Written by Walker Evans
Black history is American history.
I’ve heard this refrain often, and the more I’ve grown and learned, the more obvious this truth becomes.
There’s hardly an aspect of American history that doesn’t turn out to involve race in some way, once you scratch the surface.
When I was younger, the fact that February was designated as Black History Month suggested to me that Black history was somehow separate from U.S. history in general. Now, I understand that this designation is meant to draw attention to Black history, to open our eyes to the ways that it’s woven through all aspects of our society.
Here at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, we launch our month of celebrating Black history with the latest meeting of our book discussion group, “Embracing Our Differences.”
For more than three years, this group has met regularly to share conversations about topics of race, gender and acceptance. This month’s title is closer to home than most: we will be discussing Kevin Hazzard’s 2022 book “American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America’s First Paramedics.”
Set in Pittsburgh in the late 1960s and early ‘70s, American Sirens relates the gripping saga of Freedom House EMS — the first emergency medical service in America, founded by Black men in the Hill District in 1967, whose grit, tenacity and creativity would transform the world of emergency medicine forever.
When I first learned the story of Freedom House, I was astonished that it wasn’t better known.
The life-saving heroism of paramedics is riveting, and the systemic barriers that members of Freedom House had to overcome were monumental.
Our discussion of this history will be elevated by the presence of Freedom House member John Moon, whose start with Freedom House led to a distinguished 50-year career in emergency medicine. It’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from an inspirational history-maker who has seen — and created — extraordinary change in his lifetime.
On Feb. 22, we’ll be visited by the multitalented Emonie Smith for a special presentation entitled “Wrapped in History: A Hair Wrapping Workshop.”
Smith previously visited the library last July for a special story time based on her picture book “I Like Me,” a lovely story that encourages children to build confidence and love themselves. She also taught a high-energy Zumba class here in January.
In addition to being a talented author and fitness instructor, Smith is skilled in the art of African American hair wrapping. In this workshop, she’ll share the history and cultural significance of this unique technique; offer practical tips for styling and maintenance’ and demonstrate a number of vivid, beautiful wraps. Let “Madame Em” open your eyes to a new world of self-expression.
Finally, we’ll put a capstone on this month of programming with a screening of the 2021 documentary “Madan Sara: The Power of Haitian Women,” directed by Etant Dupain.
The Madan Sara are the women of Haiti who work tirelessly to buy, distribute and sell food and other essentials in markets through the country. They’re integral to the economic engine of this small, impoverished nation.
Dupain was inspired to create this, his first full-length film, by the hard work and experiences of his mother.
Join us for the moving story of these strong women, and stay for a question and answer session facilitated by the Pittsburgh educational and cultural organization Haiti Friends.
The history of Haiti itself is just as inspiring as the work of the Madan Sara. The revolution of the enslaved Africans that started in 1791 led to Haiti becoming the first country in the Americas to abolish slavery; the first sovereign nation in the Caribbean; and the first (and still the only) country established by a slave revolt.
The tribulations that Haiti has endured since then speak to the incredible strength and resilience of its people, which are exemplified in this film.
It’s my hope that programs like these offer folks opportunities to learn more about the beautiful collage of cultures and experiences that make a pluralistic society such a rich and stimulating place to live.
I hope you’ll join us.