65+ Inspiring Black History Month Celebrations in Los Angeles 2025

Updated for 2025

February is recognized as Black History Month, and here in Los Angeles, there are many ways to celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States.

Celebrating the heritage and achievements of Black Americans is something that doesn’t need to be limited to just one month, especially here in Los Angeles.

65+ Ways to Celebrate Black History Month

Happening Throughout February

Black History Month
Multiple LA County Parks

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is celebrating Black History Month from Thursday, February 13th through Friday, February 28th. The special events are a way of celebrating and honoring the “achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans.” Multiple events are planned including live performances, workshops, art exhibits, storytelling, and more. Details are available online.  

Celebrating African American History Month – LAPL Online

The Los Angeles Public Library system has a large number of resources available online to commemorate and celebrate African American History Month. You’ll find books (both fiction and nonfiction), photos, recordings, and more. Also, be sure to check the website for more information (as it becomes available) about special events happening at different branches.

California African American Museum (CAAM)
Exposition Park
600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037

The California African American Museum, located within Exposition Park, is “the first African American museum of art, history, and culture fully supported by a state.” The Museum’s permanent collection consists of over 5,000 items ranging from the 1800s to the present day and include “paintings, photographs, film, sculpture, historical documents, and artifacts, and it spans nineteenth-century landscape paintings to modern artworks to contemporary mixed-media reflections on cultural and political events.” The Museum hosts a number of special events and programs throughout the year, including many family-friendly programs. (Admission is always free; parking in Exposition Park is $20 during the day, and $24 after 5 pm. Open six days a week, closed on Mondays – except MLK Day.)

Black Resource Center
A. C. Bilbrew Library 
150 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90061

The Black Resource Center (BRC) is a special service of the LA County Library System. Its mission is to “serve the informational and educational needs of African Americans and the larger population by supporting research and study on social, historical and cultural aspects unique to the African American experience.” The BRC offers special programs, community outreach, in-depth reference service to researchers and the general public, and more. (The Black Resource Center is open six days a week, closed on Sundays.)

Celebrate African American and Black History Month – LA County Library Online

The Los Angeles County Library system has a number of resources available online to celebrate African American and Black History Month. You’ll find links to music, videos, and virtual author talks, as well as several book lists for readers of different ages. Also, be sure to check the website for more information about special events happening at different branches.

Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics features the work of 60 artists working in Africa, the Americas, and Europe. “The exhibition and its catalogue are among the first to examine nearly a quarter century of production by Black artists.” Families will find 70 pieces of art including sculpture, painting, photography, and time-based media which are organized into four themes: speech and silence, movement and transformation, imagination, and representation. The exhibition will be at LACMA until August 3rd, 2025. Ticket information is available online. 

The Museum of African American Art (MAAA)
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza – Level Two, Suite 283
3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008

The Museum of African American Art is one of those hidden treasures, a museum that may not be as well-known as others, but certainly one worth visiting. “Exhibits and programs at MAAA allow artists and their work to inspire new thinking about issues that intersect with the shared experiences of people across the African diaspora and beyond. The museum’s uniquely accessible art space allows us to exhibit the work of extraordinary local artists and bring meaningful art experiences to the public.” The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – Virtual

The website for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a true treasure trove of resources! You’ll find videos you can access of past performances as well as a timeline documenting the history of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is an incredible museum to visit. Though you may not be able to plan a visit to Washington, D.C. you can still access the Museum’s website. The Museum has a large number of digital resources available including information and tools on talking about race, online exhibitions, video archives, and much more. 

Michael Jackson: The Thriller Years, 1982-1984 and
Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance and
Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit
GRAMMY Museum
800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015

