I heard the story of Jewell Parker Rhodes seeing a book display in Hunt Library that featured Gayle Jones, an African American writer. Rhodes realized that she could be a writer, and went on to write over a dozen novels, two writers’ guides, and children’s books, and to teach writing at universities.
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One way we can explore the diversity of groups and cultures different from our own is to explore folklore and mythology from around the world. While folktales universally exist, their content is far from universally the same.
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This month’s theme explores accessibility and inclusion, inviting reflection on how people experience and engage with the world in different ways. Human experiences are not uniform; individuals bring a wide range of abilities, perspectives, and needs that shape how they navigate spaces, systems, and communities.
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This March, the book display theme of Women's History Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions made by women in history, culture and society. The observance traces its roots to March 8, 1911, when the first International Women’s Day was marked with calls for fair labor practices and women’s suffrage. Over the course of the 20th century, its focus expanded to encompass broader conversations about social, political, and economic equality.
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This month's book display commemorates Black History Month, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. In 1926, historian and educator Carter G. Woodson initiated Negro History Week, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. The emphasis was on education, specifically that of integrating Black history into educational curricula, not only in schools, but also in libraries, churches and communities in general. In 1976, the weeklong observance was expanded to the full month of February and then-president Gerald Ford issued the first "Message on the observance of Black History Month." Ten years later, in 1986, congress federally recognized February as Black history Month.
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Engage with the resources in this month's collection to deepen your understanding of Dr. King’s vision and to consider how his ideas continue to inform conversations about equity, justice, and social change.
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December’s theme centers on mental health, an essential aspect of overall well-being that shapes how individuals think, feel, work, and connect with others. The World Health Organization defines good mental health as a state that enables people to cope with life’s stresses, realize their abilities, learn effectively, and contribute to their communities. Like physical health, mental health exists on a spectrum, and challenges in this area can significantly affect daily life.
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November’s theme invites reflection on the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. While there is no single definition of Indigenous identity, common threads often include deep ties to ancestral lands, distinct cultural traditions, and a collective history of resistance in the face of colonization and marginalization.
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October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to recognize the individuals, events, and movements that have shaped the ongoing pursuit of equality and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. Established in 1994, the observance highlights the historical contributions of LGBTQ+ people, honors those who have advanced civil rights, and encourages continued reflection on identity, inclusion, and justice.
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September marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the rich and diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. While the term "Hispanic" often refers to Spanish-language heritage, and "Latino" to cultural and ancestral ties to Latin America and the Caribbean, both identities are honored during this celebration.
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