Celebrate African American & Black History Month at the Eastside Library!

Join us at the Eastside Library for a special African American and Black History Month celebration featuring local author and TEDx speaker Fleurie Leclercq. Fleurie will share her inspiring journey and captivating stories that honor African roots and culture. Families are invited to participate in a special storytime where Fleurie will read her book and engage children in discussion and reflection.

After the storytime, families can take part in a craft activity inspired by Fleurie’s book, creating a meaningful keepsake that reflects the themes and characters she shares.

The celebration continues with DAANSEKOU Cultural Arts and Wellness Collective, which is pleased to present Living Roots, a 30-minute interactive performance and educational workshop designed specifically for families and youth. This program explores the direct lineage between traditional West African movement and modern hip hop, demonstrating how cultural heritage continues to evolve and thrive.

Umoja from SBCC will also join us, enriching the celebration with the spirit of Black unity and community. They will be providing snacks to share, adding warmth and hospitality to the gathering and making the event even more welcoming for families.

About the Artists

Fleurie Leclercq

Fleurie Leclercq was born in Cameroon and grew up with her grandmother, “Mamie Marguerite,” in the Bankole Hills of Yaounde. She proudly celebrates her African roots and credits her grandmother for teaching her resilience, self-confidence, and the importance of caring for others. Through her stories, Fleurie highlights the beauty and culture of Africa, creating heroines that children can look up to. She inspires children of African descent, and children everywhere, to embrace their origins and share their own stories.

DAANSEKOU Cultural Arts and Wellness Collective

DAANSEKOU (derived from Danse “Dance” + Sekou “Wisdom”) is a multifaceted performance company and collective based in Los Angeles. The organization’s mission is to preserve and share the beauty of traditional West African music and dance, as well as the arts of the African Diaspora, through education, performance, and fraternity.

Guided by the belief that "true healing starts with a Pure Heart and Positive Intention," DAANSEKOU works closely with youth and community organizations to promote development through movement. The collective curates safe, nurturing spaces where individuals can discover greater self-awareness and connection through the "Village" of West African culture.

Daunté “KINGTAE” Fyall

Daunté “KINGTAE” Fyall is the Founder and Artistic Director of DAANSEKOU and a Lecturer of West African Dance at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). His journey began in Washington, D.C., as a senior member of the world-renowned Kankouran West African Dance Company under the direction of Assane Konte.

Umoja

Umoja (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of Black, African American and other students. We believe that when the voices and histories of students are deliberately and intentionally recognized, the opportunity for self-efficacy emerges and a foundation is formed for academic success. Umoja actively serves and promotes student success for all students through a curriculum and pedagogy responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas.

Celebrate culture, storytelling, and movement with us and honor African roots and heritage in this interactive family-friendly event!

Disclaimer(s)

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.