Black History Month 2018
Black History Month

Black History Month events at the library

During the month of February, the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative celebrates Black History Month with many events and classes for all ages. Meet local African American authors, listen to traditional songs and stories, take a walking tour of historic Central Avenue, and more!

Black History reading list

Want to learn more about the important contributions by African Americans to art, literature, sports, and pop culture? The library has many titles for your education and reading pleasure!

Portrait of Arthenia L. Joyner

The University Area Community Library has been named in honor of Senator Arthenia L. Joyner.

Throughout her distinguished career in law and politics, State Senator Arthenia Joyner has broken many racial and gender barriers. She has demonstrated a deep commitment to her foundational values of service, equality, and civil rights.

The Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library is scheduled to open January 29, 2018.

Black History in the Tampa Bay Area

Group at private banquet with Mary McLeod Bethune (seated front right) [1945]
Workers unloading bananas from cargo ship, Louis Geraci, to Fruit Growers Express [1929]
C. Blythe Andrews, secretary and treasurer, Central Life Insurance Company, seated at desk [1936]
Staff and children in front of Helping Hand Day Nursery and Kindergarten [1925]
Principal with Ms. Blake and teacher at Middleton High School [1954]
Man seated in wagon as his horse drinks on Madison St. in front of Hillsborough County Court House [1912]
Booker T. Washington High School graduating honor students in caps and gowns outside of building [1946]
Boy Scouts raising flag in front of Tampa Urban League building at 1615 Lamar Avenue [1942]
Teacher and students in classroom at Howard W. Blake Senior High School [1956]
Farm workers working in celery field [1945]
Crowd attending revival meeting in tent on Nebraska Avenue [1948]
Children and staff in front of Tampa Urban League, Harlem Branch Library Tampa Public Library [1923]
African American men departing from Union Station for Emergency Relief Council forest camp [1933]
Group in library at Middleton High School [1954]
Middleton Senior High School girls basketball team [1949]
Dobyville School, 307 S. Dakota Ave., May Day King, Queen and their court [1937]

These and more can be found in the Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection, a unique record of Tampa Bay spanning the late 1800s to the early 1960s.

See more photos