Black History Month celebration honors Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Soul food

Keith Henley

ATLANTIC CITY - In celebration of Black History Month, the Atlantic City Free Public Library will host a free virtual program, A Visit with Langston Hughes Wednesday, Feb. 10, via Zoom. Actor and historian Keith Henley of American Historical Theatre will portray Hughes.

The program is free. Registration is required. Visit the online programs page at www.acfpl.org or call 609-345-2269, ext. 3075, to register.

Hughes was a poet who utilized the American language, music, slang and religious views to educate the world about African American lifestyles during the Harlem Renaissance. His jazz poetry depicted the real-life experiences of Blacks in the lower social-economic strata. His criticisms focused on the divisions and prejudices based on skin color within the Black community.

Henley's portrayal deals with the issue of how to be oneself, and encourages all to join in the knowledge that I too have a song to sing and to ask the question why not me?

Other upcoming library programs include:

• Family Cook Night on Tuesdays, Feb. 2May 25, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Families are invited to join and cook meals that acknowledge and celebrate Black life. Discussions and writing prompts will be focused on Black Lives Matter (and the pioneers within the movement). From history to present day, participants will celebrate Blackness through cooking, games and more. Visit the online programs page at www.acfpl.org or call 609-345-2269, ext. 3050, to register.


• Black Stories Matter: Virtual Book Club on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 4 p.m. The book club will discuss Begin America: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own. The library will give out copies of the book for registrants to keep, while supplies last. The audiobook version of this title is also available to library members through hoopla digital. Visit the online programs page at www.acfpl.org or call 609-345-2269, ext. 3075,