Mayor Vi Lyles | City of Charlotte website
Mayor Vi Lyles | City of Charlotte website
Rodney Freeman, the Digital Production Librarian and Archivist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is on a mission to shed light on the untold stories of Black librarians through his upcoming documentary, "Are You a Librarian: The Untold Story of Black Librarians." Freeman's inspiration for the project stemmed from a realization at the American Library Association Annual Conference that the history of Black librarianship had not been properly documented.
Freeman's journey into librarianship was not a straightforward one. Initially not considering a career in libraries, a job opportunity at the Kankakee Public Library in Illinois set him on a path that eventually led to him becoming a noted librarian and archivist. Despite facing challenges and doubts due to his race throughout his career, Freeman's passion for promoting diversity and inclusion in libraries has never wavered.
His colleague, Adreonna Bennett, a Community Engagement Librarian/Archivist, joined Freeman in bringing the documentary to life. Together, they conducted pre-interviews and carefully planned the content of the film, highlighting the voices and experiences of Black librarians in America.
The documentary, set to premiere at the 2025 ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, is still in the works, with the team actively crowdfunding to support its completion. Interested individuals can visit the Are You a Librarian page on Reminisce Preservation's website for more information, including a promotional video and behind-the-scenes photos. Additionally, the Are You a Librarian Podcast offers further insights into the project.
Freeman's dedication to preserving marginalized histories extends beyond the documentary, as evidenced by his company, Reminisce Preservation, which provides resources on underrepresented narratives to various institutions and individuals.
As National Library Workers Day approaches, Freeman's story serves as a reminder of the impactful work done by librarians in Charlotte and beyond. While highlighting Freeman's achievements, it is essential to recognize the contributions of all library workers who play a crucial role in serving their communities.
Readers are encouraged to engage with the upcoming documentary and show support for the untold history of Black librarians as it unfolds.
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