The GRAMMY Museum is an incredible museum to visit any month of the year. However, in honor of Black History Month, you’ll want to plan a visit to check out these three distinct exhibitions. 
Michael Jackson: The Thriller Years, 1982-1984 includes artifacts celebrating Michael Jackson’s iconic fashion sense, including beaded jackets Michael Jackson wore during the Jacksons’ 1984 Victory tour. The exhibit also includes a short film which tells the story of the making of the famous “Thriller” music video and includes interviews with the director of the video, the special effects makeup artist, and the creator of Jackson’s red leather jacket. (This is an ongoing exhibition.)
Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance “celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of Luther Vandross, an eight-time GRAMMY winner, revered songwriter, arranger, producer, performer, and one of the most gifted vocalists in music history.” The exhibit includes hand-beaded suits worn by Vandross, original sketches of Vandross’s tour wardrobe, handwritten lyrics, six of his eight GRAMMY awards, and more. The exhibit will be at the Museum through June 15th, 2025.
Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. The extensive exhibition “explores the profound impact and influence that hip-hop music and culture has had on the United States and the world.” “The Mixtape Exhibit delves deep into the sounds, scenes and history of hip-hop music, dance, graffiti, fashion, business, and activism.” In addition to rarely displayed artifacts, the exhibit also provides visitors the opportunity to create their own hip-hop music with five unique interactive activities. The exhibit will be at the Museum through February 17th, 2025. Tickets are available online. (The Museum is open six days a week, closed on Tuesdays.)  

Wild Seeds on the Beach
Riverside Art Museum
3245 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501

Wild Seeds on the Beach is a writing retreat for Black women which “seeks to increase literary arts programs to better serve women and writers of color in the Inland Empire and other localities in Southern California.” The first retreat took place during May 2024. “During the program 12 poets and writers, all black women, were photographed writing, talking, laughing, and in portrait. This exhibition is a visual reflection of a thriving creative demographic in the Inland Empire that is often overlooked.” “The writing and the photography created during this first retreat will be published in an anthology that will highlight the beauty, joy, and creativity of these local writers.” The exhibition will be on view through March 16th, 2025. (The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm. Children 12 and younger receive free admission.)

I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960-1970
Temecula Valley Museum
28314 Mercedes St., Temecula, CA 92590

Take a drive to the Temecula Valley Museum to check out their exhibition, I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960-1970. The exhibition features a “wide range of photographs taken by amateurs, local photojournalists, and internationally known photographers. Together, they provide a vivid visual story of the evolution of the civil rights movement and shed light on the movement’s integration in daily living in the American South.” While some photographs may be recognizable to museum visitors, many have rarely been seen. “Key events include James Meredith’s admission to the University of Mississippi, Ku Klux Klan gatherings, the Selma Montgomery March in Alabama, the sanitation workers’ strike in Memphis, Martin Luther King’s funeral, the Poor People’s Campaign, and the Mule Train.” The exhibition will be on view from Monday, February 3rd through Sunday, March 16th, 2025. (The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and closed on Mondays.)

Annual Black History Month Virtual Festival

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has planned a month-long virtual celebration for Black History Month. The Festival’s theme this year is “African Americans and Labor” and “focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.” Events will be streamed on ASALH’s YouTube channel. Details are available online.  

Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight
Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108

“Renowned American artist Betye Saar’s large-scale work ‘Drifting Toward Twilight’ commissioned by The Huntington — is a site-specific installation that features a 17-foot-long vintage wooden canoe and found objects, including birdcages, antlers, and natural materials harvested by Saar from The Huntington’s grounds.” The exhibition also “showcases Saar’s major status as a pioneer of assemblage art and as part of the foundational generation of Black artists in Los Angeles.” The exhibition “transforms an entire room in the Scott Galleries into what the artist calls a ‘cocoon-like environment’.” A short documentary is also presented within the exhibition and features footage of the work in progress in the artists’s studio as well as an oral history interview with the exhibition’s co-creator Sóla Saar Agustsson, who is also the artist’s granddaughter. The exhibition will be on view through November 30th, 2027. Tickets are available online. (The Huntington is open six days a week, Wednesdays through Mondays, closed on Tuesdays.) 

Black History Month Take & Make Kit: Garrett Morgan, Inventor
All Santa Monica Public Library Locations including
Main Library
601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA

From Monday, February 3rd through Friday, February 28th, families can stop by any Santa Monica Public Library Location to pick up a Black History Month Take & Make Kit. “In honor of one of Garrett Morgan’s many life-saving inventions, this kit includes supplies to make your own traffic signal. Supplies and learning sheet included.” The kit is recommended for children 4 and older. (Available while supplies last.)  

Saturday, February 1st

45th Annual Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival
205 W. Center St. Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805

Mark your calendars. The 45th Annual Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival is happening on Saturday, February 1st. This year’s theme is “We Are One,” and will be a celebration of unity, diversity, and community spirit. Check the website for more details as they become available.

