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Black History Month started on February 1, and the Jessamine County Public Library (JCPL) will be offering many ways to celebrate throughout the month. 

The celebration will begin on Saturday, Feb. 15. at noon starting with community recognition, and refreshments, followed by a 1 p.m. dramatization of the life story of Charlotte Dupuy, a Black woman who was enslaved until she was 52 years old, and worked tirelessly to free herself and her children through a lawsuit. She was born in Maryland and a large chunk of her life was spent enslaved in Lexington, Kentucky. This dramatization is funded in part by Kentucky Humanities. 

At 2 p.m. on February 15, there will be a musical performance by M. Lightsmith in honor of Black History Month. 

Continuing throughout the month, the library will also celebrate by hosting a teen pizza and movie night at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 showing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. 

For art appreciators of all skill levels, on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m., the library is hosting a craft event where participants will learn how to make silhouette artwork inspired by the style of renowned artist Kara Walker. 

The library typically holds storytimes every week, but this month, these storytimes will highlight Black authors, stories, and characters.