Two New Exhibits At Local Libraries

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System Celebrates Black History and Culture With New Artwork

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) has now opened two new exhibits to highlight Black history and culture through July 2022.

The Library celebrates and honors Black and intersectional cultural identities year-round with programs, curated collections, and educational resources. Expanding these efforts to include history and art exhibitions advances the implementation of the PGCMLS Strategic Framework 2021-2024, which focuses the Library’s work to support inclusion, literacy and learning, and creativity. The two exhibits that are now opened are “In Freedom’s Name” and “Black and Proud+.”

“In Freedom’s Name” is a touring exhibit that celebrates the military service and sacrifice of black Marylanders throughout U.S. history. The exhibit opens at the Laurel Branch Library on Tuesday, February 22 at 12 pm and will tour four other branch libraries through July. Developed by the Maryland Military Historical Society, in partnership with Stevenson University's Department of Public History & Humanities, the exhibition at PGCMLS is sponsored by Warren Builds and County Council Member-at-Large Mel Franklin. The exhibit features 38 panels that include 63 major stories and 245 photographs and images. It explores the stories of Marylanders and Prince Georgians whose courage and service are an inspiration for young people and adults alike. “In Freedom’s Name” was previously displayed at Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture and public libraries in Anne Arundel, Frederick, and Howard counties.

“Black and Proud+” is a community art exhibit curated by the PGCMLS Black History and Culture Team and LGBTQ+ Team. Opening at the Oxon Hill Branch Library on Monday, February 28 at 10 am, it features work by Black and LGBTQ+ artists who call Prince George’s County and the metropolitan Washington, DC area home. Works range from poetry to portraits that celebrate the strength and courage of Black Americans. The exhibit will be on display at Oxon Hill through March 2022. Featured artists include: Ny’Lah Green (Student, Suitland High School), Live’N’Tune (Artist, Upper Marlboro), MotherPat (Artist, Cheverly), Shaymar Higgs (Artist, Upper Marlboro), Leigh Marget (Artist and Former PGCPS Educator, Laurel), Jasmine Lee (Student, Suitland High School), and Rae Akino (Artist, Prince George’s County Native).

PGCMLS branch libraries are open Monday 10 am-6 pm, Tuesday-Wednesday 12-8 pm, Thursday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday (select branches) 1-5 pm. Hours and locations are available here. Both exhibits are open and viewable during branch hours. No registration is required.

“I am grateful to Council Member Mel Franklin, Warren Builds, and PGCMLS staff for sharing these two important exhibits with the community,” said PGCMLS CEO Roberta Phillips. “Visual expressions of history and creativity inspire discovery and curiosity that can be advanced using the Library’s collections.”