Blacks in the Labor Force: Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies
2025-02-13 10:00 - 2025-03-30 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Blacks in the Labor Force: Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies
February 13 – March 30
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 10 – 4
Admission is free, donations appreciated
The Petaluma Historical Library & Museum is pleased to present “Blacks in the Labor Force: Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies,” a revealing new exhibition that highlights Black labor leaders past and present.
Brought to colonial America on slave ships in the 1600’s, African American slaves became a keystone of labor in the newly formed United States. The labor of Black workers has been crucial to the economic development of the United States. Yet because of racism and segregation, their contribution remains largely unknown.
Presented by Petaluma Blacks for Community Development, this exhibit will focus on the various ways that work of all kinds – free and involuntary, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and professional intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. We will honor Black labor leaders and educate the public about this vital sector of the work force.
Download and Print the Schedule of Events
EVENTS:
February 7 – Jazz Concert – DoRiaN Mode
at the Polly Klass Community Center
417 Western Avenue, Petaluma
Tickets are $50 – to purchase go to Eventbrite or you can go to www.pbcd4us.com and it will take you to Eventbrite .
Doors open at 6:30 pm, Concert starts at 7pm
Join us for an entertaining and educational evening with Dorian Mode. They will be playing music that relates to our theme and presenting valuable information about the songs and their composers. All seats in the house are special with an amazing view, drinks, and treats. Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite.
February Programming at the Museum
Tickets for all events will be available via the Museum’s website: petalumamuseum.org and Eventbrite page or at pbcd4us.com.
February 13, Opening Reception
Doors open at 6 pm
The exhibit will include information about African Americans whose work has helped to build the great country that we live in. The exhibit will open with music and a tribute to Henry Chenault. If you haven’t heard of Mr. Chenault, you want to be at the exhibit opening to hear the story of this Black man who is a part of Petaluma’s legacy. Exhibit will run through March. A donation to the museum is welcomed.
February 15, Story Time at the Museum
Story Readings at 11 am and 12:30 pm
This event is for our younger community members. All children must come with an adult. Come grab some free books and create a community quilt with the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County!
February 16, Lecture by Kim Hester Williams, PhD
Starts at 2:30 pm
Kim will talk about the impact of Black Labor on our country ‘s economy and the quality of life for workers. She is an amazing speaker, so you don’t want to miss her-be prepared to get your questions answered.
February 22, Annual Black History Program at the New Life Christian Church (1310 Clegg Street)
Program starts at 5:30 pm
Black Business owners from Sonoma County will be sharing about their work from 4:30 to 5:30
In addition to music, dance and education, this program will include information about African Americans that have helped to build this great country we live in. Come and learn of those heading up labor unions and working in all fields today.
March 26, Lecture at the Petaluma Community Center by Miriam Thaggert
Starts at 6pm
We invite you to attend a lecture by Miriam Thaggert on her book, Riding Jane Crow.African American Women on the American Railroad. This event will be held via Zoom, free and open to the public with community members present for Q& A.
Miriam Thaggert is a Professor of English at the University of Buffalo. She is the author of two books: Riding Jane Crow and Images of Black Modernism: Verbal and Visual Strategies of the Harlem Renaissance. She also co-edited two volumes: A History of the Harlem Renaissance and
African American Literature in Transition 1920-30, both published by Cambridge University Press. Her writings have appeared in many peer – reviewed journals. Her interest in train travel began at the Newberry Library in Chicago where she spent a year-long fellowship combing through the substantial Pullman Company archives held there.
Check the Petaluma Blacks for Community Development website for changes pbcd4us.com
About Petaluma Blacks for Community Development
Petaluma Blacks for Community Development exists to share Black history and culture with our community. We do this through our annual Black History program, Black History exhibit and other events that we share with our community free of charge to encourage attendance by all. pbcd4us.com
