LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Randy Gray, 45, said he loves books, art and reading. The Black Authors section is one of his favorites at the Louisville Free Public Library. 

“It’s ... because of the experience being Black, growing up in America in Louisville, that perspective,” Gray said. “And I’m a graphic person, so I love graphic novels, history books, fiction and nonfiction. I love it all, but especially Black authors. I know that it’s someone who has a voice that I can relate to.” 

Gray and his son, 12-year-old Christian Gray, recently watched a special showing of “The American Society of Magical Negroes” at the Main Branch in downtown Louisville as part of the Free Public Library’s Black History Teen Film Series. 

“I love film; I love cinema,” Randy said. “I love storytelling and any time I can see something new, something from a Black perspective, a good story, good acting. I love it. I like to expose them to it, too; the arts and literature from our perspective is important to me,” Gray explained.

The Teen Film Series has been around for several years. For the last couple of years, the series’ focus has been on Black History for February. 

“We’ll try to look at new-ish, usually one- to five-year-old movies that we can showcase that might have [a] Black protagonist or be culturally relevant to African culture, things like that,” said Cindy Butor, teen services supervisor at the Main Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library. 

Butor said the hope for the film series is it becomes a source of inspiration for teens. Movies shown include “The Color Purple” and “Wakanda Forever,” among others. 

“I think for us, it’s a way to continue our efforts to be inclusive of everyone in Louisville and of every viewpoint,” Butor said. “I hope you come to this series because that’s the particular perspective you want and then realize these are just good movies and you’ve been able to make friends and access resources and you want to come back and you want to keep exploring.”

The Library’s Black History Teen Film Series takes place Wednesdays in February. Free movies start at 4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch and snacks are provided.

There’s also a free Black History Month Film Series at the Main Library every Sunday in February, which features a panel discussion led by University of Louisville faculty following each film.