The Evanston Public Library next week will continue its celebration of Black History Month by offering opportunities to learn about the present. Learn from nationally recognized local experts who are fighting ongoing health disparities in Black communities.
The Flavor of Defeat
On Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Carol McGruder, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, will present The Flavor of Defeat, a discussion of the latest tactics the tobacco industry has deployed to dodge regulation and expand its markets, including in Evanston.
After the sweeping defeats in the 1990s, Big Tobacco adapted its tactics targeting youth and communities of color to build a new generation of lifelong customers. Join in this conversation with local anti-tobacco advocates who will share results of recent studies on tobacco use nationally and locally and talk about what our community can do to protect our health. This program will be held on Zoom.
Antiracist Birthwork and Antiracist Outcomes
On Thursday, Feb. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Anya Tanyavutti, an Evanstonian and Executive Director of Chicago Volunteer Doulas, will present Antiracist Birthwork and Antiracist Outcomes, a training on birth justice.
Chicago Volunteer Doulas provides comprehensive doula care throughout the Chicagoland community, including birth and postpartum programs and the first-of-its-kind peer doula program at Logan Correctional Facility. Learn about the institutional inequities that put Black mothers and babies at higher risk for birth complications and deaths, and how to dismantle injustice around Black maternity. This program will be held on Zoom.
More ways to celebrate Black History Month
The library has been celebrating Black History Month throughout February with a special collection of programming that highlights the contributions of Black Americans, supports the Black community and offers creative outlets for joy and expression. Here’s a look at previous, ongoing and still-to-come programs:
- Seek and Find: Black History Scavenger Hunt: Learn more.
- Make Your Own Basquiat-Inspired Crown: Learn more.
- Make your Own Cartoon Glass Painting: All month long. Learn more.
- Inspirational Painting Teen Craft Kit: All month long. Learn more.
- The Flavor of Defeat: How Big Tobacco Is Still Winning and What We Can Do About It: Wednesday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Register.
- Antiracist Birthwork and Antiracist Outcomes: Thursday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Register.
- Ladies Leading: The Black Women Who Control Television News: Thursday, Feb. 24, 7 pm. Learn more and register.
- Black History Family Game Night: Friday, Feb. 25, 6:30 pm. Register.
For more programs and events offered by the Evanston Public Library, visit www.epl.org/programs. For more on the library’s work on equity and antiracism, visit www.epl.org/equity.
Source: Evanston Public Library