Category Reflections

Author Laura Pappano pictured in an elementary school classroom. Book cover reads: School Moms: Parent Activism, Partisan Politics, and the Battle for Public Education.

Get ‘Schooled’ on Board of Education Elections 

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A bright green rectangle with white type: Because informed citizens are engaged voters. Libraries Transform. ALA logo on the short side to the right.

by Ash B.

In election season, media coverage often focuses on presidential and congressional races. However, local elections – such as County Council and Board of Education (“school board”) races – can significantly impact local communities. Howard County Council and Board of Education (BOE) are nonpartisan races, meaning candidates are not separated by party. You do not have to be registered with a political party to vote in this race – even in the primary. And, because these local races are decided by a smaller voting body, your vote often holds considerably more weight. 

Howard County contains five Councilmanic Districts, also known as “Council Districts.” Each district corresponds to one of five County Council members and, as of the 2020 election, one of seven members on the BOE. To determine your Councilmanic District, use the Voter Lookup at https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch 

Previously, all open BOE seats in an election year were voted upon by all registered voters. However, in 2019, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation requiring, “that certain members of the Howard County Board of Education be elected by the voters of certain districts.” Now, five school board members are elected by voters in their respective Councilmanic Districts, and the remaining two members are elected at-large, meaning any registered voter can vote for them. 

A map of Howard County, with the five council districts in colored tints.

BOE members serve four-year terms on a staggered basis, with elections held every two years and no term limits. In 2022, there were two seats on the ballot, specifically the at-large positions voted upon by the entire county. This year, five BOE positions are up for election – one for each district.  

As of the time of writing this post, the following candidates are running: 

  • District 1: Andre Gao, Pravin Ponnuri, Meg Ricks  
  • District 2: Larry Doyle, Antonia Watts (Incumbent) 
  • District 3: Jolene Mosley (Incumbent)  
  • District 4: Hiruy Hadgu, Julie Kaplan, Jen Mallo (Incumbent) 
  • District 5: Catherine Carter, Andrea Chamblee, Trent Kittleman 

The Primary Election 

Only Districts with three or more candidates will be included in the Primary Election. The top two candidates from each district advance to compete in the general election. So, Howard County voters in Districts 1, 4, and 5 have (nonpartisan) BOE choices on their primary ballot this May.

Five Tips for Researching the Candidates 

1. How does each candidate present themselves on their platform(s)? 

All candidates appear on the State Board of Elections website with their contact information, campaign website, and official social media accounts. Take a look at what they list as priorities, what types of policies they’d want to enact if elected, and how they express their views across online platforms. 

2. Watch candidate forums and debates.

Live or recorded, virtual or in-person, candidate forums offer a great way to learn about the candidates’ views and priorities. The public speaking format demonstrates how a candidate communicates under pressure.

On April 18, the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Howard County hosts three virtual forums to address each one of the districts that will have a primary for the Board of Education. They take place on Zoom, with livestreams on Facebook and YouTube. Recordings available online through the May 14 Primary Election. Other local organizations, such as PTAs, also hold BOE candidate forums. Check with your local school or watch the recording of the 2024 PTA Council of Howard County BOE Forum on YouTube. 

Another upcoming BOE candidate forum will be hosted by Dar Al-Tagwa (the Muslim community center) on Sunday, April 21. You can submit questions to the candidates in advance at this link.

Am advertisement listing all of the candidates and the designated forum date, time, and location: Sunday, April 21, 2:30-4:30 PM, at Dar Al Taqwa, 10740 Route 108, Ellicott City, MD

3. Read candidate questionnaires and surveys.

While you might get a better sense of a candidate listening to them speak live, candidate questionnaires are another resource for learning more about candidates’ perspectives on relevant topics. As you research, do you find that each candidate is consistent in their views? Are their answers specific and thorough?

The Howard County LWV Primary Voter’s Guide is now available online, and includes candidate answers to five questions regarding parent and student input, safety, facilities, challenges, and the Blueprint for Education goals. If you prefer to compare answers between the candidates for one district at a time, head over to Vote 411, a project of the League of Women Voters Education Fund. When you enter your address, the site generates a ballot with candidate information based on your address.

Other local organizations, such as Community Allies of Rainbow Youth, also send questionnaires to candidates, sometimes focused on the concerns of the demographic(s) served by the organization. If you’re involved with any nonprofits, PTAs, religious/faith groups, etc., check to see if they’re distributing a candidate questionnaire.

