HUMANITIES
QPL Honors the Rich History of Black Culture February is Black History Month. This is a time to honor, celebrate and learn about the importance FREE! of African American history.
by an African-American and was offered as an integrated community. Before the Civil War, it became one of the way stations for the Underground Railroad. The site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated National Historic Landmark. Free Frank lived in New Philadelphia from 1836 until his death in 1854. He purchased freedom for 16 members of his family. They worked as farmers and artisans in the town. His heirs used their inheritance to free seven more relatives. In 1869, the new railroad bypassed the town, which rapidly declined in population, with no residents remaining after the 1920s. In recent years, the site has been the location of archeological studies. To learn more about the town and Free Frank visit newphiladelphiaillinois.org.
Frank McWorter. Source: alchetron.com
FREE FRANK'S LEGACY Saturday, Feb. 2 at 1 pm Quincy Public Library Learn About Free Frank McWorter and his Local Legacy Many enslaved people in the United States had few options and they often took great risks to gain freedom and make a life for themselves and future generations. One such person, Frank McWorter, was able to save money and gain his freedom from slavery in 1819. In 1830 McWorter migrated with freed family members to the Illinois prairie where he established the town of New Philadelphia in 1836. He eventually was able to purchase his remaining family members and freed them from slavery. Descendants of this man, who came to be known as Free Frank, will visit Quincy Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 2 to share details about their heroic ancestor. Gerald McWorter and Kate Williams-McWorter will talk about Free Frank’s trials and tribulations and how he went on to make history. Last summer, the McWorter’s book, New Philadelphia was published. “New Philadelphia is a small place with a big story…,” the book’s epilogue states. Located near Barry, Illinois, the town was the first in the US to be registered 30
artsquincy.org
Alma Thomas. Source: artsy.net
CRAFT CORNER Friday, Feb. 15 at 1 pm Craft Corner Features Abstract Art Project GREAT Honoring Artist Alma FOR KIDS Thomas All ages are invited to create an abstract art project inspired by Alma Thomas, African American expressionist painter and art educator, at the Craft Corner family event on Friday, Feb. 15. The project will let your inner artist come out to create your own interpretation of a color field while painting. Thomas, Howard University’s first fine arts graduate, began a 35 year teaching career in 1924. After retirement, she concentrated on her own art, developing her distinctive signature style, exhibiting it for the first time at the age of 75. Her works are large, abstract paintings filled with patterns of bright colors.
Source: peabodyawards.com
FILM SCREENING: THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE Saturday, Feb. 23 at 1 pm Central Park Five: A Documentary with Human Rights Commission Visit Quincy Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 23 for a special screening of the compelling documentary, Central Park Five. The film, by Ken Burns and Sarah Burns, tells the story of five teenagers who were arrested, convicted, and imprisoned for a horrid crime. After the teens spent many years in prison, the true criminal confessed. The critically acclaimed film presents a captivating look at the prison system in the United States. It addresses racism, prejudice and politics. Following the film, Macy Ferguson-Smith, MSW, a member of Quincy’s Human Rights Commission, will facilitate a discussion about the documentary. Movie Mondays Additional adult movies will be shown during Black History Month at 5 pm every Monday in February. This year’s selections include four films: Queen of Katwe (Feb. 4), Killer of Sheep (Feb. 11), Marshall (Feb. 18), and The Learning Tree (Feb. 25). “As a place for community, QPL works to include a diverse array of programs and services that serve to educate and enlighten area residents,” QPL’s Manager of Information Services Katie Kraushaar explained. “Community response in previous years for Black History Month has been strong. We invite all community members to come celebrate diversity.”
