By introducing and sharing stories of our past, we are able to learn from them and grow as a society. The Pasadena Public Library wants to continue doing just that for Black History Month this February.
Join the Library on Facebook Live and YouTube at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, as longtime storyteller Michael D. McCarty focuses on tales from Africa and African-American history.
McCarty speaks of himself as a “storyteller extraordinaire,” and has been telling stories professionally since 1992.
“One of the things that I’ve been involved in most of my life is history in general, but African-American black history in particular,” he said in a recent interview. “So when I became a storyteller — finding stories to share with people that would help them learn something about the experience of black folks in this country and in the world, and getting some insight into things that need to change — the struggle that has gone on was a great thing. I specialize in stories of that experience. I do stories from all over the world, but I have the experience of being black in America.”
McCarty adds he has been working with the Pasadena Public Library and telling his stories for almost 30 years.
“It’s always wonderful,” he said. “Just recently, I was sharing some stories and I look for the uncommon story, the little known story, and when people come away, they come away with a new insight, a new understanding.”
Some of the stories he’s told about include that of Mansa Musa, the emperor of the Islamic Mali Empire which existed in West Africa around 1235 to 1670; that of Eugene Jacques Bullard, the first African-American military pilot who flew for France in the first world war; and of Paul Robeson, who was an entertainer, actor, musician, and athlete.
“So I look for these kinds of stories, these amazing stories about amazing people. And I share those stories with people,” McCarty said.
Thursday’s online event is recommended for the whole family from age 5 and up.
Registration for the event is not required. To watch it, just go to the Pasadena Public Library’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/
The program will be on either platform through Wednesday, February 17.
For more information, visit http://pasadena.evanced.info/