Black History Month Film Screening & Panel Discussion: Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture
Santa Monica Main Library
601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

The City of Santa Monica is celebrating Black History Month with a special screening of Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture on Saturday, February 1st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. “Braiding historical accounts with modern-day testimonials, the film dismantles the racial barriers of conventional surf culture, delves into the overlooked history of Black surfing’s legacy, and honors its current movement.” After the screening, there will be a panel discussion featuring the film’s Director, David Mesfin; Sharon Schaffer, the first Black Female Pro Surfer; Greg Rachal of the Black Surfers Collective; Cristyne Lawson, fourth generation Black Santa Monica resident whose family moved to Santa Monica in 1908; and Historian Alison R. Jefferson. 

Black History Month

Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

Pretend City Children’s Museum is celebrating Black History Month on Saturday, February 1st. The Museum will be honoring Black leaders, artists, and innovators with special story times and activities. (Story times are scheduled for 11:00 am and 2:30 pm.) Ticket information is available online. 

The Art of Alma Thomas
Culver City Julian Dixon Library
4975 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230

“Celebrate African American and Black History Month by learning about the art and cultural contributions of Alma Thomas” at the Culver City Julian Dixon Library on Saturday, February 1st from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Children will make their own bookmark inspired by her paintings. For children ages 6-12. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited. 

Black History Month Celebration
Forest Lawn Glendale 
1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale, CA 91205

Forest Lawn Glendale is hosting a Black History Month event on Saturday, February 1st from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. This free, family-friendly event features a community resource fair as well as music, dance, and poetry performances, special guests, and more. Light refreshments will be served. 

On Broad Shoulders We Stand
Washington Irving Branch Library
4117 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018

Families are invited to visit the Washington Irving Branch Library on Saturday, February 1st from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for a special storytime in honor of African American History Month. Children will enjoy an “uplifting mix of songs and historical tales celebrating African American culture and achievement.”  

26th Annual Los Angeles Black College Expo
SoFi Stadium
1001 Stadium Dr., Inglewood, CA 90301

The 26th Annual Los Angeles Black College Expo is happening on Saturday, February 1st from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This free event will give students and their families the chance to “connect with representatives from a variety of historically black colleges and universities, as well as over 100 other colleges.” Over 200 colleges will be represented including 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges, trade schools and more. Details, including ticket information, are available online. 

Sunday, February 2nd

Prosperity Market
Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen
4427 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90043

“Join us on Sunday, Feb 2nd as we kick off Black History Month and celebrate 4 years of Black farmers, food, and community in true Prosperity fashion.” The day will feature farmers market favorites including prepared foods, artisanal goods, and more. Plus, Prosperity Market will also offer special activities for kids, a DJ, and more. 

Sunday, February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

African American Firefighter Museum
1401 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA

The African American Firefighter Museum (AAFFM) opened in 1997 and is located inside Fire Station No. 30, “one of two segregated firehouses in Los Angeles between 1924 and 1955.” It is recognized as the “only free-standing museum dedicated to African Americans in the fire service in the United States.” 40-minute guided tours are offered, giving families the chance to explore the historic fire station and learn “little-known details about the African American firefighters’ legacy here in Los Angeles.” Tours give families the opportunity to explore “the grounds of our historic Fire Station No. 30, which operated as a segregated firehouse from 1924 to 1955.” These free tours are offered on Sundays at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Reserve your tour online. 

Andell Family Sundays – Imagining Black Diasporas
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90036

Families are invited to participate in a drop-in workshop at LACMA, happening each Sunday in February from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. “At these drop-in workshops, get inspired by Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics and make your own art, led by artists Karl Petion and Eszter Delgado.” This is an all-ages workshop. 

Tuesday, February 4th

African American and Black History Month: Activism Through Art
Woodcrest Library
1340 W. 106th St., Los Angeles, CA 90044

Celebrate African American and Black History Month at Woodcrest Library on Tuesday, February 4th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. “Learn about youth activism and its impact, then create your activist coaster in support of a cause you care about.” All materials will be provided. This event is for teens ages 13-17. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.

