What's New at the UCC Library?

Explore African American History and Culture

Umpqua Community College and the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library are closed on June 19th.

 June 19th marks Juneteenth, a significant day in American history commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. Juneteenth is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of African Americans, while also acknowledging the ongoing work toward racial equity and justice. The library invites you to engage with a variety of resources that celebrate Black voices and deepen understanding of this powerful legacy.

Our digital and physical collections highlight the richness of Black history, art, and activism. From personal narratives and historical accounts to cultural studies and documentaries, we invite you to explore the journey of Black Americans. The UCC Library is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals can learn and grow. Whether you're researching African American history or exploring social justice topics, we offer:

• Gale OneFile: U.S. History – Access scholarly resources on pivotal moments like the Civil War, behind the scenes of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement. Don’t miss this article on the Juneteenth Monument.

• Kanopy – Stream powerful films that tell Black stories, such as this collection from the University of Southern California Cinematic Arts. There is also this series called Roots, which is about one family's journey through slavery and wants to preserve their legacy.

• Books and eBooks: Featuring fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from Black authors and thinkers, including works like The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and the book The Light of the World by Elizabeth Alexander. Poetry includes The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes. 

• Films on Demand – Watch educational documentaries such as Slavery and the Making of America, which traces the history of slavery and its enduring impact.

• ERIC – Explore research on African American education, equity in schools, and inclusive curriculum development.

Understanding history is key to creating a more just future. The library supports this through tools that promote critical thinking and dialogue around systemic racism, cultural identity, and activism.

February is Black History Month

In 1986 the United States Congress passed, and President Ronald Reagan signed, Public Law 99-244, which formally established Black History Month as a federally designated observance. The month is honored with historical, cultural, and educational presentations in several countries with substantial Black minority populations. In the United States, Black History Month (sometimes also known as African American History Month) is observed during the month of February (Issit, 2024). 

Explore eBooks such as this one, Freedom facts & firsts: 400 years of the African American civil rights experience, using the UCC Library Discovery Search. Come to the UCC Library to learn more about black individuals throughout history.

References

Issitt, M. (2024, November 26). Black history month: Overview. In Points of view. Great Neck.

Wynn, L. T. (2009). Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, March (1965). In Freedom facts & firsts: 400 years of the African American civil rights experience (pp. 68-70). Visible Ink Press.