A woman wearing a green cardigan helps a child make a bracelet using beads the colors of the Pan-African flag — black, red, green and yellow.
Brandie Johnson helps 7-year-old Catalya make a bracelet with the colors of the Pan-African flag at the Black History Celebration Feb. 1. Mansfield NAACP hosted the bracelet-making booth at the downtown main library.

MANSFIELD — The Black History Month Celebration Saturday featured interactive crafts and cultural celebrations from musicians, poets and dancers.

The Mansfield-Richland County Public Library hosted Mansfield Senior cosmetology students for braiding demonstrations, bracelet-making with Mansfield NAACP, henna tattoos from Enchanted Luna Henna Studio, the Library of Things and Black history trivia.

The Mansfield Singers chorus kicked off the entertainment Saturday with a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the Star-Spangled Banner. Josiah Kumai Sanders performed his poems and hip-hop artist VaunDoom took the stage with original music.

The Jesus Jewels praise dancers from Shiloh Baptist Church and poet Brandie Johnson also shared their talents. CONNE closed the show with keyboardist Alice Bond. Glynis Haney provided a catered lunch.

Community partners from the Alzheimer’s Association, First Call 211, the North End Community Improvement Collaborative, the Mansfield NAACP, Richland County Children’s Services, Richland Public Health, The Ohio State University – Mansfield and Third Street Family Health Services also supported the event.

Click on any photo from the gallery below to see the image in full-screen and for download options.

A woman wearing a green cardigan helps a child make a bracelet using beads the colors of the Pan-African flag — black, red, green and yellow.

Ball State journalism alumna. Passionate about sharing stories, making good coffee and finding new music. You can reach me at grace@richlandsource.com.