The Great Falls Public Library is hosting a celebration of Great Falls’ African American community from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Cordingley Room in the basement.

The free and open to the public program features African American culture, history and cuisine.

The event is co-sponsored by the Alma Smith Jacobs Foundation, a non-profit promoting education, the Alexander Worship Temple and the Great Falls Public Library.

Black history events set for February in Great Falls [2025]

Kathy Reed, of the Alma Smith Jacobs Foundation, will serve as event emcee again this event.

The program includes the Alexander Temple Praise Team, a historical lesson from Ken Robison titled “When the ‘Dean of African American Composers’ Created Music for Great Falls High School,” and dancing with the Little Saints Hip Hop group.

Library board votes not to rename library [2021]

Bishop Marcus Collins is the keynote speaker.

Shannon Newth will be providing clips of the documentary Fiesty Women, featuring the story of Alma Smith Jacobs.

Jacobs served as head librarian at the Great Falls Public Library and the state librarian, both historic firsts for a Black woman during her time.

A sampling of “soul food” will be provided by the Alexander Temple and Antonio Hicks will perform on the piano during dinner.