The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) received a Planning Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to begin exploring the current state of Black History Month (BHM) programming offered at public libraries and identify significant gaps.  While virtually every public library across the U.S. conducts some program during BHM, there has never been a systematic study to assess the content, scope, target age groups, and focus of that programming.  This Planning Grant brought together partners from key American Library Association Divisions and Offices, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the University of Michigan’s Program for Research on Black Americans (PRBA), and other experts in the field to explore and catalogue current BHM programming.

With an increasingly diverse U.S. population, and an expectation that the United States will become a “majority minority” country by 2044, it is essential for libraries to offer quality programming that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of its increasingly diverse patrons.  This kind of programming has the potential to bring more members of the community into the library, and provide for a richer exchange.

With its 50 years of expertise, commitment, and advocacy, the BCALA, in conjunction with the strong National Advisory Committee identified, is confident that we can undertake an examination of current practices, and then eventually improve and strengthen BHM programming in public libraries for the next 50 years.

Deborah Robinson, MBA, PhD

Co-Director, BHM/IMLS Grant
Research Investigator, Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan

Dr. Robinson is Assistant Director of the Program for Research on Black Americans for International Projects and has over 15 years’ experience in survey research methodology having worked on major national studies such as the National Survey of Black Americans and National Black Election Study. She is also a senior administrator, so in addition to the research appointment at ISR, she is the Faculty Administrative Coordinator for the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research, coordinating programmatic initiatives among the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University. She holds a PhD from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Geneva. Deborah has been a member of ALA, BCALA, and ASALH for 4 years.

Dylitchrous Thompson, MLIS, MA.Ed

Program Assistant, BHM Project (2020-2021)

Dylitchrous Thompson is an independent librarian and small business owner. She served as Program Assistant on the Institute of Museum and Library Services-funded project, A Taxonomy of Black History Month Programming in Public Libraries. Her most recent employment as an information analyst was with Zach S. Henderson Library at Georgia Southern University in the Research Services Department. Ms. Thompson holds graduate degrees in Library and Information Science and Adult Education and Training. Her interests include helping people gain access to information, education, and training with a focus on adult education, service to older adults and non-traditional students.