#black history Videos
Celebration of the Life & Legacy of Alma Harrod Powell
In 1978, 11 years after the passing of Alma H. Powell, staff and friends of the Alma Powell Branch designated a week in June to be known as “Alma Harrod…Recorded 07/22/2019
Categories: Archival Films & Video; Kalamazoo History
The Page Fence Giants
Author Mitch Lutzke The Page Fence Giants, an all-star black baseball club sponsored by a woven-wire fence company in Adrian, Michigan, graced the diamond in the 1890s. Formed through a…Recorded 02/06/2019
Categories: Authors @ KPL; Michigan History
How FDR Segregated Kalamazoo
A presentation and discussion about the history of redlining, racially restrictive covenants, and segregation in Kalamazoo. Learn how the federal government and the city of Kalamazoo successfully financed white homeownership…Recorded 10/02/2018
Categories: Kalamazoo History; Timely Topics
Classified: Who in the World is Merze Tate?
Kalamazoo author and publisher Sonya Bernard-Hollins discusses her latest book about Merze Tate (1905-1996), grandchild of the first Negro settlers in Mecosta County, and a graduate of Western State Teacher’s…Recorded 04/09/2018
Categories: Authors @ KPL; Michigan History
Kalamazoo’s Colored School (1861-1871)
Among the many mysteries in Kalamazoo’s history was the existence of a separate school for the community’s African-American children, located on North Street between 1861 and 1871. Lynn Houghton, Regional…Recorded 02/27/2018
Categories: Authors @ KPL; Kalamazoo History; Timely Topics
Voice Snatchers
In honor of Black History Month, Kalamazoo author Lonna Hardin discussed the history of songs using “code language” to lead thousands to freedom on the Underground Railroad. During the program…Recorded 02/19/2018
Categories: Authors @ KPL; Timely Topics
"Benjamin Losford and His Handy Dandy Clippers"
Author and self-publisher Sonya Hollins co-wrote with her husband Sean (and illustrated by Kenjji), a children’s book about an African American barber, “Benjamin Losford and His Handy Dandy Clippers.” As…Recorded 02/09/2016
Categories: Authors @ KPL
Early Kalamazoo: Southern Roots in the Urban North
“Southern Roots in the Urban North” (1987) – Dr. Ben Wilson describes the migration of southern blacks to Michigan during the early part of the 20th century. These programs were…Recorded 01/01/1987
Categories: Archival Films & Video; Kalamazoo History; Michigan History
Early Kalamazoo: Michigan's Underground Railroad
“Michigan’s Underground Railroad” (1987) – Local historian Mary Jane Swartz tours the underground railroad house in Schoolcraft, and tells how its occupants helped escaping slaves. These programs were made possible…Recorded 01/01/1987
Categories: Archival Films & Video; Kalamazoo History; Michigan History