Ballotpedia has a candidate survey, though none of the HoCo BOE candidates have completed this at this time.

4. Is the candidate endorsed by, or associated with, any (non-partisan or partisan) organizations? 

A good way to see if a candidate’s values align with yours is to see what organizations they’ve been endorsed by and/or are associated with, and assess whether your values align with that organization. This can provide further insight on the professional, political, and sociocultural background of each candidate.

Organizations may decide who to endorse by conducting an interview process with candidates. Written answers to a questionnaire may also be part of the process; the Howard County Education Association (HCEA) is an example of a nonpartisan, professional association that publicizes the questionnaires of the candidates they’re endorsing.

Note: Not all organizations are legally able to endorse candidates. 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations cannot endorse candidates, but they can hold candidate forums, interview candidates, and share candidate survey answers.

5. Read local news coverage – and discuss within your communities!

Because articles about school board candidates are unlikely to be front-page news, especially during the primary, you might have to dig a bit for good information. Searching “Howard County school board” on the websites of local news outlets can help, including (some require subscriptions):

You can always talk with neighbors, family, friends, and colleagues. Ask if folks are familiar with any of the candidates and if they can point you to any helpful sources. Discussing your opinions on candidates can feel taboo, but local and nonpartisan races are prime opportunities to engage in dialogue with fellow voters.

Why should I care about the Board of Education? 

Even if you do not have school-aged children, the well-being and success of students and staff should be the concern of the entire community. Then consider the nationwide rise of book bans and challenges to curriculum material, and there’s a strong case for getting invested in what’s going on with your local school board.

If you’re interested in learning more about the increasing politicization of school boards and conflicts over public school policies, join us on April 26 at the Elkridge Branch for an author visit with Laura Pappano, an award-winning education journalist. She discusses the key findings in her new book, School Moms: Parent Activism, Partisan Politics, and the Battle for Public Schools. 

Author Laura Pappano pictured in an elementary school classroom. Book cover reads: School Moms: Parent Activism, Partisan Poli

Finalize Your Voting Plan 

Whether you want to vote early, by mail, or in-person on election day… make sure you have a voting plan!

Check your voter registration status, determine your voting method, and preview your ballot at Vote 411.  The Howard County Board of Elections also has useful information on their site, including the polling locations for early voting (May 2 – 9) as well as Mail-In Ballot Drop Box locations.  

Ash is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch with a passion for information literacy and community engagement. They love music, gardening, hiking, and cuddling with their golden retriever.

The book cover shows Merci sitting on the steps outside her home next to a bike with a cell phone in her hand. Her grandparents are looking out of a window towards her and smiling, and there is a green car with a driver and passenger in the background. There are palm trees and a bright orange-pink sunset on the horizon.

National Library Week with Honorary Chairperson Meg Medina

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The book cover shows Merci sitting on the steps outside her home next to a bike with a cell phone in her hand. Her grandparents are looking out of a window towards her and smiling, and there is a green car with a driver and passenger in the background. There are palm trees and a bright orange-pink sunset on the horizon.

By Jean B.

It’s time to celebrate libraries! We think every week is Library Week, but this annual event focuses attention on how libraries support and enrich our lives. Meg Medina observes:

“From book groups to lending sports equipment to providing a safe after-school hangout space and so much more, libraries support us wherever we find ourselves on the roadmap through life’s journey.”
In fact, libraries are there at life’s starting line, offering parents and caregivers of newborns, infants, and toddlers the opportunity to talk, sing, read, and play together in a positive environment. Early trips to the library may be a social lifeline for new parents as well as a fertile ground for growing confident, enthusiastic readers – it’s the very first chapter in a child’s educational experience!

“!Cuéntame!: Let’s talk books!” continues Medina, who is the Honorary Chairperson of National Library Week and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate National Library Week 2024.

Let’s talk about Medina’s award-winning books for kids. Merci Suárez Changes Gears, winner of the Newbery Award in 2019, opens a window into the lively world of a Cuban American family and the confusion of starting middle school. We can all can relate to the uncertainty and change that comes with middle school, but Merci Suárez experiences more than the usual bumps. As a scholarship student at Seaward Pines Academy, Merci finds herself on the outside. Her life at Las Casitas, the three little pink houses that sit side by side and hold her extended family together in a maelstrom of love and drama, is clearly different from that of her classmates. Her family shapes her life every day, whether she is playing soccer with her Papi’s team, hanging out with her grandparents, Lolo and Abuela, or babysitting her wild twin cousins. All that togetherness!  It’s a blessing and curse for a sixth grader trying to figure out how she fits in. On top of that, her beloved Lolo is behaving in strange and worrisome ways, and nobody wants to talk about it with Merci.   

