Teaching Black History Conference 2025: A Full-Circle Moment of Black Joy and Mentorship

Buffalo was a long drive from Philly but the journey was more than worth it. Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Teaching Black History Conference at the University at Buffalo, led by Center Director and Conference Leader Dr. LaGarrett J. King, PhD.

This year’s theme, Black Boy Joy, Black Girl Magic: The History of Black Childhoods, was as vibrant and meaningful as it sounds. It brought together educators, historians, and advocates from across the country to explore the joy, resilience, and brilliance of Black childhoods throughout history.

It was an inspiring and empowering experience. I left feeling renewed, challenged, and honored to be part of such an essential conversation one that celebrates the beauty and power of Black identity from the earliest years of life.

A Full-Circle Moment

One of the most unexpected and joyful moments of the conference came when I ran into Karim Brown, a former library patron I hadn’t seen in over 15 years. As a young student, Karim often visited the Overbrook Park Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, where I worked at the time. He reminded me of something I had completely forgotten or perhaps never realized: how I encouraged him to put down the computer games and dive into the world of books.

What I saw as a small, everyday act something all youth librarians do left a lasting impression on him.

Fast forward to today, and Karim is now a school teacher at Belmont Charter High School. Not only that he was also a panel speaker at the very same conference we were attending! Seeing him stand in his power, sharing insights as an educator, was a deeply emotional and affirming experience. It reminded me that the seeds we plant-especially in childhood can blossom in ways we may never see… until we do.

      Karim Brown and Marvin DeBose aka Mr. Philly Librarian

The Power of Black Joy Across Generations

Moments like this reinforce the importance of mentorship, community, and the enduring legacy of Black joy. They are a reminder that the work we do whether in classrooms, libraries, or recreation centers-matters. Deeply.

I’m grateful to have attended the Teaching Black History Conference and to have witnessed firsthand the generational impact of care, encouragement, and shared stories.

As we continue the work of teaching Black history and affirming Black futures, I carry this moment with me as a reminder of what’s possible. 

-Mr. Philly Librarian

 

Twelve Years A Slave - The Solomon Northup Story

"12 Years A Slave' Wins Best Picture Drama At 2014 Golden Globe Awards"

"12 Years a Slave" Named Best picture at 2014 Oscars

Twelve Years a Slave — originally published in 1853 — is a breathtaking and powerful story about the life of Solomon Northup, a free Black man from New York who was kidnapped after being lured to Washington, D.C., and sold into slavery for nearly 12 years between 1841 and 1853.

Northup, from upstate New York, was a highly skilled carpenter and an accomplished fiddle player. While in New York, two circus promoters offered him a high-paying job they said would only take a few days to complete. Without telling his wife, Northup traveled with these men, only to be drugged, beaten, and locked in a cell. When he argued that he was a free man, he was severely beaten and warned never to mention his free life in New York unless he wanted to be killed.

Soon after, Northup was taken by ship to New Orleans, where he and many others were forced to endure harsh conditions, including the deadly disease smallpox. Throughout his years as a slave, Northup worked on several plantations under cruel and abusive owners. Yet, he was also tormented by the fact that he couldn’t reveal his true identity as a free man—not even to fellow slaves—out of fear for his life.

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Does Knowing Our History Help Prevent This From Happening Again?

Reading Twelve Years a Slave made me reflect deeply on how important it is to remember our history. Solomon Northup’s story reveals the terrible pain and injustice caused by slavery—a history we must never forget.

But does knowing this history really help stop such horrors from happening again?

I believe it does. Remembering the struggles and cruelty people faced teaches us why freedom and equality are so important. It reminds us to stand up against injustice whenever and wherever we see it and to work toward a world where no one is treated unfairly because of who they are.

Learning about the past isn’t just about facts or dates—it’s about understanding the human cost of hatred and cruelty. It helps us become more aware, compassionate, and determined to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.

So yes, knowing our history is one of the best ways to protect the future.

Great story—this is a must-read!

Mr. Philly Librarian

 Northup, Solomon. (2013)  Twelve Years a Slave. Paperback | CreateSpace Independent Publishing | ISBN -13:978-1492137049 | $4.77 | 154 Page