There are plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month in our region, but the one event that is a thrill to attend for so many reasons is downtown Grand Rapids Public Library’s
Taste of Soul Sunday.
At this annual event, you will have a chance to participate in hands-on activities and watch live performances related to Grand Rapids’ African American heritage and culture. Also, as the name implies. there will be plenty of good eats from local restaurants (Daddy Pete's BBQ, Big Ed's BBQ, Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant, Malamiah Juice Bar) to sample at this day-long activity.
Musical performances will include Glenda Williams, Sound Proof, Kathy Lamar, and Young Men 4 Christ.
There are a series of lectures, too, ranging from Dr. Benjamin Wilson on the lives of “ordinary Black Folks” who lived in West Michigan between 1919 and1950 to David L. Head’s story of Granville T. Woods, the first African American mechanical and electrical engineer.
In addition to activities for kids, like how to make an African tribal mask, there will be an educational workshop on how to create those elegant head wraps led by Master Wrapper Zarinah El-Amin Maeen.
Taste of Soul Sunday is free to the public and sponsored by the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation, with additional support from Downtown Grand Rapids Incorporated and Meijer.
For more information, call 616-988-5400 or visit the library's
website for the entire schedule.