Tuesday, February 4th – Sunday, February 23rd

Annual Pan African Film + Arts Festival
Multiple Locations including
Westfield Culver City Shopping Center
6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230

The Annual Pan African Film + Arts Festival is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4th through Sunday, February 23rd. The PAFF was established in 1992 “to become the international beacon for the Diaspora arts community to showcase ‘our stories’ and preserve the cinematic creativity of Pan-African Culture.” The Festival, which is “the largest Black film festival,” features over 150 films from around the world. This year, the ArtFEST will take place at Westfield Culver City Shopping Center and features “100 established and emerging fine artists and unique craftspeople from all over the world.” All the details, including ticket information, are available online. 

Wednesday, February 5th

Uncle Geebo, Magicians in History
Hermosa Beach Library
550 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Hermosa Beach Library is hosting a special Black History Month event on Wednesday, February 5th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Get ready for a “magic show that celebrates pioneering African American and Black magicians and shares some of their unique tricks.” For children ages 5-12. 

African American and Black History Month: Mae Jemison
Lawndale Library
14615 Burin Ave., Lawndale, CA 90260

Lawndale Library, part of the LA County Library System, is celebrating African American and Black History Month with a special activity on Wednesday, February 5th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Children will enjoy a reading of Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, a book about the first African-American female astronaut. Children will then create a small craft project. This activity is recommended for children ages 5-12. 

Inventor and Engineer Otis Boykin
La Puente Library
15920 E. Central Ave., La Puente, CA 91744

La Puente Library invites tweens and teens (ages 12-18) to a special African American and Black History Month event on  Wednesday, February 5th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Participants will learn about inventor and engineer Otis Boykin and “learn how his circuitry inventions impacted the world and have some fun creating an LED paper craft.” (Note – this event is also taking place at the A C Bilbrew Library on the same day, Wednesday, February 5th at 4:00 pm.)

Ina, the Sunshine Storyteller
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
17906 S. Avalon Blvd., Carson, CA 90746

Ina, the Sunshine Storyteller will be performing at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library on Wednesday, February 5th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Children (ages 5-12) are invited to “gather around our story circle for Afro-centric folktales and songs.” Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.

Thursday, February 6th

African American and Black History Month: Alma Thomas Inspired Art
Wiseburn Library
5335 W. 135th Street, Hawthorne, CA 90250

Wiseburn Library, part of the LA County Library System, is celebrating African American and Black History Month with a special activity on Thursday, February 6th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Children will learn about the life and art of Alma Thomas and create their own artwork inspired by her paintings. (Recommended for children ages 5-11.)

African American and Black History Month: Activism Through Art
Angelo M. Iacoboni Library
4990 Clark Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712

Teens (ages 13-17) are invited to participate in an African American and Black History Month event at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library on Thursday, February 6th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. “Learn about youth activism and its impact, then create your activist coaster in support of a cause you care about.” Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.

Friday, February 7th

African Trade Beads Workshop
Gardena Mayme Dear Library
1731 W. Gardena Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247

On Friday, February 7th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Gardena Mayme Dear Library is hosting a special workshop in celebration of African American and Black History Month. Children (ages 5-12) will learn about the significance and use of African Trade Beads and then create their own jewelry. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.

African American and Black History Month: Empower Through Poetry
Temple City Library
5939 Golden West Ave., Temple City, CA 91780

Temple City Library invites teens (ages 13-17) to participate in a special African American and Black History Month workshop on Friday, February 7th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Participants will “learn how Black and African American writers have used poetry to express themselves. We will review some poems and learn how words can be used to construct images of who we are.” 

Saturday, February 8th

Motown Mania – The Music of The Temptations

Bank of America Performing Arts Center
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

If you enjoy the “great Motown and R&B groups from the 60’s through the 80’s,” you’ll definitely want to get tickets to Motown Mania – The Music of The Temptations. Revisit classic songs, “complete with heart-stopping harmonies…dazzling choreography…and the memorable hits you love most from Motown’s golden age! All backed by their live show band.” You’ll find yourself tapping your feet as you enjoy hits from groups such as Gladys Knight & The Pips, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Four Tops, and much more. This is a family-friendly event suitable for all ages. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, February 8th at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Details and ticket information are available online. 

2025 Allensworth Black History Month Celebration
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Grant Dr., Earlimart, CA 93219

Plan to take a drive to Colonel Allensworth State History Park for a Black History Month Celebration happening on Saturday, February 8th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to “tour the park’s historic buildings and enjoy live entertainment, music, and food.” The theme of this year’s event is “African American & Labor: The Past, The Present, Our Future.” (If you’re not already familiar with the history — “Colonel Allen Allensworth, born a slave, rose to prominence as the highest ranking Black officer of his time by the time he retired in 1906.” Col. Allensworth created the town as a safe haven for over 300 Black families. The town had its own school, church, and bank.) Transportation is available (for a fee). Details are available online. 

