The Friends of Lamond-Riggs Library invites neighbors to celebrate Black History Month with three special events hosted in Meeting Room One at the Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE.

Download Lamond-Riggs Library Friends 2026 Black History Month Flyer

Saturday, February 7 at 3pm – Mrs. Lavonda Broadnax discusses the writings of African American Women during the Civil War Era

This project capitalizes on the discovery of lesser-known works by African American women of the US Civil War era (1861-1865). The documents, all available in digital format, consist of an array of various types of fiction and nonfiction. Their writings provide a unique perspective on the trials and triumphs of the enslaved. Their texts also reflect their post-slavery politics, spirituality, and activism. This remarkable collection of documents enables users to acquire new information regarding African Americans that has traditionally been omitted. The current project expands the initial compilation, which won the Zora Neale Hurston Award given by the American Library Association.

Tuesday, February 10 at 5pm – Mr. Hans Charles – Cinematographer/Producer

Hans Charles is an Emmy-nominated and three time Peabody winning cinematographer/producer. His recent work includes cinematographer and one of the executive producers of the Showtime documentary feature, The Honey Trap, and cinematographer of the CW’s television series All American: Homecoming, Showtime’s docuseries We need to Talk about Cosby,Bitchin: The Sound and Fury of Rick James, Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, and Mr. Soul!  and Netflix’s 13th. Hans’s photography practice centers around the history and application of portraiture. 

Hans is the co-creator and co-host of a film and pop culture podcast called “Back Of The Theater.” He is also a film associate professor at George Mason University in Virginia. He is a principal partner at Align Pictures and currently resides in the Mid-Atlantic of the United States.

Tuesday, February 17 at 3pm – DC Office of Planning (OP) – Commemoration of Sterling A. Brown

Join the Lamond-Riggs Library Friends and the DC Office of Planning during Black History Month for a program honoring the legacy of poet and scholar Sterling A. Brown. Representatives from OP’s Commemorate DC initiative will share an overview of the commemorative project, including the design process and community engagement that informed it. The program will feature members of Sterling A. Brown’s family and the project artist team, who will reflect on his life, local ties to the neighborhood, and the significance of commemorating his legacy in public space.