This Black History Month in California, celebrate with festivals, museum exhibitions, a 5K run, movie screenings and many more events across the state.
California African American Museum
Los Angeles
Now through March 2, visit the California African American Museum’s “Bahia Reverb: Artists and Place” to celebrate Black History Month in California. The exhibit curated by artist and writer Bia Gayotto presents the work of 10 former fellows at the Sacatar Institute in Bahia, Brazil, all from North America and of African descent, to reflect on how Bahia, an epicenter of the African diaspora, has fueled their work and changed their understanding of themselves. Note that as of early February, California African American Museum is closed for storm-related repairs so check updates before visiting. For more information, visit caamuseum.org.
Los Angeles Black History Month Festival
Los Angeles
On Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pan Pacific Park will host a Black History Month Festival inviting guests to experience a family-friendly, community-oriented celebration of Black creativity, culture and joy and support Black-owned businesses. Experience tasty cuisine, music and vendors. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.
Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles
In collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs, numerous branches of the Los Angeles Public Library are hosting events for African American Heritage Month, including book club readings, movie screenings, arts and crafts, and panel discussions. Highlights of in-person and online events hosted by the historic Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles include Virtual Film Discussion: Chameleon Street on Feb. 13; Genealogy Garage: California Reparations on Feb. 16; and World Cinema Series: Beat the Drum on Feb. 17. For more information, visit lapl.org.
Pan African Film & Arts Festival
Los Angeles
The 32nd-annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival, now until Feb. 19 at Cinemark Baldwin Hills XD and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, will feature filmmakers, artists and craftspeople showcasing their pivotal work and talent. PAFF will present more than 200 films (nearly half of the films are helmed by female, queer or non-binary filmmakers), including Q&As and in-depth discussions with attendees from across the globe. For more information, visit www.paff.org.
Museum of the African Diaspora
San Francisco
Enjoy a culturally rich program of events celebrating Black history at the Museum of African Diaspora in San Francisco, a contemporary art museum celebrating Black cultures, igniting challenging conversations and inspiring learning through the global lens of the African Diaspora. Events include a reading of The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body on Feb. 24; curator and artist talk with JOESAM. on Feb. 25; and a book launch of The Black Yearbook with Adraint Bereal on Feb. 28. For more information, visit moadsf.org/events.
Black History Month Umoja 5K
Playa Del Rey
Celebrate Black History Month at the third-annual Umoja 5K at Dockweiler State Beach on Feb. 17. This year’s theme is Race for Reading: The Power of Black Words. The organization will commemorate past and present Black excellence and the transformative power of literature and literacy. Umoja, the first principle of Kwanzaa, represents unity. All participants are asked to dress in all black. For more information, visit runsignup.com.
WorldBeat Cultural Center
San Diego
The Worldbeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park will host several events throughout Black History Month, including a Bob Marley One Love Biopic After Party on Feb. 14; a film screening of Global Assignment: The Life and Times of Runoko Rashidi in collaboration with the Africana Studies of San Diego University on Feb. 16; and a 43rd Tribute to the Reggae Legends on Feb. 24. For more information, visit worldbeatcenter.org/events.
Urban Ed Black History Month Celebration
San Francisco
Celebrate love and shop with a purpose at Urban Ed’s EmpowerEd Black History Month Celebration and Career Fair on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Willie L. Brown Middle School. Guests are invited to explore a curated collection of products and services crafted by local Black entrepreneurs. Job seekers interested in career advancement are encouraged to bring their resumes. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.