The Whiting Library is celebrating Black History Month with a special emphasis on abstract artist Alma Woodsey Thomas and “bibliomaniac” librarian Dorothy Porter.

A history that should be celebrated all-year-round gets a special highlight throughout February. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. You can virtually visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture by clicking this link to explore the museum’s virtual exhibitions, online collections and digital resources. 

Whiting Library has a collection of books to help you bring this celebration home. Click here to see the titles covering critical time periods like the civil rights movement as well as the lives of many influential Black American leaders and innovators.

Meet Alma Woodsey Thomas, abstract artist & inspiration.

Ablaze with Color translates through images and words the artistic journey of Alma Woodsey Thomas (1891-1978). Born in Columbus, Georgia, Thomas rose to fame as a prolific abstract artist after retiring from teaching art in the public school system. Her success later in life serves as an example to others that professional accolades can happen at any moment in one’s existence. She was the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art. This book was written for young readers ages three and older. The Alma Thomas story is an example of holding fast to one’s dream until the vision is realized. This book is available to borrow from the Whiting Library.

Click on this link to read Ms. Thomas’ bio and to see examples of her art by visiting the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Watch this video for an sponge paint art lesson for little kids inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas an American painter best known for her colorful, abstract compositions.

Click this link to the Albany, GA Museum of Art to learn about abstract painter Ms. Thomas and see to see a fun abstract art project for intermediate age kids.

Remembering the Howard University Librarian Who Decolonized the Way Books Were Catalogued

Dorothy Porter challenged the racial bias in the Dewey Decimal System, putting black scholars alongside white colleagues. Click here to read the Smithsonian Magazine story about this groundbreaking librarian.