From Juneteenth to Black History in WWII: How a Librarian Left Behind a Legacy of Cultural Pride in Willowbrook
This story is part of a series of stories and education resources featuring Compton and its surrounding neighborhoods and communities.
There's a place in the L.A. neighborhood of Willowbrook dedicated to the survival and preservation of Black heritage. That place is the Black Resource Center at the AC Bilbrew Library, led by educator and present-day Black visionary Rose Mitchell, a longtime librarian with the L.A. County Library. At the Center, Mitchell has supported the study of the Black experience for nearly 20 years.
Set to retire at the end of March, Mitchell has dedicated her life to educating people about the richness of Black history. She said her work gave Black community members a sense of pride and awareness of who they are.
"Growing up as an African American female, I knew who some people were, but I did not have a grasp on the local leaders and movers and shakers," she said.
This curiosity sparked her journey to becoming a prominent Black history educator.
When elementary school kids learn about people out of their history, who achieve great things, it just encourages them to learn more. And I think that's the impact I've had on younger children.
But Mitchell didn't start her career as a librarian right away. She worked as a probation officer for 12 years, which she says contributed to her desire to help others differently.
"I would rather be in an environment where people actually want to come to me … because, in probation, they only came to you because they were sent to you by a judge. And in the library environment, they came seeking knowledge," she said.
At the Black Resource Center, Mitchell answered questions about Black history, provided accessible resources to people of all ages and created programs that taught the next generation the importance of Black history.
One of Mitchell's proudest accomplishments was being one of the first librarians to celebrate and honor the freedom of enslaved African Americans at the end of the Civil War — also known as Juneteenth. Today, this celebration is a federally recognized holiday, but 20 years ago, she commemorated it with an annual program she started at the Center to teach people about new aspects of their culture.
"As I continued that event every year, it grew bigger and bigger and more important to teach people about Juneteenth," she said.
Mitchell reflected on other highlights from her decades of service as a librarian, including a program that focused on World War II veterans, specifically Black military units like the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The initiative was so successful it continued annually.
"We provide (these programs) to expand their horizons, learning about other Black people from around the globe, we try to focus on the diaspora. Not just the United States," she said.
Her many educational projects throughout the years deepened her connections with the community. They allowed her to meet and honor everyone from the likes of Yolanda King, Natalie Cole and editors from magazines like Ebony and Jet.
Although the Black Resource Center is geared toward adults, Mitchell said there are lots of books and resources in the children's area available for school age kids to learn about Black history. She also helped educate little ones on class visits, encouraging them to reflect on their Black history and make them feel empowered.
"When the elementary age kids would come in and learn, and [would] be interactive in a program of that nature, it becomes a lifelong experience for them," she said. "It also motivates some of the teachers to continue teaching about these events out of Black History [Month] and celebrations."
Mitchell described an activity she held for preschoolers where she shared photos of prominent African Americans without revealing their names. Once the children identified who was in the image, they were encouraged to learn about them.
I have been honored to be like a catalyst to their learning and their knowledge of Black history, culture and issues. I hope that I have been an influence in their lifelong learning.
"When elementary school kids learn about people out of their history, who achieve great things, it just encourages them to learn more. And I think that's the impact I've had on younger children," she said.
Mitchell didn't always feel so confident in her ability to educate both children and adults about Black history, partly because mainstream history classes often don't offer much insight into the depth of Black history.
"I overcame the hesitancy I had or the insecurities I had about not knowing enough. And then it motivated me to learn more and more," she said.
Mitchell also drew inspiration from Joyce Sumbi — one of the first African American administrators in the L.A. County Library system. She said Sumbi's leadership and encouragement were instrumental to her professional career.
Dexter McLeod, founder of the L.A. South Chamber of Commerce, admires Mitchell's influence during her decades serving the Los Angeles community.
"We were not looking forward to her day of retirement though she is, which she earned it, and deserves it. But her contributions as far as educating the community and the city … [are] something we definitely appreciate, but we are definitely going to miss her," McLeod said.
McLeod said Mitchell has created such rich archives that people travel from all over the world to do research and study at the Center. He said her friendliness and sincere commitment to the community would be missed.
"I've seen her connect with [everyone], from community stakeholders to business leaders, to elected officials to community leaders," McLeod said. "Rose is an awesome person; she is very approachable, she's very knowledgeable, she's very kind in heart."
Mitchell's last day at the Black Resource Center is March 31, 2022, but her legacy will prevail in the community.
"I have been honored to be like a catalyst to their learning and their knowledge of Black history, culture and issues. I hope that I have been an influence in their lifelong learning," she said. "If I have been a small part of anyone learning and being able to access the knowledge, then I am truly grateful that I have been in this position."
