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February 2016: Teens Making History
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Langston Hughes Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He was one of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry. His first piece of jazz poetry, “When Sue Wears Red,” was written his junior year of high school. When Sue Wears Red When Susanna Jones wears red her face is like an ancient cameo Turned brown by the ages. Come with a blast of trumphets, Jesus!
When Susanna Jones wears red A queen from some time-dead Egyptian night Walks once again. Blow trumphets, Jesus!
And the beauty of Susanna Jones in red Burns in my heart a love-fire sharp like a pain. Sweet silver trumphets, Jesus! your text here.
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Wheatley was the first published African-American female poet. She was sold into slavery at the age of seven and transported to America. The Wheatley family taught her to read and write, and encouraged her to write poetry when they saw her talent. At age 13, Wheatley—after hearing a miraculous saga of survival at sea—wrote "On Messrs. Hussey and Coffin," a poem which was published on December 21, 1767. By the time she was eighteen, Wheatley had gathered a collection of twenty-eight poems. From “Ode into a celebration of Christ."
Did Fear and Danger so perplex your Mind, As made you fearful of the Whistling Wind? Was it not Boreas knit his angry Brow Against you? or did Consideration bow? To lend you Aid, did not his Winds combine? To stop your passage with a churlish Line, Did haughty Eolus with Contempt look down With Aspect windy, and a study'd Frown? Regard them not; — the Great Supreme, the Wise, Intends for something hidden from our Eyes.
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Saxophonist extraordinaire Charlie Parker was Coleman’s greatest influence when he picked up the alto sax at age 14 and tenor two years later. This highly respected revolutionary is credited as being among the creators of “free jazz.” The innovative musician/composer has been hailed a musical genius and visionary. His music is radical, abstract, and highly cerebral.
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Adulting 101: Ask Your Librarian
Wednesday, February 3, 3:30 pm
Smith Neighborhood Library 3624 Scott St., 77004
Transitioning from your teenage years to adulthood can be tough but it doesn't have to be overwhelming! Come to Smith Library and ask the Young Adult librarian your burning, yet appropriate questions about college, moving out, and growing up in general. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
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A Year of Reading Dangerously - An Eco-friendly Book Club
Thursday, February 11, 12:00 pm
500 McKinney, 77002
Do you have a secret desire to change the world? If you enjoy reading and discussing environmental issues and what makes people tick, you will want to join us. Led by Steve Stelzer, Program Director, Houston Green Building Resource Center. BYOL This month's selection is The Righteous Man by Jonathan Haidt.
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Treat Yourself DIY Spa Day
Friday, February 12, 3:00 pm
Smith Neighborhood Library 3624 Scott St., 77004
February is the month of love and who better to love than yourself? Come to the library to relax and pamper yourself with do it yourself skincare recipes. Keep your creation for yourself or pass it on to your sweetie or a friend. For teens 13 to 18.
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After School Zone Craft: Kente Cloth Weaving
Tuesday, February 16, 4:00 pm
Oak Forest Neighborhood Library 6400 High Star, 77074
Join us during After School Zone and in celebration of African American History Month! We will be weaving "traditional" kente cloth with paper!
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This electronic collection of non-fiction writings by major American black leaders covers 250 years of history and includes letters, speeches, prefatory essays, political leaflets, interviews, periodicals, and trail transcripts.
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