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 choreographer Teresa Smith, who will lead an interactive session rooted in African folklore, dance, rhythms, and song. Teresa will introduce traditional clothing and instruments and invite all ages to participate in a fun and engaging exploration of African dance and culture. This activity is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together!

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 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.

Teresa Smith is a dancer, choreographer, instructor, and performer who has studied dance since the age of seven. Honoring her ancestry through movement, Teresa has mastered African dance techniques under renowned instructors from Senegal, Guinea, Cameroon, and the Congo. She demonstrates that African dance is one of the most stylized and complex art forms in the world, inviting audiences of all ages to experience its energy and richness.

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!