 4:00 p.m.; Little River Branch, Feb. 25, 3:00 p.m.

Storytelling with Maude Heurtelou
Storyteller Maude Heurtelou will tell captivating stories and folktales in both English and Haitian Kreyol. Ms. Heurtelou is the author of several books and picture books which reflect the issues and traditions close to many immigrant families from Haiti.
Lemon City Branch, Feb. 21, 11:00 a.m.; North Shore Branch, Feb. 21, 1:00 p.m.; Naranja Branch, Feb. 28, 1:00 p.m.

Nubian Legacies
Follow the journey of Africans throughout history when Lip, Tongue and Ear Poetry performs its latest production, Nubian Legacies. Features traditional music and dance of the African Diaspora. For audiences of all ages.
Kendall Branch, Feb. 21, 12:00 p.m.; Little River Branch, Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. and Main Library, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion - Brown vs. Board of Education
Brown vs. Board of Education Topeka, Kansas was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that struck down the “separate but equal” policy for public education and required the desegregation of schools across America. Join our panelists as we discuss the importance of this ruling. Moderated by Miami Herald columnist Robert Steinback.
North Dade Regional, 7:00 p.m., Feb. 26

We Shall Overcome: Photographs from the American Civil Rights Era
During America’s Civil Rights Era (1954-1968), the fight for equal rights took many forms, including boycotts, sit-ins and marches. Photographers contributed to the movement by relaying the struggle to every corner of the nation. This exhibition of 80 black and white photographs brings key images of events and personalities of the time together. “We Shall Overcome: Photographs from the American Civil Rights Era” was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), and curated by Robert Phelan.
Main Library Auditorium, January 24 - March 21

Lights of the Haitian Fanal: Contemporary Interpretations of Tradition and Technique
Many people in Haiti create “fanals,” paper lanterns shaped like little houses. Each December, as part of Christmas celebrations, some of the fanals are elaborately designed and decorated. Lit by candles, they are placed in windows or grouped together at churches and other public areas in brilliant displays. The fanals in this exhibition were created by Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ DASH students with Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié as part of the 200th celebration of Haitian Independence. Main Library - 2nd Floor January 24 - May 31

Haitian Inspiration: Color And Life In Haitian Paintings
Discover the wonder and beauty of Haitian art in paintings that depict daily life, fantasy landscapes, imagined jungle scenes and the belief in Voodoo as Haiti celebrates the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the world’s first independent black republic. Curated by Candice Russell.
North Dade Regional • February 1 - May 31

Soaring Steel Sculptures
The master forgers of Haiti use recycled steel and metal from oil drums to fashion human, religious and animal figures. With examples by Georges Liautaud, the deceased pioneer of the medium, Serge Jolimeau and Gabriel Bien-Aimé exemplify the infinite Haitian capacity for transforming found materials into art of significance. Curated by Candice Russell.
West Kendall Regional • February 1 - May 31