| February is Black History Month. This is the time to remember and celebrate the many, many African-Americans who have contributed in our community and beyond. Come to the library and learn more about the people who have helped make our city great. Our display features many Columbus men and women including doctors, lawyers, business owners, and city officials. |
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Educators such as William H. Spencer, for whom Spencer High School was named, and F.R. Lampkin are highlighted. Our own Ms. Rosa Stanback, a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and her husband Oscar Stanback, retired coach and educator, are also among the educators featured in our display. |
| Columbus has had many African-American politicians to speak for it. Among these are past and present State Representatives like Calvin Smyre and Carolyn Hugley and State Senator Ed Harbison. Also included in this group is Jim Jackson of Alpha Phi Alpha, founder of the Columbus annual Unity Breakfast.
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| Also specially featured are some of the many African-American sports figures whose roots lay in Columbus. Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox, Marshall Leonard of the U.S. National Soccer Team, and Mack Strong, Jr., of the Seattle Seahawks (and Heisman Trophy Candidate while playing for the University of Georgia) are three of the athletes featured this month.
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And let's not forget the authors who have come out of Columbus. Teacher, researcher, and writer of African-American history John Henrik Clarke is from Columbus. Shay Youngblood, whose works include the book "The Big Mama Stories" and the play "Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery," is another Columbus native.
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| While you're here, stop up in the Archives (open from 1 pm to 5 pm Mon.-Thurs. and 1 pm to 4 pm Fri.)to learn more about African-American aviators from the Tuskeegee Airmen to space shuttle astronauts. Come to the library to learn more about these people, and others, who give so much to enrich our lives.
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Celebrating Black History Month