In this book and the two books that follow it – Merci Suárez Can’t Dance and Merci Suárez Plays it Cool – Meg Medina opens a conversation about a universal theme – dealing with change – but immerses us in a specific setting that reflects her own experience as a Cuban American. With Spanish words and phrases sprinkled throughout the story and wonderful descriptions of foods, celebrations, and rituals familiar to this community, we see common problems from a new perspective, one that is infused with Florida heat and Cuban spice. Merci advances a grade with each book in the trilogy and learns to navigate the whole range of middle school challenges, from cliques to crushes, while adjusting to changes at home, too, as her brother goes to college and her grandfather’s health declines.  

The image shows two girls facing each other, nose to nose, in front of a moving truck with boxes inside, with the book title written on the side of the truck. Fall leaves and an apartment building are in the background.

Not into middle school drama? Medina portrays strong Latina girls in tough situations with honesty, humor, and heart for other age groups as well.  In the sweet picture book Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away, her young heroine faces the loss of her best friend and neighbor, but the bond of friendship proves more powerful than distance.  In the award-winning YA novel Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, Medina takes on high school bullying as experienced by Piddy Sanchez, a girl stressed by school and family issues.   

The book cover depicts the book's title on a locked, blue school locker.

Pick any of Medina’s books and you come away with a lot to talk about. The characters are real and their struggles and relationships are totally relatable. It’s everyday family life. At the same time, reading these stories told through a rich, cultural lens broadened my own experience and showed me something new in the everyday.    

“!Cuéntame!” Let’s have a conversation! Isn’t that what the Freedom to Read is all about?  

Merci Suarez Changes Gears is available in print, as an audiobook on CD, as a digital audiobook, and in e-book format.

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away is available in print in English and Spanish and in e-book and e-audiobook formats, as well as in an animated adaptation on DVD.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass is available in print.

Jean B. is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch who loves reading books for all ages when she isn’t enjoying the outdoors.

The Statue of Liberty reading her book, with text: Freadom, Celebrate the right to read.

National Library Week: Right to Read Day

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Ready, set, library! It’s National Library Week, and we encourage everyone to explore all the library has to offer. 

Libraries give us a green light to experience something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and pursue our passions through book clubs, classes for children, activities for teens, author events, and more. At Howard County Library System, we also offer art, tools, a makerspace, and a wealth of online resources. 

No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, raising a family, or settling into retirement—we have the resources and support you need and an inclusive and supportive community where you will feel welcome. 

That includes making sure our collection has something for everyone. We have seen a national movement to censor library materials according to the standards of only a section of a community, and penalize or even criminalize the work of library staff. While the overwhelming majority of the public oppose censorship, organizations are working across the country and in Maryland to censor and ban books. That is why we are thrilled that the Freedom to Read Act passed the Maryland General Assembly and is now on its way to Governor Moore for his signature. This legislation reaffirms the constitutional principle that library materials, services, and resources exist and should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all persons.  

Maryland’s libraries have long been recognized as national leaders in developing successful, high-quality services and collections. The Freedom to Read Act provides a framework for how a library should serve, protects the unique quality of each library and its staff, and recognizes the professionalism of library staff. We thank our Howard County delegation for their support of this critical piece of legislation. 

So, no matter who you are, what you want to read, or what you want to do, get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with others this National Library Week. We are there for you and with you, all the way to the finish line. 

Community Building with Mah Jongg

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Mah Jongg Meet Up at HCLS Miller Branch.

By Stacey F.

“We held our own with the experts!”
A favorite quote from two proud Mah Johngg Meet Up players

Note: This post refers to the American version of Mah Jongg. I have only a nodding acquaintance with Asian Mah Jongg, but I hope to learn how to play that version, too.

The community is the heart of the library – particularly since returning from the pandemic. In February 2024, we mark the second anniversary of one such community building activity: Mah Jongg Meet Up.

Growing up, my grandmother loved playing Mah Jongg with “the girls.” They would play, chat, and eat Entenmann’s snacks. While she would never let my sister or me be around when they played, she would show us her tiles and explain how to play the game. I was fascinated. When she passed away, I asked for her Mah Jongg set. I eventually joined a local group and playing regularly made me want to find (or create) a bigger community.

