Genesee District Library’s Black History Month brunch to feature keynote speaker Nikki Giovanni

FLINT, Michigan — The Genesee District Library (GDL) is gearing up for its 22nd Annual Black History Month Brunch which takes place on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Genesys Conference & Banquet Center in Grand Blanc.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the event will be hosted by ABC12 Anchor Matt Franklin and include performances by the Kuungana African Drum and Dance Company and vocalist Gwen Pennyman-Hemphill. This year’s brunch also features world-renowned poet, author, and activist Nikki Giovanni as a keynote speaker.

Another highlight is GDL’s award ceremony which honors people who are making positive changes in their community. This year’s honorees include Norm Bryant, founder of the Greater Flint African American Sports Hall of Fame, Dr. Shane Jackson, Flint Police Sgt. Tanya Meeks, and the Flint Odyssey House, led by Mr. Ronald S. Brown.

Sponsors for the Black History Month Brunch include: WJRT ABC12, Brown & Brown Insurance, Delta Sigma Theta, Dort Financial Credit Union, Flint Institute of Music, Flint Public Library, Frontline Nurses, Genesee District Library Foundation, Genesee Health System, Greater Flint African American Sports Hall of Fame, Hamilton Community Health Network, Kettering University, Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation, Mott Community College, Herbert and Carolyn Nash, Ruth Mott Foundation, Simen, Figura & Parker, Superior Furs & Leather, United Way of Genesee County, and Voices for Children Advocacy Center. 

A portion of proceeds from the event will go towards the Genesee District Library’s Summer Reading Challenge for kids, teens, and adults.

Tickets are still available at $35 each and can be purchased at the William F. Delaney Headquarters Library, 4195 W. Pasadena Avenue, during regular hours, or online at thegdl.org.