65 Years Ago, “A Raisin in the Sun” Changed American Theatre
Sixty-five years ago this month, Lorraine Hansberry’s pivotal play A Raisin in the Sun opened on Broadway, and it’s exerted a gravitational pull on American culture ever since.
And ACTION: Happy Birthday Film Director Ava DuVernay!
It's director Ava DuVernay's birthday. But what do you get someone who already has an Emmy, an Oscar nomination, and Oprah's phone number?
History in the Making: 20 Years of Beyoncé
Twenty years ago, Beyoncé released her first solo album and since then she's worked steadily toward world domination. What have YOU done since 2003?
Okay, I Believe You: The Art and the Activism of Harry Belafonte
A movie star, a singing sensation, and a major civil rights leader, the late Harry Belafonte accomplished enough to fill several lifetimes.
Don’t Call it a Bad Back: LL Cool J Turns 55
It's LL Cool J's birthday, and we're celebrating in the customary fashion: starting hurricanes; listening to the bass go boom; maybe a little ice cream.
10 Ways to Try a Little Otis Redding
Fifty-five years ago this month the unparalleled soul singer Otis Redding left us, and we've been loving his music too long to stop now.
10 Ways to Commemorate the Retirement of Tennis Legend Serena Williams
Tennis superstar Serena Williams is moving on to other things, and the sport may never be the same.
Five Ways to Remember Late Actress Nichelle Nichols
She left the bridge of the Starship Enterprise only sparingly, but as Lieutenant Uhura, the late Nichelle Nichols beamed herself directly into the American consciousness.
The Godfather of Comedy
Comedy writer Paul Mooney worked with household names without ever quite becoming one himself, but the mark he leaves on American culture is unmistakable.
Race and Police Violence in Children’s Books
News items about police violence involving Black Americans have become so prevalent even young kids can't help but become aware of them. Here are some books to help them make sense of it all.
The Life and Art of Cicely Tyson
Before she died in January, the masterful Cicely Tyson performed in 29 movies and 68 TV programs. The library has some of them.
