BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN commemoration of Black History Month [February], the Charles A. Halbert Public Library has organised a display of prominent African-American and Caribbean leaders.
The exhibit is divided into two categories; “Heroes of the Past and Present: Americans” and “Heroes of the Past and Present: Caribbean”.
Under the Americans category, pictures and biographical details about several notable persons in African-American history, such as Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, are displayed. An account of US President Barack Obama’s historic run to the White House is also exhibited.
Under the Caribbean category, information about persons who have indelibly shaped local history is displayed. These include National Hero Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, past and present Prime Ministers the Hon. Dr. Kennedy A. Simmonds and the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas respectively, and former leading government ministers Joseph N. France and Clarence F. Bryant.
The display’s centrepiece features a collection of books about civil rights activists such as Jesse Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. A T-shirt with Obama’s face and the message “Change: Yes We Can” hangs above the collection, as does a banner stating “Black History Month”.
SKNVibes contacted Librarian Carrolyn Henry, who revealed that the display was an annual event and a highlight of the library’s calendar of activities.
“The aim of the display is to showcase prominent black persons in history. It is the library’s hope that persons who see the exhibit, especially younger children, will see and recognise how black persons have shaped history and that black persons have achieved and are still achieving,” Henry said.
She noted that response to the display had been positive and many persons had utilised it for help with their assignments or just to enhance their general knowledge.