Legacy & Unity: Black History Celebration on The Promenade
Downtown Long Beach
Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802

Legacy & Unity: Black History Celebration on The Promenade is happening on Saturday, February 8th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The outdoor festival is a “celebration of culture, history, and community.” The community event will feature a Vendor Marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses, educational resource booths, live performances, special children’s activities (including kids’ art workshop, storytelling, and scavenger hunts), wellness resources, and cultural exhibits. Sign up online for this free event.

Art of Charles McGee
Bell Library
4411 E. Gage Ave., Bell, CA 90201

Teens (ages 13-17) are invited to Bell Library on Saturday, February 8th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm to learn about the art of Charles McGee. “Charles McGee was a prominent Detroit artist who focused his work on Black urban life. Join us as we celebrate African American & Black History Month by learning more about McGee & create art pieces influenced by his work.”

African American and Black History Month: Build Like Philip Freelon
Montebello Library
1550 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640

Celebrate African American and Black History Month at the Montebello Library on Saturday, February 8th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Participants will learn about architect Philip Freelon who designed the National Museum of African American History and Culture at Houston’s Emancipation Park. “After learning about Philip Freelon, children will design a three-dimensional museum or challenge themselves in building the tallest tower with available supplies.” (Recommended for children ages 5-12.)

Heritage: An African American and Black History Month Program for Children
Baldwin Park Library
4181 Baldwin Park Blvd., Baldwin Park, CA 91706

Families are invited to attend a special event at Baldwin Park Library on Saturday, February 8th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. To celebrate African American and Black History Month, there will be a special performance by Melanie Haymon of Mocha House Productions. “This program will focus on African American Culture by educating and entertaining us through song, word, and/or artifact.” (Recommended for children ages 5-11.)

Bubble Prints: Art Inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas
Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library
6145 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042

To celebrate Black History Month, Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library invites families to participate in a special art activity on Saturday, February 8th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Children will create “colorful abstract art inspired by famous artist, Alma Thomas!”

Sunday, February 9th

LA Voices: Black History Celebration with Inner City Youth Orchestra of LA
Wilshire Ebell Theatre
4401 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Celebrate Black History with a special performance featuring the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA) on Sunday, February 9th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. ICYOLA is the “largest predominantly Black orchestra in the U.S.” “In collaboration with African Americans for LA Opera, this event will spotlight esteemed compositions by Black composers.” This is a free performance. Tickets are available online. 

Tuesday, February 11th 

Celebrate African Song, Rhythm, and Dance with Queen Teresa
Florence Library
7807 Compton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001

Celebrate African Song, Rhythm, and Dance with Queen Teresa at Florence Library on Tuesday, February 11th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Choreographer Teresa Smith will lead the event, “rooted in African folklore, dance, rhythms and song! She shares traditional clothing and instruments and invites all ages to join in on the fun and discovery!” 

Wednesday, February 12th

Book Adventure: There Was a Party for Langston
La Mirada Library
13800 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638

Celebrate African American and Black History Month at La Mirada Library on Wednesday, February 12th from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm. Learn about Langston Hughes during a special storytime featuring the children’s book, There Was a Party for Langston written by Jason Reynolds. Children will then create self-portraits illustrated with inspiring words and watercolors. (Recommended for children ages 5-12.)

Black History Month: Zelda Wynn Valdes Fashion Bag
Lloyd Taber – Marina del Rey Library
4533 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

“Learn about fashion designer Zelda Wynn Valdes and celebrate Black History Month” at the Lloyd Taber – Marina del Rey Library on Wednesday, February 12th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Children will practice their sewing/lacing skills by creating a paper plate fashion bag. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited. (Recommended for children ages 5-12.)

African American and Black History Month: Faith Ringgold
Lomita Library
24200 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, CA 90717

Celebrate African American and Black History Month at Lomita Library on Wednesday, February 12th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Participants will learn about the “mixed media artwork of artist and activist Faith Ringgold.” Children (ages 5-12) will use Ms. Ringgold’s artistic style and techniques as inspiration to design their own masks. 

