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.
Use your MCPL Access Pass (Library Card) to explore these resources or apply for a free card today.
Events and Programs
We have featured events for Black History Month every year, but in the meantime you can find a variety of events for all ages.
History
Slavery, Abolition & Social Justice
Slavery, Abolition & Social Justice
Research materials relating to slavery from libraries and archives across the country.
Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman became the first African American woman to get both a national and international pilot’s license. Find books and ebooks about the challenges she overcame to achieve her goals.
People
Access Video on Demand
Access Video on Demand
Learn about Black Americans from leaders of the Civil Rights Movement to the women of color who are transforming politics from the ground up.
African American Biographical Database
African American Biographical Database
Biographies of activists, former slaves, artists, athletes, educators, lawyers, writers, scientists, and more.
Arts & Culture
African American Music Reference
African American Music Reference
Essays and images that cover blues, jazz, spirituals, civil rights songs, slave songs, gospel, and other forms of black American musical expression.
Farah Jasmine Griffin
Farah Jasmine Griffin
In Read Until You Understand: The Profound Wisdom of Black Life and Literature, Griffin intertwines her personal history with stories and experiences told by Black artists and authors including Toni Morrison and Barack Obama.
For Kids
Make History Come to Life
Make History Come to Life
Try out FreedomFlix to learn history in a dynamic and engaging way from the Colonial era to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
Check out BookFlix to watch video storybooks and eBooks.
Teachables
Teachables
Great for parents and teachers! Print, save, and share materials about Black History Month.