Black History Programs at the Bridgeport Public Library
Burroughs and Saden Main Library
925 Broad Street
Freedom: Bring the Lesson Home Experience first hand the triumph of the Civil
Rights Movement! Pearlye Sams Allen uses audience interaction, role-playing and
storytelling to bring history to life and bring the lesson home.
Popular Library Department 1st floor.
Call Michele Jacobson at 203 576-7401 for more information
Saturday, February 16, 11:00 a.m.
African American Genealogy Program
Follow along with Virginia Banerjee, Genealogy Trainer and Consultant and John Hoda,
Hoda Genealogy as they trace two women of color to the pre-civil war Deep South from
property ownership in the North with a surprising twist. We will take some of the
mystery out of searching for families of color in celebrating Black History Month. Both
John and Virginia are members of the. CT Professional. Genealogist Council, Inc.
Historical Collections 3rd Floor
Saturday, February 16, 2008 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Charles Chesnutt Lecture: Author Charles Chesnutt (1858-1932) is being honored this
year with a Black Heritage US postage stamp being released on January 31,
2008. Richard Fewell will give a lecture on this famous African American author and
political activist. 3rd Floor Community Room Call Michael Bielawa at 203 576-7413 for
more information
Tuesday, February 19,
7:00 – 8:00
Little Liberia: Charles Brilvitch will give a program on the African American and
Native American Roots of Bridgeport’s Little Liberia Neighborhood. 3rd floor Classroom.
Saturday, February 23 at 2:00
Newfield Branch
1230 Stratford Avenue
Bernie Crowley: "First To Richmond" This lecture will focus on Connecticut's Black
regiments. Mustered in 1864, the Connecticut 29th was the first infantry unit to enter the
confederate capital of Richmond at war's end. These men stood in the presence of
Abraham Lincoln. Crowley provides background on the unit while concentrating on two
Fairfield County heroes, Boston White from Stratford and Lafayette Williams from
Bridgeport.
Thursday, February 7, 6:30 p.m.
Dan Stevens: "History of the Blues: Concert and Talk" Natioanlly recognized Blues
musician, Dan Stevens, began his love affair with guitars at the age of 16. Stevens has
studied with Paul Rishell, winner of the W.C. Handy Award and he was blessed to study
with Greenwich Village icon Dave Van Ronk. Another major influence in Dan's life were
his years riding the rails, with guitar in hand, when he crisscrossed the United States five
times. An irrepressible guitar collector, Dan surrounds himself with vintage and custom
instruments acquired in his many travels. Any given performance may find him choosing
to play a 1950’s Sears Silvertone, a 1931 National Steel, or a retro lime green Resophonic.
Saturday, February 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Mary Witkowski: "Gee's Bend and Family History" An African American genealogy
program given by the Head of the library’s Historical Collections Mary Witkowski
Thursday, February 21, 6:30 p.m.
For information on all the programs taking place at the Newfield Branch Library call
Community Relations librarian, Michael Bielawa at 203 576-7413