We first introduced Farhan, our paid summer intern, last July 2021. At the time, he was one of many teens across the country taking part in the Public Library Association’s Inclusive Internship Initiative. He came to PPL to begin his internship with an idea: to develop a connected learning project, one that weaved together his love of libraries while reinforcing and strengthening inclusion and representation in this space. His vision also included giving back to his community.
With the encouragement of Teen Librarian, Kelley Blue, Farhan worked with community members to create individual flags.
Out of this clear vision the WELCOME banner was born – a colorful banner featuring a collection of over 200 hand-designed and colored flags from around the world, including flags from the principal nations of the Wabanaki Confederacy as well as the original state flag of Maine.
We recently sat down with Farhan to talk about this project and how the creative process shaped the final piece. Here’s what we learned:
A TRUE COMMUNITY EFFORT: In addition to the 30 individual flags Farhan created himself, he also invited community to be part of the process. With support from the Downtown Library’s Teen Library staff, Farhan worked with several neighborhood locations including PPL’s Riverton Branch and the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine to add flags. Additionally, the flag project attended two community block parties organized by the Portland Youth Network.
CREATIVITY CONNECTS: Despite the occasional challenge of keeping both adults and kids focused (candy helped as an incentive!) on the creative task of honoring the details of each flag’s unique colors and symbols, the process brought people of all ages and backgrounds together.
EACH FLAG HAS A STORY: Over colored pencils and candy wrappers, artists young and old reflected on their countries and cities – sharing stories about their homes, cultures, and loved ones living locally and abroad.
“I already knew a lot about geography so when people would tell me where they were from I would recognize their country. Through this project and these conversations, I gained even more knowledge. I also discovered there are lot of people from Western Africa in Portland.” – Farhan
The finished flag hangs in the Teen Library located at the Downtown Location.
A CITY OF HOPE: Farhan is optimistic, noting that both the City of Portland and Portland Public Library does an excellent job of welcoming people. Reflecting on his personal experiences and conversations, he is quick to share that his friendships at school, and within his community and the Teen Library have been positive. He has always felt comfortable and included.
Today, Farhan’s dynamic banner, which spans 10-ft wide, hangs for all to enjoy in the Teen Library. When Farhan looks up at this work, he feels proud and admittedly, a bit in awe that dozens of disconnected, loose index cards have come together to symbolize unity and representation. His hope is that visitors will look up and see the flag of their homeland as a symbol that while our respective colors and symbols are distinctive, we are all part of this dynamic city, part of this this dynamic public space – and we are all welcome. “Farhan’s goal with this project was for every person who walks into the Teen Library to feel like they belong here and are welcome. His vision perfectly aligns with the values of all public libraries, and his mural is a true achievement. Whether Farhan chooses a career in libraries or any other field, he will make an impact on his community.” – Kelley Blue, Teen Librarian
Farhan’s best advice to other students or interns embarking on their own internship journey is to simply “have fun and be yourself.” Great advice, Farhan!
Last month, the world lost one of its most beloved inspirations and artists. Ashley Bryan passed away on February 4 in Texas where he had been living with family during COVID.
For over 30 years, Ashley created his art full-time in Maine. Inspired by his beautiful natural surroundings, Ashley created paper collages and cut linoleum block prints, built hand puppets, and even crafted a series of stained-glass windows using sea glass he found on the beach which he gifted to his island community church. And of course, he illustrated more than 70 books, bringing his stories to life with vibrant colors and imagery. At age 81 he published “Beautiful Blackbird,” a story celebrating community and individuality.
To those who knew Ashley, his energy and creativity was a joy. One of those people lucky enough to be part of Ashley’s dynamic world was Mary Peverada, Portland Public Library’s Youth Services Director. She recently reflected on her time spent with Ashley in this lovely tribute:
“I feel that I need to reflect on the amazing life of Ashley Bryan. He was truly the kindest, most joyful, sweetest, generous person that I ever met. I was privileged to call him a friend. Many of my interactions with Ashley were at storytelling events – and it was an honor to share the stage with him.
Ashley’s sun-soaked studio in Maine was filled with his art, toys, puppets, and more.
Ashley appeared at one of the earliest Lysla Abbott Storytelling Festivals at Portland Public Library. He appeared with Anne Pellowski (another powerhouse teller). Both of them shared their cultures with the audience through story – and the audience loved them! Ashley had everyone – child to adult – reciting poetry and folktales and singing spirituals with spirit, joy and decibels. At his appearances – as author, storyteller, poet and artist, no matter which hat he was wearing, he was a pure delight.
We met up at many library conferences from New Orleans to Chicago to San Francisco and always enjoyed a few moments to chat. I also have some treasured correspondence from Ashley. But my highlight was visiting Ashley at his home on Islesford. It was an amazing day! He gave us a tour of the island, made chowder for our lunch, gave us homemade jam – and shared his delightful home. His shelves were covered with sea glass, puppets, and toys from around the world. His sun-soaked studio was filled with wondrous art as seen in his beautiful books – and puppet creations were coming to life. It was a truly magical day.
Ashley and Mary in Ashley’s Cranberry Island art studio, 1984.
People pass in and out of our lives – and they are all special. However, there is a small number of folks who turn the world on its ear and bring beauty and joy. Ashley was a national treasure. He inspired us all. May we never forget him.
Rest in peace dear friend.”
Mary Peverada
Youth Services Director
Portland Public Library
The Cat’s Purr, an original drawing by Ashley Bryan hangs in the Children’s Room at the Downtown Library, Portland, Maine.
