Black History Month @ CLP

While we know Black History Month at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will look a little different this year due to limited in-person services, we’ve developed a robust lineup of virtual … Continued



Podcasts That Center Diverse Perspectives

Podcasts! Ideal companions for driving, dishwashing, housecleaning, even gardening — or maybe insomnia companions. Here I have compiled a list of podcasts that cover a range of identities engaging with the world, focusing on Black, LGBTQ+ and disabled perspectives.


eResources for Black History Month

Looking for information about the people, places and events that Black History Month commemorates? Whether you are searching now or at any other time throughout the year, check out some … Continued


2020 Black History Month Book List for Teens

The 2020 National theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and the Vote” marking the 150th anniversary of the Fifteenth Amendment which granted the right to vote to Black men after the Civil War. Through stories that illustrate the important history of voting rights and civil rights teens in grades 9-12 can learn about the Civil Rights Movement and the monumental Voting Rights Act of 1965 in an interesting and exciting way.



MLK 360: A Children’s Booklist About Dr. King’s Legacy

As a child, I remember studying Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. only from one perspective—the man who had a dream. Without a deep understanding of Dr. King, I lacked the ability to apply some of his profound principles to my life. Years later as an adult, I read his autobiography and was amazed at the depth of his personhood. Out of this amazement, I created a booklist that allows children to understand Dr. King’s life as family member, activist, dreamer, and philosopher.


Three Must-Read Memoirs by Fierce Black Women

I’ve been reading a lot of memoirs lately, primarily by women. There are other posts about these memoirs waiting in the wings, like “memoirs about mental illness,” but for now I want to focus on three excellent memoirs written by amazing, inspiring Black women.


Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty

Black and white graphic illustrations guide us along the streets of Chicago as Roger, the narrator of Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty tells us this story. Roger knew of Yummy, aka Robert, the nickname being an indication of Robert’s love for sweets. While he was short in stature and looked innocent, Yummy belonged to the Black Disciples, a gang that ruled the Chicago streets. Seeking their approval, Yummy fired several shots which killed fourteen year old Shavon Dean, an aspiring hairdresser that everyone knew, even Yummy. Yummy immediately fled, his image plastered on television screens for the world to see.