Saturday, February 15th

Annual Black History Parade and Festival
Parade Begins on N. Fair Oaks Ave., Festival at Robinson Park
1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103

The City of Pasadena is hosting its Annual Black History Parade and Festival on Saturday, February 15th. Details regarding this year’s event have not yet been released. Generally, the parade begins at 10:00 am and ends at Robinson Park at 12:00 pm. The Black History Festival then continues until 4:00 pm and usually features music, food, and cultural celebrations. Check the website for more details as they become available.

Colburn Presents: Adrian Dunn Singers
Colburn School –  Zipper Hall
200 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012

“Adrian Dunn, Colburn’s Director of Choral Programs, leads a joyous musical celebration of Black History Month featuring acapella spirituals and original compositions for chorus.” The program on Saturday, February 15th at 7:00 pm, will be performed by the Adrian Dunn Singers, an all-Black professional ensemble, a group “dedicated to transforming classical music and the music industry at large.” Tickets will be available online, and the performance will also be live-streamed. Details are available online. 

Mocha House Productions Presentations: Kwanzaa Karamu
El Monte Library
3224 Tyler Ave., El Monte, CA 91731

Melanie Lee Haymon from Mocha House Productions will be at the El Monte Library on Saturday, February 15th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a special event in honor of African American and Black History Month. Through a performance and workshop, kids and teens (ages 5-17) will be introduced to the celebration of Kwanzaa. Participants will learn about “celebrating and living the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles that are essential standards of personal and social excellence.” 

Artist Spotlight: Barbara Jones-Hogu
San Gabriel Library
500 S. Del Mar Ave., San Gabriel, CA 91776

Celebrate African American and Black History Month at San Gabriel Library on Saturday, February 15th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Teens (ages 13-17) will learn about painter and printmaker Barbara Jones-Hogu. Teens will then create their own coaster “inspired by the uplifting messages and vibrant patterns in Jones-Hogu’s artwork.”

Black History Month Celebration
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
18904 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91324

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley invites families to its Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 15th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The family-friendly event features mental health providers and support, networking opportunities, special guests, entertainment, a vendor market, and more. 

Through Saturday, February 15th

44th Annual Black Doll Show

William Grant Still Arts Center (WGSAC)
2520 S. West View St., Los Angeles, CA 90016

The 44th Annual Black Doll Show is happening now through February 15th, 2025. “The Black Doll Show is an annual winter tradition at WGSAC as positive self image remains just as necessary today for Africans and all people of color within the continent and in diaspora.” This year’s theme is “in need of good folk … MAGIC FOLK LIKE US.” The Center is open six days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, from Noon until 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays.)

Free the Land! Free the People! a study of the abolitionist pod
Crenshaw Dairy Mart
8629 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305

The Crenshaw Dairy Mart (CDM) invites families to experience its current exhibition, Free the Land! Free the People! a study of the abolitionist pod. “The exhibition, Free the Land! Free the People! a study of the abolitionist pod, is organized as a survey and studio of the Crenshaw Dairy Mart artist collective’s ongoing research for the abolitionist pod, with illustrations, archival documentation, architectural renderings, sketches, and drawings of the collective’s many configurations of the geodesic structure during its prototype phases as they engage with a history of collectives and cooperatives at the interstices of food justice, land sovereignty, and the Black Liberation Movement.” The Gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. The exhibition will be on view through Saturday, February 15th, 2025. 

Saturday, February 15th and Sunday, February 16th

Celebrate Black History Month
Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103

Celebrate Black History Month with Kidspace Children’s Museum on Saturday, February 15th and Sunday, February 16th. On Saturday, the Museum will be hosting a “family art program entitled Faces of Dena designed to celebrate the strength of the community represented in its members.” The program is a part of the 43rd Annual City of Pasadena Black History Month Festival happening at Robinson Park. 
And on  Sunday, Faces of Dena continues at the Museum along with performances from community groups. Details and ticket information are available online. 

Wednesday, February 19th

African Drum Circle with Chazz!
La Crescenta Library
2809 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta-Montrose, CA 91214

Celebrate African American and Black History Month with percussionist Chazz Ross at La Crescenta Library on Wednesday, February 19th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. “Learn about African djembe drums and their history in this fun and interactive program.” Advance registration is required as attendance is limited. (Recommended for children ages 5-12.)

