The City of College Park celebrates and acknowledges the importance of Black history and culture.

To celebrate Black culture and history, the City of College Park is giving away free copies of two books that embrace Blackness and help address racism. 

One selection is a children’s book that highlights elements of Black culture, which have often been excluded or negatively portrayed in mainstream media. The other is a handbook for adults to raise consciousness of race and racism, challenge internalized negative messages, and heal from stress and trauma related to discrimination. The books are intended to spark mindful conversations, with children and adults. 

For each book, the City has included several discussion prompts for individuals and families to aid in discussion and critical thinking.  The City hopes these books will help create spaces for productive conversations.

2022 Book Choices

City residents have the choice of  receiving a copy of one or each of the books for this month's Black History Month:

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry 60 free copies for City residents

The Racial Healing Handbook by Dr. Anneliese A. Singh 50 free copies for City residents

Reserve your copy by Clicking Here.

Please note: The first shipment of books are expected to arrive by February 17, 2022; you will receive an email when your copy is available for pickup. Once you receive a confirmation email that your book(s) are available for pickup, the book(s) must be picked up at City Hall (7401 Baltimore Ave) during business hours.  Up to one copy per book per household.  City residency required. Please bring a copy of your submitted form and proof of residency.  You must pickup your book(s) by March 15, 2022. When copies run out, the form will automatically deactivate.  

Book and Discussion Prompts

Hair Love

Reading for Children

While hair is an integral part of Black culture, our society’s negative perceptions of Black hair still manage to influence anti-Black tropes and stereotypes today. 

The book and Academy Award winning animated short film, "Hair Love" by Matthew A. Cherry, were created to showcase an appreciation for black hair and the charming resilience of a dad dedicated to his daughter. Tender and empowering, "Hair Love" is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.  While the film is a beautiful portrait of a father-daughter relationship, "Hair Love" also spreads awareness about hair discrimination through messages of self-love and acceptance.

Did you know?

• The CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) 2020 is the first legislation in U.S. history to ban discrimination based on hair style and texture. The legislation also addresses the United States’ history of anti-Black racism and the shortcomings of the previous anti-discrimination legislature.

Discussion Prompts and Activities for "Hair Love":

1. Have you ever wondered why everyone's hair is so different? What are some features that can make hair look and feel different?
2. How do you feel about your own hair? What are kind things you can say to yourself about your hair? 
3. What are ways you can respect someone's hair? How can others respect your hair? 
4. How does it feel to see others with hair that looks like your own?

The Racial Healing Handbook

Reading for Adults

The term “antiracist” refers to people who are actively seeking to raise their consciousness about race and racism and challenge the racialized power inequities they witness every day. 

The "Racial Healing Handbook" is an interactive handbook for people who are new (or new-ish) to anti-racism work and want to explore their emerging understanding of systemic racism. Written by Anneliese A. Singh, PhD, LPC, Professor of Social Work and Associate Provost for Faculty Development and Diversity/Chief Diversity Officer at Tulane University, this handbook is great for those actively seeking tools to have mindful conversations around the stress and trauma associated with racial discrimination.

Discussion prompts for "The Racial Healing Handbook": 

1. Why is racial healing important to you and your family? 
2. What are the thoughts and feelings that come up for you while discussing race and racism? 
3. Is it possible to unlearn negative racial tropes and stereotypes?
4. How can you use The Racial Healing Handbook in the future to share your learning with others? 

Have questions? Email events@collegeparkmd.gov.