A group of Mah Jongg Meet Up participants stands near two tables set up with mah jongg games at a Mah Jongg Meet Up at Miller Branch.

Inspired by a friend who taught a Mah Jongg class at Carroll County Public Library, I started planning to offer something similar before the pandemic. I did not give up hope! In December 2021, I was able to host my first Mah Jongg 101 class. The response was exciting, and we held our first Mah Jongg Meet Up in February 2022. 

Then, I got a phone call from someone from Howard Community College (HCC) asking if we could meet more often. HCC offers an American Mah Jongg class, and the HCC instructors volunteered to assist with more regular playing sessions at the library. A partnership was born, and we now offer (with my colleague Julie) meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. 

I love how Meet Ups foster community within the library. Some people come by themselves, and others bring friends. What makes me kvell* is when strangers become friends and form new Mah Jongg groups. One group of friends attended an early set of Mah Jongg 101 classes then came to the monthly Meet Ups to practice. When I saw them at the library over the summer, they told me how much they love the game and meet weekly to play, then go out to lunch afterwards.

Recently, I posted about Mah Jongg 101 on Facebook and received a message from a friend from junior high. She joined with a group of friends, who enjoyed the class. They now come to Meet Ups, as well as meet on their own. They laughingly told me how they played with all of my handouts in front of them, trying to figure out what’s going on. 

Attendance and interest in Mah Jongg continues to grow. Our email reminder list includes more than 120 participants, and we routinely fill six tables. New people pop in and regulars help teach newcomers. I am truly verklempt**  about this community I helped build at the library.

*kvell – [Yiddish] to feel happy or proud  
**verklempt – [Yiddish] overcome with emotion; unable to speak

Want to learn how to play American Mah Jongg? We have an upcoming class in April. Register once for both sessions.

Want to join us for a Mah Jongg Meet Up?  We meet on the second & fourth Tuesday of the month.  Check the calendar. No registration is required.

And, of course, we’ve got books on Mah Jongg, too!   

Learn about the history of Mah Jongg with Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of American Culture  by Annelise Heinz.

Want to learn to play? This is my favorite book for new players: American Mah Jongg for Everyone: The Complete Beginner’s Guide by Gregg Swain & Toby Salk.

Stacey F. is the Children’s Instruction & Research Supervisor at the Miller Branch.  She has been at HCLS since 2004 (this time) and has been playing Mah Jongg on and off since 1995, which is why she chose Mahjchick as her Girl Scout camp name. If you would like to know more about Mah Jongg, feel free to reach out: stacey.freedman@hclibrary.org 

Red ekg heartbeat line includes a heart.

Setting New Year’s Goals

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Red ekg heartbeat line includes a heart

by Brandon B.

Are you ready to make 2024 your best year? The new year can bring a level of optimism, excitement, and stress to some. Setting unrealistic New Year’s resolutions can be exhausting, so keep your expectations realistic. No matter if you are looking to improve your mental, spiritual, and physical health, you can visit us in person or online. To accomplish your goals for 2024, you have to adopt a clear mindset, so you can achieve the right philosophies and produce the right results.

Disruptive Thinking by Bishop T.D. Jakes offers guidance in having a strategy, spiritual guidance, and plan for the new year. If you are interested in improving your leadership and interpersonal skills, consider author John C. Maxwell to help you improve these talents.

Are you ready to burn off a few extra holiday pounds from all of those delicious meals and desserts? You can find great suggestions in our health collection, which focuses on fitness, nutrition, and many forms of exercise such as weight lifting, cycling, walking, and running. The late great Suzanne Somers’ books and videos may inspire you to get your body into great shape. Nutrition plays a major role in weight loss and management. Author Dr. Ian Smith focuses on nutrition and meal plans, and offers advice for an individual to burn fat and make lifestyle changes.

Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.

A small children bundled up in a coat and hat looks at a homeless person wrapped seated and wrapped in a blanket.

The Old Man by Sarah V. & Claude K. Dubois

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A small children bundled up in a coat and hat looks at a homeless person wrapped seated and wrapped in a blanket.

by Brittany M.

I was halfway through The Old Man when the first tear fell. I cried a few more before the end. This sweet children’s picture book by Sarah V. & Claude K. Dubois teaches awareness, kindness, and compassion for the homeless – all things our world needs more of (me included). 

