Black History Month is a celebration of the accomplishments by Black and African Americans and a tribute to the adversities they face in our nation’s history and present. Learn more about the contributions of Black artists and musicians, inventors and scientists, educators, athletes, and more through resources and events at Mid-Continent Public Library.
Until next year, you can browse our history programs or take a look below at the types of programs we offer.
Adult Programs
Cathay Williams: Buffalo Soldier
Discover the story of Cathay Williams, the only documented female Buffalo Soldier.
George Washington Carver: Path to National Prominence
Discover the fascinating life story of famed scientist, educator, and humanitarian George Washington Carver.
Finding African American Military Service Records: Revolutionary War to WW II
Learn how to unearth the hard-to-find records that detail African American veterans from Colonial America to WWII.
Executive Order 9981: Desegregation of the Armed Forces
Hear the story of how desegregation of the military became a reality despite considerable resistance to the President’s executive order.
Slave Life on Missouri Farms
Join author and documentary filmmaker Gary Jenkins for a look at what life was like for slaves on farms in Missouri.
Underused Records in Black Genealogy
Join MGC and the Midwest Afro-American Genealogical Interest Coalition (M.A.G.I.C.) for a special 3.5-hour session on researching African American genealogy with Kathleen Brandt and David Jackson.
Youth Programs
Tales from the Black West
Saddle up for an interactive musical that not only debunks the myths of cow punching, but also explores the life and times of the nearly 10,000 African American cowboys and cowgirls of the Old West.
Satchel Paige Magic Show
Explore the life and accomplishments of baseball pitcher Satchel Paige, and watch some amazing baseball-themed magic tricks.
Who Was George Washington Carver?
Before he became a famous scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver was born a slave, kidnapped by outlaws, orphaned, and barred from attending his local school.