NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Public Library will host upcoming community celebrations for both Black History Month and the Chinese New Year.
According to a news release provided by the library, the Black History Month celebration will be held Saturday at the SoNo Library, located at 10 Washington Street, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
A Chinese New Year celebration will be held at the Main Library, located at 1 Belden Avenue, on March 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The keynote speaker for the Black History celebration will be Jean Eddy Saint Paul, Ph.D. The Brooklyn College Professor of Sociology and founding Director of the City University of New York’s Haitian Studies Institute, Saint Paul will present Haiti’s often overlooked contributions to the Black American struggle, according to the library.
There will also be a 15-minute drumming intermission with James Moss, sponsored by Anacaona Youth Enrichment program, an art presentation with authentic portraits of Haitian (s)heroes by Guy Bocicaut, president of the Haitian American Professional Association of Connecticut and songs by the Bible Church of Norwalk’s praise song group.
The Chinese New Year celebration will feature dance performances by Li Garden Dance Company and the Chinese Education Association (CCEA) Dance Group. Additionally, family fun stations will be available with Chinese calligraphy, ancient toys and traditional costumes.
“Having served as a library assistant at South Norwalk Library in Connecticut since 2007, I have garnered valuable experience in organizing cultural programs under the guidance of our now library director, Sherelle Harris,” Library Spokesperson Shelly Yong said in a news release. “She trained us to design programs that educate our community about the diverse cultures in Norwalk with fidelity and cultural appreciation. I now bring this experience to my current role as Greater Norwalk Literacy Volunteers Coordinator. We extend invitations to both programs jointly to encourage cultural sharing, something the world needs now!”
Lunch will be served at both programs. Registration is not necessary but is encouraged, according to the library.
