Celebrate Black History with In the Spirit and In The Dark In-Person
Join us for an inspiring and dynamic Black History Program at the Springdale Public Library featuring renowned scholar and author Dr. Najja Baptist, Director of African & African American Studies and Associate Professor of Arts & Sciences and Political Science. In this powerful event, Dr. Baptist will bring to life ideas from his new book, In the Spirit, In the Dark: Black Music and Political Activism, revealing how spirituals, blues, jazz, and hip-hop have fueled resistance, shaped political movements, and given voice to freedom struggles across generations. Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., audiences will experience an engaging talk filled with history, storytelling, and cultural insight, followed by a meet-and-greet reception with the author. Come celebrate Black history through sound, struggle, and spirit—this is an afternoon you won’t want to miss.