PHILIPSBURG:--- February is a month-long observance of Black History Month (BHM). It’s a chance in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean to celebrate Black achievements. The celebration also provides a fresh reminder to take stock and understand Black Histories, going beyond stories of racism and slavery to spotlight Black achievement.
Most important for the Philipsburg Jubilee library here on Sint Maarten is that it allows persons, organizations, and schools to seize the moment to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black locals in various areas of endeavor throughout our history.
In line with the COVID-19 preventative measures, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) presents this year a program with mainly virtual elements. The focus of this Annual BHM- Program continues to be based on “Passing on our Legacy”.
Every day of the month, patrons and visitors of the PJL will be requested to read a book of their choice from the African diaspora collection, the St. Maarten authors collection, and the Caribbean authors' collection in the library. The volunteers will be video-taped and at least two videos will be posted per day on the PJL Facebook page.
Patrons and visitors will also be encouraged to download the iSTEP App and enjoy our virtual exhibition of Sint Maarten’s history and artifacts. They will learn more about and even experience the stories about salt mining, slavery, Emilio Wilson, and Rockland Estate all thanks to the collaboration with the Ministry ECYS.
And, to intensify the spirit of the celebration, natural juices such as mauby, sorrel Juice, and coconut punch can be tasted daily.
The highlight of the month will be a panel discussion on Monday, February 28, 2022, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 p.m. A panel, existing of new young local authors such as Jennifer Brooks, Roy Marlin Jr., Rochelle Ward, and Latoya Lake, will have a discussion under the leadership of the dynamic Charisse Piper with the main topic being: “Inspiring persons through Literacy”. The panel discussion will be live-streamed on PJL Facebook: stmaarten.pjlibrary. Make sure to place this eye-opening and interesting discussion on your schedule, share it, and join us with the whole family. A special invitation goes out to all aspiring authors and artists, young, middle-aged, or older. We will be looking out for you.
The Philipsburg Jubilee Library Board, Management, and Staff with the mission to continue promoting literacy wishes the entire community another meaningful and self-enriching experience for Black History Month 2022 with new food for thought and lots of inspiration.
You can find us at W. A. J. Nisbeth Road #3 in Philipsburg, on the Hill Side Christian School premises in Cay Hill, and the Belvedere Community Center premises in Belvedere. Or, call us at + 1 721 542 2970, visit us on our website stmaartenlibrary.org or Twitter SXMlibrary.
BE THERE TO SUPPORT YOUR OWN AND DON’T YOU MISS IT!
