Dear Colleagues,

As we embark upon Black History Month, we invite you to join us in an inspiring celebration of African Americans and Creativity. This theme pays tribute to the boundless imagination, innovation, and artistic expressions that have shaped and enriched our world. From the vibrant canvases of African American painters to the transformative melodies of musicians, from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to powerful literary works, the creativity of Black Americans has been a beacon of inspiration, resilience, and change.  

Harvard Library will celebrate Black History Month on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Widener Library West Stacks Reading Room. This event is open to all as it builds an inclusive community for all. Light refreshments will be served.

We are pleased to welcome Keli Nicole Price, Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, as our guest performer (bio below). Professor Price is a Grammy award-winning songwriter, vocalist, and educator. She will be joined by a group of her students for an experiential class session at Harvard Library.

Keli Nicole Price Biography

Keli Nicole Price is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, vocalist, and educator from Virginia, currently based in Los Angeles. She is best known for co-writing Beyoncé’s chart-topping single “Deja Vu,” which earned her three Grammy nominations, and a Grammy win for Best Contemporary R&B Album. Keli has written and arranged for iconic artists such as Tamia (“Can’t Get Enough”), Missy Elliott, Timberland, Nipsey Hussle, Solange Knowles, PJ Morton, and Will Smith, among many others.

Keli’s professional career began at the age of 17 when she toured with Missy Elliott, Timberland, and Aaliyah during her first semester at Elizabeth City State University. As a lead, backing, and studio vocalist, she collaborated with Elektra Records, Warner Music Group, and Sony Records before transitioning into songwriting. Her debut credits include the Why Do Fools Fall in Love movie soundtrack. Over the years, Keli has expanded her career as a songwriter, arranger, and vocal producer, contributing to the success of numerous artists and albums.

Currently, she is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and teaches courses in Contemporary R&B, Lyrics, and Toplining. This fall, she is launching an innovative course titled Songs of Beyoncé, further cementing her reputation as a forward-thinking educator who inspires the next generation of artists and songwriters.

Throughout this month, let us gather to honor these incredible contributions, explore their profound impact across cultures and generations, and ignite our own creative sparks. Together, let us celebrate the legacy and future of African American creativity, embracing the beauty of diversity and the power of unified expression. Join us in this joyful and enlightening journey, as we uplift and inspire one another.

Jerome Offord, Jr.
Associate University Librarian & Chief Diversity Officer for Harvard Library