The cover art and title caught my eye while I was shelving books in the children’s section of the library. Even though I don’t have kids yet, I’m always on the lookout for books to share with them in the future, so I borrowed it. The story is simple but powerful, as the words, actions, and attitude of the characters who interact with the “The Old Man” act as a mirror for society, reflecting the stereotypes and prejudices a lot of us hold against the homeless. It resonates because I bet you have already come across someone who reminds you of “The Old Man” at least once. 

A lot of feelings stirred within me while reading this book. Shame regarding the indifference I sometimes display towards homelessness due to feeling awkward and guilty. I feel awkward making eye contact when I see someone holding a sign asking for money, and I feel guilty for having more and not remembering to keep spare change or bills. I want my kids to be better than me by always being ready to give to someone in need and to feel comfortable when doing it. While doing some self-reflection, I researched ways to help the homeless beyond money exchanging hands. 

One good idea I learned from a friend is to have a bag of essentials ready to give. You can make them for a low cost by shopping for items at the Dollar Tree or Five Below, including gloves, socks, non-perishable food items, toothpaste, toothbrush, wipes, deodorant, and even a blanket. If you want to add something extra, consider grocery store or coffee shop gift cards. You never know when was the last time someone had a hot meal to eat or a warm beverage to drink. 

Before the year is over, I invite you to do something good-hearted for those less fortunate. Maybe it’s someone you see regularly on your commute or maybe it’s a random act of kindness. No matter who you choose to give to or how you choose to give, make sure it’s without prejudice or judgment. 

Borrow a copy of The Old Man from any HCLS branch.

Brittany is a Customer Service Specialist at the Miller Branch who loves writing, reading, and all things stationery. Her other hobbies include playing video games, listening to music and spending quality time with her family.

A woman and her small white dog sit atop a VW camper/bus, with a lake behind them.

2023 is in the books!

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Thank you! 2023 was Chapter Chats’ best year yet, with more than 25,000 views – not exactly Taylor Swift numbers, but we have still plenty of anti-heroes for you to root for (Booth by Karen Joy Fowler, for one).

We shared a wide variety of reviews and library news with you, including an entire week for National Library Week in April. The blog spent the year promoting all the library has to offer.

Booker owl in a hot air balloon, which is striped white and green with the Hi circle in blue.

Here are some of the most-viewed posts of the year for classes and events:

And here were the most-viewed book reviews:

A Black woman with natural hair holds her arms apart in front her her with red glowing around the top and a blue around the bottom, against a dark background.

Maybe you missed these recommendations:

And still, the most viewed post since Chapter Chats began in 2020: How to Bypass the News Paywall with Your Library Card.

We hope you’ll stick with us as we head into 2024! Happy New Year!

A blue gloved hand holds a small knitted heart in bright red.

The Giving Season

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A blue gloved hand holds a small knitted heart in bright red.

As the holiday season continues, here are ways you can give back to the library that gives all year to our community. Whether you are in a position to give time or money, and sometimes both, consider contributing to Howard County Library System:

If you have time to volunteer at your local branch, we need great volunteers for our shelf maintenance, makerspaces, literacy and ESL projects, and technology help. The first step is to complete our online volunteer application. After your application is reviewed, someone from your local branch will connect with you to review the volunteer opportunities that match your availability. 

Want to volunteer, but you don’t have a ton of time? Consider volunteering for one of our signature events. We can always use the extra help.

If you have a few extra dollars to give, consider purchasing one of our keepsake ornaments, available now at your local branch, for in-person purchase at $5 each. Or, you may make a monetary donation. Donations are tax deductible.

If you are blessed with a fuller wallet, consider purchasing an engraved paver to commemorate the remembrance of a family member or loved one. We have a limited number of legacy pavers featured in the Enchanted Garden at our Miller branch for you to purchase.

Another fun opportunity that supports the library’s initiatives, you can save the date for our annual gala fundraiser: A Flower-full Evening in the Stacks, happening February 24 at East Columbia Branch. Tickets go on sale January 10 for $100, and prices increase in February. Dance the night away to the music of DJ Bugatti. Get your eat and drink on with catering by Rouge and The Wine Bin & Sobar.

A light blue background is patterned with looseleaf pages. A child in a bright yellow slicker and rainboots holds a red backpack, while her teacher kneels crouches in front of her with a clipboard and a pencil in her hair.

