Celebrate Black History Month @ Eastside Library!
Celebrate African American and Black History Month at Eastside Library with a morning of storytelling, movement, and community connection for the whole family. This special event brings together local author and TEDx speaker Fleurie Leclercq, the dynamic DAANSEKOU Cultural Arts and Wellness Collective, and Umoja from SBCC to celebrate Black culture, and create a welcoming space for learning, creativity, and shared joy.
Celebrate African American & Black History Month at Eastside Library
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Eastside Library (1102 East Montecito Street)
Parking: Parking is available at Eastside Library, but is limited due to EV charger installation project. Offsite parking may also be available.
Snacks: provided through the generous support of Umoja from SBCC
Local author and TEDx speaker Fleurie Leclercq will share her inspiring journey and captivating stories that celebrate African roots and culture. Families are invited to enjoy a special story time and discussion with Fleurie, followed by a hands-on craft activity inspired by her book. Participants will create a meaningful keepsake reflecting the themes and characters from the story.
The celebration continues with DAANSEKOU Cultural Arts and Wellness Collective, presenting Living Roots, a 30-minute interactive performance and educational workshop designed for families and youth. This engaging program explores the direct lineage between traditional West African movement and modern hip hop, demonstrating how cultural heritage continues to evolve and thrive.
Umoja from SBCC will also join us, enriching the celebration with the spirit of Black unity and community by providing snacks and helping create a warm, welcoming space for families.
Celebrate culture, storytelling, and movement with us and honor African roots and heritage in this interactive family-friendly event!
About the Partners
Fleurie Leclercq
Fleurie Leclercq was born in Cameroon and grew up with her grandmother, “Mamie Marguerite,” in the Bankole Hills of Yaounde. She proudly celebrates her African roots and credits her grandmother for teaching her resilience, self-confidence, and the importance of caring for others. Through her stories, Fleurie highlights the beauty and culture of Africa, creating heroines that children can look up to. She inspires children of African descent, and children everywhere, to embrace their origins and share their own stories.
DAANSEKOU Cultural Arts and Wellness Collective
DAANSEKOU (derived from Danse “Dance” + Sekou “Wisdom”) is a multifaceted performance company and collective based in Los Angeles. The organization’s mission is to preserve and share the beauty of traditional West African music and dance, as well as the arts of the African Diaspora, through education, performance, and fraternity.
Guided by the belief that "true healing starts with a Pure Heart and Positive Intention," DAANSEKOU works closely with youth and community organizations to promote development through movement. The collective curates safe, nurturing spaces where individuals can discover greater self-awareness and connection through the "Village" of West African culture.
Daunté “KINGTAE” Fyall
Daunté “KINGTAE” Fyall is the Founder and Artistic Director of DAANSEKOU and a Lecturer of West African Dance at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). His journey began in Washington, D.C., as a senior member of the world-renowned Kankouran West African Dance Company under the direction of Assane Konte.
Umoja
Umoja (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of Black, African American and other students. We believe that when the voices and histories of students are deliberately and intentionally recognized, the opportunity for self-efficacy emerges and a foundation is formed for academic success. Umoja actively serves and promotes student success for all students through a curriculum and pedagogy responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas.