HOLYOKE — Black History Month, which is observed every February, will be marked in Holyoke with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday, February 12, at 4:30 p.m. followed by a storytelling program at the Holyoke Public Library at 6 p.m.
The public is invited to both events,
Speakers at the flag-raising will include Willie Spradley Jr., a member of the leadership team at Bethlehem Baptist Community Church, and Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, who will read an official proclamation.
At 6 p.m., a storytelling program will be held in the Community Room at the Library. Holyoke natives Dian McCollum, Doug Griffin, and the Rev. Bernard Smith will share their stories. The African-American tradition of storytelling is a deeply rooted practice where stories are passed down orally through generations.
Storytelling was especially important during the period of slavery when other forms of cultural expression were suppressed. Storytelling was the first opportunity for Black slaves to represent themselves as anything other than property.
Holyoke’s Black History Month celebration is being organized by Bethlehem Baptist Community Church, 304 Elm Street, Holyoke.
Information: Theresa Cooper-Gordon, 413-218-6842; Willie Spradley Jr., 413-896-1068.