Photograph of UNT campus students in Willis Library participating in many events and demonstrations from all departments of UNT libraries. This photograph was taken during Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of a 50th birthday cake for Willis Library. The cake has white and green frosting, green sprinkles, and an image of Willis Library. This photograph was taken during Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of multiple book stamps and ink. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of party props on a table for guests. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

This article looks at different eras where African American voices and bodies were uplifted through the arts, publishing, and archives using technology as its platform for communication during calamity in the United States and why it is important that this tradition continues during COVID-19 and in the new decade. The intent of this article is to make those who are unaware aware of the use of digital technologies in the 20th century from an African American perspective through publishing and archiving, as well as community art spaces.

Photograph of newspaper negatives provided by the Digital Newspaper Program during their demonstration of what they do for the library. This photograph was taken during Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of blue pencils and "Label me Collector" buttons from the Special Collections Department. This photograph was taken during Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of a variety of rainbow ink and some old non-circulating books from Willis Library. The ink was provided for the creation of bookmarks from old card catalogs. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of a newspaper negative provided by the Texas Digital Newspaper Program during their demonstration of what they do for the library. This photograph was taken during Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of Daniella, Mechanical Engineer, and JP, Data Science student assistants working at The Spark in Willis Library. Daniella and JP are providing demonstrations to campus students on what The Spark can offer them. The table display and demonstration was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of sample buttons made from a button maker. Two of the buttons have Lucky the Albino Squirrel printed on them, based on the Albino squirrel seen on campus. The other buttons have The Spark printed on them as The Spark provides tools for student use. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of Christina Kellum (left) Library Production Associate for the Digital Projects Lab. Christina is standing in front of a whiteboard with an assortment of images pinned with the phrase "What & Who happened in 1972?" This photograph was taken during Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of 3D printed models, laser wood-burning, and electric cords provided from The Spark during student demonstrations on what The Spark can offer students. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of 3D printed models, laser wood-burning, and electric cords provided from The Spark during student demonstrations on what The Spark can offer students. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of a weaving loom, an embroidery ring with a hand-embroidered piece, and a button maker machine with prepared buttons, all provided from The Spark. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of an individual with their hand on a button maker with an image of Lucky the Squirrel, UNT's secondary mascot of the Albino squirrel. The table display and demonstration was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of Alonda, Media Arts, student worker from The Spark demonstrating the button-making machine for campus students. The table display and demonstration was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of ribbons, stickers, and rubber stamps provided for guests to make bookmarks from old card catalogs provided by Access Services. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of a Victrola record player playing Birth Of The Cool by Miles Davis on vinyl all provided by the Music Library. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of campus students in line for birthday cake and tea provided by Willis Library in celebration of its 50th birthday. This photograph was taken during Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of a Victrola record player playing Birth Of The Cool by Miles Davis on vinyl all provided by the Music Library. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of JP, Data Science from The Spark standing behind the table and giving demonstrations and information to campus students. The table display and demonstration was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of ribbons, stickers, and rubber stamps provided for guests to make bookmarks from old card catalogs provided by Access Services. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Photograph of Erica Kaufman (left) Sycamore Library's Assistant Manager and Robbie Sittel (right) Department Head of the Government Information Connection at Sycamore Library. Erica and Robbie are standing behind a table display with stamps, ink, ribbons, and old card catalogs for guests to make bookmarks. The table display was for Willis Libraries' 50th Birthday Celebration held on November 11, 2021, in Willis Library from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.