African American and Black History Month: Mark Bradford
Willowbrook Library
11737 Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059

Visit Willowbrook Library on Wednesday, February 19th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm for a special African American and Black History Month event focused on LA-based visual artist Mark Bradford. Mr. Bradford is known for his “large-scale abstract paintings using mixed media.” Children (ages 5-12) will learn about Mr. Bradford and then create their own artwork inspired by the artist. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.

African American and Black History Month: Jacob Lawerence Inspired Art
Compton Library
240 W. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220

The Compton Library is hosting a special African American and Black History Month event on Wednesday, February 19th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. “Learn about the life and art of Jacob Lawrence to honor Lawrence ’s powerful imagery. Practice drawing in the distinctive style of realism that portrayed scenes and landscapes.” Recommended for children ages 5-12. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.

Thursday, February 20th 

African American Architects of Los Angeles
Rivera Library
7828 Serapis Ave., Pico Rivera, CA 90660

Learn about African American Architects of Los Angeles at the Rivera Library on Thursday, February 20th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. “Learn about the African American architects who helped shape mid-century Los Angeles including Paul R. Williams who helped design the Theme Building at LAX, Robert Kennard who started the oldest Black-owned and operated firm in Los Angeles in 1957, and Norma Sklarek who worked on several projects including Santa Monica Place and the U.S. Embassy in Japan.” Teens (ages 12-18) will then try to re-create these buildings using LEGOs.

Black History Month with Storyteller Michael McCarty
Platt Branch Library
23600 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Storyteller Michael McCarty will be at Platt Branch Library on Thursday, February 20th at 4:00 pm. “Michael’s tales from Africa and of African Americans depict the challenges and triumphs of Black people throughout the history of the Americas and will entertain and educate his audiences.” This is an all-ages event.

African American and Black History Month: The Artwork of Laolu Senbanjo
Carson Library
151 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 90745

Celebrate African American and Black History Month at the Carson Library on Thursday, February 20th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Teens (ages 13-18) will learn about Laolu Senbanjo, a Nigerian-born, Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist who believes all objects can be an art canvas. Participants will then create their own art inspired by his designs. 

Friday, February 21st

Paint Night at the Library
Rowland Heights Library
1850 Nogales St., Rowland Heights, CA 91748

Rowland Heights Library is hosting Paint Night at the Library on Friday, February 21st from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. To celebrate African American and Black History Month, children (ages 5-12) will learn about fine-arts painter Henry Ossawa Tanner and then follow step-by-step instructions to create their own masterpiece.

Saturday, February 22nd 

Black History Month Parade & Expo
Parade begins at Summit & Citrus Ave., Fontana, CA 92325

The City of Fontana is holding its annual Black History Month Parade & Expo on Saturday, February 22nd from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The parade will feature marching bands, drill/dance teams, community groups, and more. The expo includes live entertainment, food and craft vendors, a car show, and more. Be sure to check the website for more information as it becomes available. 

Jazz Fest: A Black History Month Celebration
Miller Amphitheater
17004 Arrow Blvd., Fontana, CA 

The City of Fontana is also hosting Jazz Fest: A Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 22nd from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The event honors the “rich legacy of jazz music and its profound impact on Black History” and includes live musical performances, art vendors, food vendors, educational workshops, and lots of fun!

Celebrate Black History Month: Black Education Expo
Magic Box LA
1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007

The 2025 Black History Month Black Education Expo is happening on Saturday, February 22nd from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This free event is for students in K-12 and their families and features workshops, a Teen Zone, health and mental wellness resources, scholarship opportunities, hands-on tech and STEAM demonstrations, a kids’ zone (with face painting and arts and crafts), and more. “This free community event will connect families with exhibitors, offering essential resources to foster academic, financial, and personal growth. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, student, or educator, you’ll leave feeling informed, inspired, and empowered to take the next step in your journey.” Reserve your spot online. 

10th Annual Black History Greens Festival
Virginia Avenue Park
2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90405

The 10th Annual Black History Greens Festival is happening on Saturday, February 22nd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This special event includes cooking demonstrations where Greens are the main ingredient, live entertainment, wellness booths, book giveaways, specialty vendors, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and/or lawn chairs. 

Teens in the Civil Rights Movement
Littlerock Library
35119 80th Street East, Littlerock, CA 93543

Celebrate African American and Black History Month by learning about Teens in the Civil Rights Movement at Littlerock Library on Saturday, February 22nd from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Teens (ages 13-17) will then create coasters in support of causes they care about. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.

African American and Black History Month: Tallest Tower Challenge
Rosemead Library
8800 Valley Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770

Celebrate African American and Black History Month at Rosemead Library on Saturday, February 22nd from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Children (ages 5-12) will listen to a reading of the children’s book Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons. Afterwards, children will “take on the challenge of building the tallest free-standing tower using only paper, straws, and tape.” All materials will be provided.

Inspiring Journeys: African American Histories
Central Library
630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Visit the Central Library on Saturday, February 22nd from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a special event, Inspiring Journeys: African American Histories. The celebration will feature workshops, entertainment, speakers, and family-friendly activities designed to commemorate African American and Black History Month. “From health and wellness to genealogy and technology to arts and crafts for all ages, there is something for everyone.” Details are available online.  

Saturday, February 22nd and Sunday, February 23rd

23rd Annual African-American Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its Annual African-American Festival on Saturday, February 22nd and Sunday, February 23rd from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. The festivities will feature live musical and dance performances, storytelling, historical displays, drum circles, and more. The Festival is included in general Aquarium admission. Tickets are available online.

Sunday, February 23rd

Annual Los Angeles Black History Month Festival: Celebration of the African Diaspora
Pan Pacific Park
7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

The Los Angeles Black History Month Festival is happening on Sunday, February 23rd from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. This free event features live performances, a marketplace, discussions, food, and more. Check the website for more details as they become available. 

LWDT Black History Month Concert
Lula Washington Dance Theatre
3773 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016

Lula Washington Dance Theatre invites families to its Black History Month Concert happening on Sunday, February 23rd. “Featuring Talley Beatty’s renowned The Mourners Bench, an excerpt from his ballet Southern Landscapes. This inspiring performance celebrates the beauty of African American cultural heritage through classic modern dance.” Check the website for details and ticket information.  

Black History Month + Market
2nd & PCH
6400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90803

Celebrate Black History Month at 2nd & PCH on Sunday, February 23rd from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Explore a special Black History Month Pop-Up Market featuring “Black-owned businesses, local artisans, handcrafted goods, delicious food, and more.” 

Moor Than a Month: Black Through Time
YouTube Theater
1011 Stadium Dr., Inglewood, CA 90305

Griot B and The School Yard Rap Crew will be performing More Than a Month: Black Through Time at the YouTube Theater on Sunday, February 23rd at 3:00 pm. This family-friendly musical performance is a celebration of Black History. “This uplifting production will educate and enlighten audiences about the remarkable achievements of Black Americans and the African Diaspora. Witness the perfect blend of entertainment and education—an unforgettable journey of ‘edutainment’ that will leave you inspired.” Tickets are available online.  

Wednesday February 26th

African American and Black History Month: Take to the Skies with Bessie Coleman

Manhattan Beach Library
1320 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Celebrate African American and Black History Month at Manhattan Beach Library on Wednesday, February 26th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Children (ages 4-10) will learn about Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn an international pilot’s license. Children will then create and test their own paper airplanes. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.

Black History Month Documentary Screening: When We Were Kings
Wilmington Branch Library
1300 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744

In celebration of Black History Month, Wilmington Branch Library is hosting a screening of When We Were Kings on Wednesday, February 26th from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. This Oscar-winning documentary is about the historic 1974 epic boxing match, “The Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Refreshments will be provided. (For teens and adults)

Thursday, February 27th

Black History Veteran Event

Peer Resource Center
12021 Wilmington Ave. Building 18, Los Angeles, CA 90059

Community members are invited to a Black History Veteran Event happening on Thursday, February 27th from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This special event includes “guest speakers, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to connect with fellow community members. Learn about the rich history of Black veterans and their contributions to our country.” Lunch will be provided. Check the website to reserve your spot for this free event. 

African American and Black History Month: Clementine Hunter’s Oil Pastel Art
Stevenson Ranch Library
25950 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381

Stevenson Ranch Library is hosting an African American and Black History Month event on Thursday, February 27th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Teens (ages 13-17) will learn about Clementine Hunter, a “self-taught artist known for her vivid depictions of Southern life and culture.” Teens will then create their own oil pastel art inspired by Ms. Hunter’s art. 

Related: Celebrate Juneteenth in Los Angeles

Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).

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