For while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light we’ve got in all this darkness.” – James Baldwin, American Novelist, Essayist, and Playwright
We want to hear your stories. Our community is made up of people from all walks of life, each with a unique story to tell. In an effort to capture and preserve our community’s collective story, we are launching the Mosaic Project at the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library. A temporary booth has been constructed at the Branch equipped with a video camera and audio recorder where community members can stop by to record themselves reading either excerpts of their own original stories, poems, or essays OR pieces by renowned authors that speak to their life experiences.
At the end of each month, the video and audio clips will be pieced together into a brief video posted on the Library’s YouTube page for public enjoyment and engagement.
This initiative launches February 1, the first day of Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of the black community in U.S. history. In honor of this special month, we encourage community members to bring stories, poems, and reflections either about the history and experiences of the black community in Altadena or excerpts from works of black authors and poets that are significant to them.
March’s theme will be shared in the March newsletter, so stay tuned! In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you at the Branch and hearing your story.