Celebrate American Education Week

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A light blue background is patterned with looseleaf pages. A child in a bright yellow slicker and rainboots holds a red backpack, while her teacher kneels crouches in front of her with a clipboard and a pencil in her hair.

by Jean B.

A thousand hours. That’s roughly how much time children spend in school each year. But how many people, from the bus drivers, to the teachers and staff, to the cafeteria workers, and the crossing guards, touch their lives and make education possible throughout those 1,000+ hours? American Education Week, November 13-17, celebrates our nation’s commitment to free, public education for every child and recognizes the myriad individuals who bring that commitment to life with their skill, dedication, and kindness.

It takes a unified effort involving educators, students, families, and communities to deliver on the promise of high quality education. Join in!

American Education Week often includes opportunities to visit your students’ classrooms, one step in becoming engaged. Check with your neighborhood schools to find out what they have planned in 2023. The library offers another pathway of connection to public education. We’re a link in the education community, connecting students, parents, and teachers with resources they need to succeed, especially through the A+ Partnership.

Did you know that teachers can receive special borrowing privileges with an Educator card? And that every HCPSS student has a virtual HCLS account to access our books, databases, online research tools, and resources from home, 24/7? Did you know that in the hours your child’s teacher is not available for help, you can access Brainfuse live online tutors through the HCLS website for support in math, English, science, writing, and more.

Even if you don’t go through the door of a school this year during American Education Week, you can always open a window into that world with a book from the library. Inspiring stories of great learning abound: check out the picture book A Letter to My Teacher by Deborah Hopkinson; middle grade novel Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea, or adult fiction A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, or find many other options at your local branch.

Jean B. is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch who loves reading books for all ages when she isn’t enjoying the outdoors.

A painted illustration with a saluting soldier in silhouette against a sunset, with the suggestion of the American flag blending into the colors of the sky.

Veterans Creating Art

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A painted illustration with a saluting soldier in silhouette against a sunset, with the suggestion of the American flag blending into the colors of the sky.

Colors of Courage: A Guided Painting Class for Veterans (with ArtJamz)
For veterans. Register.
Looking for a unique way to express yourself and connect with fellow veterans? Consider this veteran-focused guided painting class that offers a chance to connect with other veterans in a supportive and nurturing environment. Enjoy the opportunity to socialize and bond with other veterans, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support.
Wed    Nov 8  6:30 – 8:30 pm   Elkridge

Romare Bearden: Artist, Activist, Veteran
by Emily B.

Artist Romare Bearden was born in North Carolina in 1911 and moved to Harlem a few years later as part of the Great Migration, which saw approximately 6 million African Americans leave the southern United States for industrialized areas with less hostility and prejudice. Bearden’s mother Bessye was a prominent civic activist, and their Harlem home hosted notable cultural figures like Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes. This intersection of activism and artistry would prove influential to Bearden and his life’s work, but not before a quick detour into America’s favorite pastime.

While attending college in Boston, Bearden became a baseball star. He pitched for his school’s team and the Boston Tigers, part of the all-black Negro Baseball League. He was offered a spot on Philadelphia Athletics, a Major League team, on the condition that he passed for white. Bearden rejected the offer and returned to New York, uncomfortable with hiding his identity. After graduating college, Bearden became a case worker for the New York Department of Social Services. He would continue in this line of work on and off to support his artistic passions, which he pursued most nights and weekends. He also spent a few years as a political cartoonist for the Baltimore Afro-American, a weekly newspaper (available at hclibrary.org > research).

During this time he joined the Harlem Artists Guild, a collective of Black artists that aimed to encourage young artists and foster an appreciation for art, while creating awareness of the issues faced by the community. Most of Bearden’s art during this period consisted of abstract paintings.
Between 1942 and 1945 Bearden was in Europe, serving in the all-Black 372nd Infantry Regiment of the US Army. Bearden returned to Europe in 1950, utilizing the GI Bill to study literature and philosophy and tour museums.

After returning from his studies Europe, painting felt stale to Bearden. He found inspiration in the Civil Rights Movement and mass media. He began creating collages, utilizing magazine clippings to create socially-conscious works of art. This artistic shift was well received, with his collages becoming his most iconic works. Prior to his death in 1988, Bearden created approximately 2,000 works of art across many mediums. While he is most remembered for his collages, his impact extends far beyond the art world.

Framed reproductions of his works “Carolina Blues” and “Jamming at the Savoy” are available to borrow from the Art Education Collection.

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. She enjoys puzzling, reading, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor.