Library to honor African Americans in local media

by Veronica Smith

Historically, African Americans have struggled for adequate and accurate representation in mass media. In celebration of Black History Month, local heroes who made a difference in mainstream and African American owned media will share the political, cultural and economic
barriers they encountered and how they brought about change in the industry during the series Finding a Voice and Shaping an Identity: African Americans and the Media, beginning
2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Main Library.

Main Library Events:

African Americans in the Television Anchor’s Seat
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m.
Local television anchormen Courtis Fuller, Clyde Gray and John Lomax share how they got started in broadcasting, their challenges and the changes they’ve observed in the industry.

Genealogy and Newspapers
Saturday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.
Television content coordinator and accomplished genealogist Thomas Jordan presents a workshop on genealogy research tech niques using newspapers. Co-sponsored by the
Hamilton County Genealogical Society.

Cincinnati Black Press and Its Editors
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m.
As The Cincinnati Herald celebrates its 60th anniversary, its publisher emerita Marjorie Parham, current publisher Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and historian and author Najiyyah Duncan share the rich history of Black newspapers and lead a lively discussion on the future of the Black press.

WCIN Radio – A Cincinnati Icon
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2 p.m.
Hitting the airwaves in October 1953, WCIN-AM, the oldest Black radio station west of the Mississippi River, opened the door for other Black formatted stations to exist in the area.
WCIN on-air personality Everett Cork and local historian, author and former WCIN reporter
Gina Ruffin Moore will examine the station’s important role in the community.

In addition, many of the 40 Library branches will celebrate Black History Month with programs, storytimes, music, special book club selections and art. All programs are free and registration is not required. For information about Black History Month programming at branch locations, visit www.CincinnatiLibrary.org. For more information call 513-369-6905.