Libraries named after black women are a testament to the incredible contributions that we've made to society. They serve as a way to honor these trailblazers and to ensure that their legacies are remembered and celebrated for generations to come. Let's take a closer look at some of the libraries in the United States that are named after black women and celebrate their remarkable achievements:
- The Phillis Wheatley Community Library in Rochester, New York, is named after Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American female poet.
- Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Library in Los Angeles, California, is named after Mary McLeod Bethune, an African American educator and civil rights leader.
- Zora Neale Hurston Branch Library in Fort Pierce, Florida, is named after famed African American author, storyteller, folklorist and anthropologist who was born in Notasulga, Alabama, grew up in Eatonville, Florida, and spent the last two years of her life in Fort Pierce where she is buried.
- The Lucile H. Bluford Branch Library in Kansas City, Missouri From her early days as a student at Lincoln High School and the University of Kansas to her long and distinguished career at The Kansas City Call, Miss Bluford used her journalistic talents to champion civil rights and strengthen the African-American community.
- The Gwendolyn Brooks Library at Chicago State University in Illinois is named after Gwendolyn Brooks, an African American poet and author who was the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
- The Miriam Matthews Branch Library in Los Angeles, California is named after Miriam Matthews, the first credentialed African American librarian to be hired by the Los Angeles Public Library. Also, a historian who worked to document the history of black people in California.
- The Octavia Fellin Public Library in Gallup, New Mexico is named after Octavia Fellin, an African American educator and librarian who played a key role in establishing the library in the 1950s.
These libraries are just a few examples of the many across the USA that are named after black women. Each of these women made significant contributions to various fields, including education, literature, civil rights, and more. Their legacies continue to inspire and empower people of all backgrounds.
Libraries are a place for scholars to learn, research, and grow. They are a hub of knowledge and a community gathering place for people from all walks of life. At the same time, libraries also serve as a place of celebration and commemoration. By naming libraries after black women, we are creating a space that recognizes and honors their contributions to society.
If you're looking for a way to celebrate the achievements of black women--and maybe even our presence in libraries--consider purchasing products created especially for us at The Trini Gee. Our tees, mugs, and puzzles are items that can serve as a reminder of the incredible impact that black women make on society everyday.