Film & Literature Programs Set in Stratford

The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the nationwide celebration of "Black History Month", will present special events relating to the black experience covering art, film, discussion and literature. As part of its long-range plan, the Library will provide Stratford residents with materials and programs which foster understanding of and appreciation for their heritage and for the diversity of the community. Programs are free and open to the public. All are held in the Library’s Lovell Room.

The special "Black History Month" events scheduled at the Library:

-- Art Exhibit: Two exhibits are featured this month as Stratford’s Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African-American History Museum is highlighted with various artifacts on loan and a mini art exhibit features "Connecticut History" by Milford artist Robert Sforza. The Amistad story is prominently featured in graphite and ink.
February 2024
Main Lobby

-- Meet the Author: Gail Howard
Redding author Gail Howard will discuss her memoir, White Wife/Blue Baby, which details her experiences marrying across the color line in the super-heated 1960s. Howard will read excerpts, take questions and autograph copies of her book for purchase following the talk.
Sunday, February 11 at 2 pm

-- Monday Matinees: "Rustin"
Monthly series will screen the critically acclaimed historic film about the true story of gay activist Bayard Rustin who worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights movement. Coleman Domingo, playing the title role, is nominated for "Best Actor" at this year’s Academy Awards.
PG-13, 108 minutes.
Monday, February 12 at Noon
 
-- Talk: "Connecticut’s African American Heroines"
Interactive multi-media program by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame about some of Connecticut’s most remarkable African American advocates, journalists and politicians.
Thursday, February 22 at 1 pm

-- Sunday Afternoon Talks: "How Did the United States Constitution Address Slavery"
Guest speaker Judge Barry Stevens discusses how the issues of slavery were debated by the Founding Fathers at the Constitutional Convention. Host: Charles Lautier
Sunday, February 25 at 2 pm

-- Stratford-The Stories We Tell: Amazing Black Citizens
Stratford Historian David Wright continues his monthly program revealing "hidden" and forgotten stories of Stratford that help remind us who we are and why we’re here.
Monday, February 26 at 6:30 pm

-- Books Over Coffee: The Three of Us
Monthly book discussion examines author OreAjbaje-Williams’ provocative story about modern marriage and a couple who are divided over the wife’s best friend. Linda LiDestri hosts the discussion.
Wednesday, February 28 at Noon

For details http://stratfordlibrary.org/.