The cover and one inside page of the 1973 Miss Black Teenage Pageant of Maine that was held in Portland. The pageant was the second held in Maine, following one in 1971, and was sponsored by the Maine Association for Black Progress. Karlene Carter, 16, of Bangor was the winner. The other contestants, pictured on an inside page of the program, were Joni Clark, 15, Hermon; Karen Cummings, 13, Portland; Belinda Dashiell, 16, Auburn; Diana Johnson, 16, Brunswick; Judith Searcy, 15, Gorham; Joyce Young, 16, Portland; and Kathy Young, 15, Portland. From Maine Memory Network
PPL strives to celebrate the history of Black Americans throughout the year. In that spirit of celebration, we have compiled an incomplete list of local and regional events. These events are not affiliated with Portland Public Library. If you have an event that is not listed, please email Raminta Moore, Arts & Culture Librarian Moore@portlib.org
FREE
“She Took Justice: The Black Woman, Law, and Power” with Gloria J. Browne-Marshall
Join law professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall for a virtual lecture “She Took Justice: The Black Woman, Law, and Power.” She Took Justice explores the Black woman’s miraculous journey from Africa to political power brokers in American politics. Learn about the famous, infamous, and forgotten women in history from 1619 to 1969.
Friday, February 18, 2022 • 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm ONLINE
John E. Gaskill, Portland, ca. 1925 Gaskill was admitted to the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. The Gaskills lived at 24 Montreal St. in Portland. Maine Memory Network photo
Black History Month: How to be a Good Ally
We will talk about the history of Black History Month, modern day relevancy, whitewashing, Black queer media, and how to be a good ally.
Sat, Feb 19, 2022, 9:00 PM ONLINE
An Afro-Caribbean in the Nazi Era: Oral History and the Black Family
How did an Afro-Caribbean civilian merchant sailor become a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II? What did he witness? How did he survive to tell about it? This presentation answers these questions through the story of Lionel Romney, the presenter’s father, who revealed his wartime experiences in an oral history.
Sat, 19 February 2022 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM ONLINE
Abdi Iftin – Diversifying the Maine Outdoors
Our state of Maine is rich with nature, including gorgeous beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers and hiking and skiing spots. Many Mainers enjoy these activities, but many – including new Mainers, minority groups and disadvantaged communities – lack access to the Maine outdoors. This is due to economic challenges and, in many cases, the lack of information about the ways to access these opportunities. Abdi’s talk will focus on at least three ways we can help create inclusive outdoor activities.
Fri, February 25, 2022 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST AT L.L. Bean 95 Main Street, Freeport
Natasha Marin – Curator of Black Imagination
Poet and Conceptual Artist, Natasha Marin in conversation with the Colby community at Greene Block + Studios. Through the spring semester, Marin is working with a cohort of students to collaboratively create an exhibition engaging questions that shape her book, Black Imagination. Natasha will engage with the Colby community during this initial visit, while continuing to work with students to premiere their exhibition in April 2022.
Wed, February 23, 2022 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Greene Block + Studios 18 Main Street, Waterville
Black History Month Wellness Fair
Cross Cultural Community Services, in partnership with the Community Wellness Fair Planning Committee, is proud to present the second annual The Black History Month Community Wellness Fair! This event is designed to support families as they learn more about available services and general health best practices, to help them reduce stress, to ease the navigation process through the ongoing impacts of COVID, and to determine how we can best support each other during these difficult times. This year, the fair will take place from February 28th- March 3rd, 2022. Due to the ongoing nature of the pandemic, the fair will remain entirely virtual. However, we are very excited to feature many returning special guests as well as a variety of new panels. We are looking forward to making this year’s fair the best one yet! –ONLINE Please follow the link for daily schedules of events.
It’s A Family Affair: A Personal Conversation about Black History in Maine with Bob Greene, Garrett Stewart, Pam Cummings and Krystal Williams
This panel discussion explores Black History in Maine with panelists sharing their family’s history and experience in Maine dating back to the 18th century. ACCESSIBLE ANY TIME
Mitchell Williams was the winner of the 1927 Portland to Peaks Island swim. Standing behind him is his wife, Florence Eastman Williams, born in Portland in 1892. Mitchell Williams, also a Portland native, was a graduate of Tuskegee Institute. They married in 1912. –Photo from Maine Memory Network
Nineteenth-Century Black Politics in Maine
This panel discussions highlight important new research by Van Gosse (Franklin & Marshall University) whose book, The First Reconstruction: Black Politics in America, From the Revolution to the Civil War (University of North Carolina Press, 2021), includes chapters devoted to the partisan politics of Black Mainers. Panelists Pamela Cummings (President of the Committee to Restore the Abyssinian Meeting House), Mary Freeman (University of Maine), and Bob Greene (Journalist & Independent Scholar) also share their research and insights. ACCESSIBLE ANY TIME
NOT FREE
Groundwork | A Celebration of Black History Month Gospel Concert and Event
Rooted Soul Entertainment is delighted to bring you a joyful and peace filled gathering for an evening of Gospel music, comedy, poetry, and dancing to commemorate Black history in the United States. As we acknowledge and honor our ancestral forerunners, we welcome you into a sacred celebratory space to unite us one to another.
Thursday, February 24, 2022 6:00PM Merrill Auditorium, Portland
Cotton Town: Maine’s Economic Connections to Slavery
Maine Maritime Museum and Bowdoin College’s Africana Studies Department are embarking on a new collaboration that will investigate the complexities inherent in an underrepresented aspect of Maine maritime history: the Atlantic slave trade.
Now – May 8, 2022 Fees and HourBath
George Floyd’s murder by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25, 2020 was filmed, and sparked a Black Lives Matter movement across the nation. In Portland, Floyd was memorialized with a large mural on the side of Aura Club on Center Street. Portland artists Ryan Adams, Jason McDonald and Mike Rich painted the mural during June 2020, which includes the words “Again We Rise” along with the names of Black people who have been killed by police officers over the years across the United States. From Maine Memory Network.
