ACPL’s Rolland Center for Lincoln Research Unveils New Black History Month Exhibit on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Allen County Public Library’s Rolland Center for Lincoln Research opened a new exhibit featuring historical Black icons on Monday, January 15 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The exhibit will be on display throughout Black History Month (February) at the Main Library.

“At the Rolland Center, we are fortunate to have artifacts highlighting the history and advancement of Black Americans in the nineteenth century,” said Senior Lincoln Librarian Jessie Cortesi. “When people visit, they are immersed in not only President Lincoln’s story, but in the story of America’s pursuit of freedom. From the abolition of slavery to when the first Black man was eligible to vote in the South in 1867, we are proud to make available key parts of that story to the community.”

Black History Month’s roots began with historian and publisher Carter G. Woodson’s creation of “Negro History Week” in 1926. In 1976, Black History Month was established to celebrate and honor the rich history of Black Americans in the United States.

The Rolland Center’s exhibit features fine art lithographs and photographs of Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass dating back to the mid-to-late 1800s. Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman” and Douglass’ memoirs are considered among the most influential writings leading up the abolition of slavery.

What: Black History Month Exhibit

When: January 15 – February 29 (excluding January 26 – 28)

Where: Rolland Center for Lincoln Research

Allen County Public Library (900 Library Plaza)

The exhibit is free and open to the public. More information can be found at www.acpl.lib.in.us/rolland-center.