I heard the story of Jewell Parker Rhodes seeing a book display in Hunt Library that featured Gayle Jones, an African American writer. Rhodes realized that she could be a writer, and went on to write over a dozen novels, two writers’ guides, and children’s books, and to teach writing at universities.
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This month's book display commemorates Black History Month, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. In 1926, historian and educator Carter G. Woodson initiated Negro History Week, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. The emphasis was on education, specifically that of integrating Black history into educational curricula, not only in schools, but also in libraries, churches and communities in general. In 1976, the weeklong observance was expanded to the full month of February and then-president Gerald Ford issued the first "Message on the observance of Black History Month." Ten years later, in 1986, congress federally recognized February as Black history Month.
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Engage with the resources in this month's collection to deepen your understanding of Dr. King’s vision and to consider how his ideas continue to inform conversations about equity, justice, and social change.
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December’s theme centers on mental health, an essential aspect of overall well-being that shapes how individuals think, feel, work, and connect with others. The World Health Organization defines good mental health as a state that enables people to cope with life’s stresses, realize their abilities, learn effectively, and contribute to their communities. Like physical health, mental health exists on a spectrum, and challenges in this area can significantly affect daily life.
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In celebration of Carnegie Mellon University’s 125th anniversary, the University Libraries and the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement offered a new installment of the annual “Heading to the Point” on Tuesday, October 21. “From Margins to Mainstream: How Libraries Empower the Excluded” featured a powerful one-on-one conversation about the evolving role of libraries as agents of culture, community, and inclusion.
November’s theme invites reflection on the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. While there is no single definition of Indigenous identity, common threads often include deep ties to ancestral lands, distinct cultural traditions, and a collective history of resistance in the face of colonization and marginalization.
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October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to recognize the individuals, events, and movements that have shaped the ongoing pursuit of equality and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. Established in 1994, the observance highlights the historical contributions of LGBTQ+ people, honors those who have advanced civil rights, and encourages continued reflection on identity, inclusion, and justice.
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September marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the rich and diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. While the term "Hispanic" often refers to Spanish-language heritage, and "Latino" to cultural and ancestral ties to Latin America and the Caribbean, both identities are honored during this celebration.
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This month’s curated collection offers a range of perspectives on justice, spanning economics, education, environmental equity, civil rights, and more. Engage with these works to better understand the structural challenges we face and the ideas that continue to shape a more equitable future.
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Technological innovations are a steady part of human history, and some of these innovations have radically changed society from top to bottom. In the past century, some examples include television, cell phones and personal computers. Explore the resources below to learn more about how to blend AI into our lives, while retaining the skills and knowledge that makes us human.
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