Maryland Libraries Together to Feature Michelle Coles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tim Pratt
timothy.pratt@maryland.gov
443-695-6772
The author and attorney is set to speak at Calvert Library Prince Frederick on February 27
(January 16, 2025) — Award-winning author and Civil Rights attorney Michelle Coles is set to speak in Calvert County next month as part of a Black History Month celebration organized by Calvert Library and the collaborative Maryland Libraries Together. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on February 27 at Calvert Library Prince Frederick. It also will be live-streamed.
"Public libraries across Maryland are dedicated to providing their communities with programs and events that enrich lives and inspire curiosity," said Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller. "I’m thrilled they have worked together to bring yet another accomplished author to the state to share important stories and perspectives."
Coles wrote the award-winning young-adult book Black Was the Ink. The story features Malcolm, a Black teenager from Washington, D.C. whose mother is worried about his safety and sends him to stay with his father’s family on their farm in Mississippi. The state acquired part of the farm through eminent domain years earlier. Now, the state is threatening to seize the rest of it.
In the story, Malcolm ends up getting transported back in time to the Reconstruction Era as his ancestor Cedric, an aide to Senator Hiram Revels, who was one of the first Black members of Congress. Malcolm and readers learn about the Black heroes of the period and how to advocate in the present. The book is an entertaining, inspiring and informative read for teens and adults.
“We’re pleased to bring Ms. Coles to Maryland Libraries Together to shine light on a period of history that is too often told without celebrating Black accomplishments,” said Carrie Willson, Executive Director of Calvert Library. “She does a marvelous job of tying our history to our present and we think this is the perfect event to share statewide.”
Books will be available for sale and signing at the event. Thanks to publisher Lee & Low, Black Was the Ink will be available for checkout online with no waiting during the month of February through the Maryland Digital Library powered by Overdrive/Libby.
The event comes four months after award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor, whose work on the Marvel Black Panther comic book series garnered international acclaim, spoke during a Maryland Libraries Together event at Leonardtown High School. Programming for Maryland Libraries Together is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Maryland State Library Agency.
Learn more about the Michelle Coles event on February 27, including how to register and view the livestream, by visiting the Maryland Libraries Together information page on the Maryland State Library Agency website. Prince George’s County Memorial Library System is assisting with streaming and technical services. Seating for the in-person event is limited.
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