On exhibition in the Library Special Collections is Black History in Baltimore and Beyond, open from September 28th until November 13th.
This show, curated by Special Collections student assistant Audrey Gatewood, is made up of books, photographs, and magazines from Special Collections' holdings. Split into three parts, it provides a glance into just a few of the building blocks that make up African American history. First, there are representations of the background of Baltimore, its Black community history, the evolution of its neighborhoods and schools. Next, there are items that indicate the hardships African Americans have faced, Jim Crow laws, blockbusting, and police brutality. Finally there is material related to the Civil Rights Movement, ever-evolving struggles for fairness, people power, and activism.
African American history is a wealth of complexities. This exhibit provides insight into what are just pieces of a massive narrative of the Black experience in America through literature, alternative press publications, and photographs by Roland Freeman.
Special Collections is open Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m, with extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays, and is located on the first floor of the Library through the Gallery.