Underwriting support from:
/Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Library
/Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Library
The ninth annual Taste of Soul Sunday will be held on Sunday, February 16 at the Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to celebrate African-American history. Attendees will sample African-American art, music, history and food. Afrocentric poetry will also be performed at the library, and anyone who would like to share their own poetry can register here (must be subject appropriate and family-friendly). This event is free and open to the public. Parking is free in the library lot or on GRCC’s parking ramp north of the library.
Itinerary for the day:
• 1 - 4 p.m. : Kid’s Crafts (will go on while supplies last) in the Children Area on level two.
• 1:30 p.m. : VIP (Very Important Praise). Teens and young adults sing praises to God in the Ryerson Auditorium on level three.
• 1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. : A Foot in Each World. Rochelle Riley, an award-winning newspaper columnist and supporter of improving race relations between people, speaks about her column and how to celebrate differences without segregating ourselves. Quiet Study Room on the lower level.
• 1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. : History Detective Underground Railroad Scavenger Hunt. Young people will learn about the use of quilts and codes during the Underground Railroad, and teens can participate on an interactive scavenger hunt. Storytime Room, level two.
• 1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. : Afrocentric Poetry hosted by Azizi Jasper and Ebony Davis. You can enjoy poetry as well as share family-friendly poetry pieces. Youth Computer Training Center, level two.
• 1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. : And the Church Said Amen: African American Religious Research. Tim Pinnick, a national genealogy instructor, author and family historian, will share resources that you can use to uncover lost records and help with researching your ancestors. Vander Veen Center for the Book, level four.
• 2:15 p.m. & 3:45 p.m. - What’s your History Worth: Appraisals of Family Collectibles. George Bayard III, an expert in 20th century African and African-American art, will present his interpretation on black history and why certain items need to be collected and preserved. Adult Computer Training Center, lower level.
• 2:30 p.m. : Karisa Wilson, an Indie folk musician, will perform pieces from her debut album Little Girl. Ryerson Auditorium, level three.
• 3:30 p.m. : Imani Singers of Grand Rapids. Explore the culture of spirituals, gospel and social justice music. Ryerson Auditorium, level three.
Free food samples will be provided by Duthler’s Family Food, Sandmann’s and Southern Fish Fry.
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