INDIANAPOLIS — A new and unique space for Indianapolis that celebrates the rich heritage of those with African roots will be unveiled during the grand opening of the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) on Sat., Oct. 21 from noon to 3 p.m. at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. The entire community is invited to attend.
Made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc. through a $1.3 million grant to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, the 3,990-square-foot Center, located in Central Library’s R.B. Annis West Reading Room, will be a focal point for exploring the black experience in Indianapolis and beyond. Interactive displays, engaging programming and a large collection of books and materials will showcase those who have transformed the world through their courage, talents and activism. Visitors can learn about such Hoosier black heroes as writer Mari Evans, musicians Wes Montgomery and Kenneth “Baby Face” Edmonds, journalist Amos Brown, actress Vivica A. Fox and basketball star Oscar Robertson. New program and display themes will be added regularly.
The Center also will support the work of the Library’s long-standing African American History Committee, which plans major cultural programming at the Library.
The Center will feature a collection of 10,000 volumes and an array of programs, including author talks aand special exhibits.
Following opening ceremonies at 12 noon, the grand opening event will feature a keynote address and book signing by journalist and political commentator Roland Martin at 12:30 p.m.
For more information about the CBLC and grand opening event, call 317-275-4100 or visit www. indypl.org/cblc.
