THE FUTURE OF BLACK LIBRARIANSHIP
iBlackCaucus
A virtual, program-independent student organization for Black/African American LIS graduate students
Funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Award
FALL 2025 HAPPENINGS
Get support
BCALA sponsors a virtual, national organization for Black/African American LIS grad students.
Get started
JOIN BCALA for our open dialogues or student-only discussions and study hours. Check out our schedule.
Get connected
Know an MLIS student or are you interested in a career in library and info science? Current and future LIS grad students are welcome to COMPLETE THIS FORM to become involved in iBlackCaucus.
“REAL TALK” STUDENT DISCUSSION
NAVIGATING THE MLIS JOURNEY
Take part in an LIS grad student-led discussion on navigating your MLIS program. Learn about BCALA support for student members.
Moderated by Leigh Walters, iBlackCaucus Fellow
Speakers: Aaron Wilson, Lyric Grimes, and Leah Sutherland
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
3PM EST / 12Pm PST
WEBINAR
Information for All:
A Conversation on
Truth, Strategy, and Strength
In today’s politically charged climate, access to credible information is urgent. As information professionals, we are acutely aware of the consequences: key data quietly vanishes from government websites, and those who share facts that challenge the current administration risk professional repercussions. This webinar offers a candid conversation about the realities we face and the strategies we can use to respond with strength. We’ll explore how disinformation spreads, why public trust is eroding, and how we, as stewards of information, can promote accurate information and empower our communities in the face of growing pressures.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025
2PM EST / 11AM PST
Learn More About the History of Black Librarianship
BCALA History
Coming soon!
Are you a Librarian: THe untold history of black librarians
Directed by Rodney Freeman, Are You a Librarian is a forthcoming 2026 documentary highlighting Black librarians’ overlooked history, contributions, and experiences in the U.S. It traces their impact from slavery to the present, showing how they shaped librarianship, expanded literacy access, and challenged systemic barriers. The film combines interviews, oral histories, archival materials, and research, showcasing contributions from various institutions and linking librarianship to civil rights, intellectual freedom, and community empowerment.
Black Librarian Syllabus and Reading List
Ready to learn more about the history of Black Librarianship in the US? Check out the links below!
I AM Black Caucus Events
MEET OUR IBLACKCAUCUS FELLOW
Leigh is currently pursuing an MLIS at the University of Maryland and has a strong background in historical research, education, and congressional relations. She holds a Master’s in African American Studies from Morgan State University and a Bachelor’s in History from Mercyhurst University. Leigh currently works as a Congressional Relations Specialist for Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress. In this role, she supports Congress and their staff with research inquiries while also organizing and hosting outreach webinars for congressional staffers. She has extensive experience working and volunteering in museums, including the U.S. Capitol and the President Woodrow Wilson House Museum, where she developed educational programming and led tours. Leigh draws from her extensive experience in historical research to enhance public understanding of history and government information policies.
Scholarships & Mentorship
Click the links below to find out more about each scholarship!
Courses on Black Librarianship
AACAT-1870: Intro to African American Community Archives Theory
Dr. kYmberly Keeton
Meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CST.
The African American Community Archives as Theory is a specialized course designed for lifelong learners, faculty, instructors, and community liaisons who seek to deepen their understanding of community archiving practices within the context of African American history and culture. This course introduces participants to the theoretical underpinnings of pedagogy relevant to community archiving, with a particular emphasis on the collaborative dynamics between community members and information professionals in the United States.
Join us for a dynamic 3-month learning experience featuring six live, interactive sessions designed to deepen your understanding of African American Community Archives Theory.
Online • CANVAS
ISCI 797: History of Black Librarianship
Dr. Nicole A. Cooke
Summer 2025 | May 12 – June 20
An introduction to the history of Black librarianship in the United States, and its impact on current professional achievements and practices. This class dives into the powerful legacy of Black librarians shaping knowledge and resisting erasure.
Asynchronous • Online • No prerequisites
Want Further iBlackCaucus Support?
Webinars & 'Real Talk'
Two webinars per semester featuring Black LIS professionals and students on important LIS or national issues, plus a student-only “Real Talk” session.
Wed, Oct 29, 2025 @ 3 pm EST
‘Real Talk’: Navigating the MLIS Experience
Wed, Nov 29, 2025 @ 3 pm EST
Information for All: A Conversation on Trust, Strategy, and Strength
Study Buddy Match
Sign up for “Study Buddy” to connect with peers based on availability, program, or career goals (e.g., archives, academic libraries, public libraries, school libraries, etc.).
Black LIS Group Chat
An iBC WhatsApp Community with subgroups for each MLIS program, allowing you to connect with peers within your specific program and across the country.
Joining a Local BCALA Chapter
Interested in finding/joining a local chapter? Click here!
Starting a Black LIS Student Group
Interested in creating a Black LIS student group at your campus? Click the link below to view the infographic and learn how to start your own Black LIS student organization!
iBC Digest
Fall 2025 iBC digest coming soon!
Want to stay connected with BCALA & iBlackCaucus? Follow us on our social media channels!
X: @bc_ala | IG: @bc_ala |Email:[email protected]
Contact iBlackCaucus
Phone: 917-856-8923
CELEBRATING 55 YEARS OF