February marks Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, history, and culture of the Black community.
In Southern California, various events celebrate this significant month, from creative workshops and live performances to exhibitions and community gatherings. Whether you’d like to delve into history, connect with the community, or immerse yourself in culture and art, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a roundup of 10 events taking place across the region in celebration of Black History Month.
African American Firefighter Museum: Explore the history of the African American Firefighter Museum, which opened in 1997 and is located inside Fire Station No. 30. The fire station was one of two segregated firehouses in Los Angeles between 1924 and 1955 and is recognized as the only free-standing museum dedicated to African Americans in the fire service in the United States. Visitors can take a 40-minute guided tour to learn about the African American firefighters’ legacy in Los Angeles.
Where: 1401 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles.
When: 1-3 p.m. Every Sunday.
Admission: Free.
I Am a Man: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement: The exhibition focuses on the Civil Rights Movement in the American South between the ’60s and ’70s. Visitors can view photographs taken by amateurs, local photojournalists, and international photographers taken in the heat of the movement that show an evolution of the movement’s history. 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.
Where: Temecula Valley Museum, 28314 Mercedes St., Temecula.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Feb. 3 through March 26.
Admission: $5.
Empower through Poetry: The Temple City Library will host a workshop that teaches teens how to write and structure poetry by analyzing Black and African American writers who have used the art to express themselves and affirm their identities throughout American history. Attendees can expect to read the foundational works of poets and writers dating back to Phillis Wheatley and write work of their own.
Where: Temple City Library, 5939 Golden West Ave., Temple City.
When: 4-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7.
Admission: Free.
Motown Mania: Revisit the classic songs and stars of the Motown era from the R&B and soul groups that became iconic in American music history. Philemon Young and Seville will perform their Classic Motown R&B Revue Show, which takes fans back with soft harmonies and dazzling choreography from the golden age of Motown.
Where: Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.
When: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8.
Admission: Tickets start at $64.35 at Ticketmaster.com.
44th Annual Black History Expo & Parade: The 44th Annual Black History Expo, located just outside of Riverside City Hall in Downtown Riverside, features a parade and over 40 different vendors who offer food, artifacts, clothing, books, information booths and an event stage showcasing local entertainment.
Where: Outside of City Hall, 3900 Main St., Riverside.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 10.
Admission: Free.
Vibrations of History: A Black History Month Sound Bath Celebration: Join SoulPlay Yoga for a special sound bath experience honoring Black History Month. This immersive event combines sound healing with a celebration of Black culture and history. Guests can expect to connect through soothing vibrations while paying tribute to the rich heritage and contributions of the Black community.
Where: SoulPlay Yoga, 9711 Washington Blvd., Culver City.
When: Saturday, Feb. 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (Doors open at 3:15 p.m.)
Admission: Tickets start at $35 at Eventbrite.com.
Black Images: A Black History Month Poetry Slam: Experience powerful spoken word performances celebrating Black history and culture. Hosted by award-winning poet Mike Guinn, the event features local poets and NAACP Image Award nominee Samuel Rain. Ten poets will compete in a one-round slam, with the winner earning a cash prize and trophy.
Where: Family Source Center, 4305 Degnan Blvd., Suite 105, Los Angeles, California.
When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free but make sure to RSVP at Eventbrite.com.
Paint & Sip for Black History Month: Enjoy an afternoon of creativity while learning about a featured artist in celebration of Black History Month. This event is ideal for beginners and art enthusiasts alike. Registration is required, and participants must have an LA County Library card.
Where: Lawndale Library, 14615 Burin Ave, Lawndale
When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Admission: Free with an LA County Library card. Register at visit.lacountylibrary.org.
100 Films Retreat #8 Black History Month Celebration: This unique in-person event blends an independent film festival with a professional entertainment industry retreat. Celebrate Black History Month with free worldwide short film screenings, including “Hapless Revenge” (Iran), “Unspoken” (South Africa), and “Winegame” (Armenia). Hollywood talent agent Zoey Allen will conduct actor interviews for the first ten participants who purchase Phillip E. Walker’s talent workbook.
Where: Solamonte Glass Booth. 9200 Milliken Avenue Rancho Cucamonga
When: Saturday, February 1, 10 a.m.
Admission: Free. RSVP at allevents.com.
LA Voices: Black History Celebration with Inner-City Youth Orchestra of L.A. : The Inner-City Youth Orchestra is one of the largest predominantly Black orchestras in America. In collaboration with African Americans for LA Opera, this special evening will feature esteemed compositions by Black composers, including “Black National Anthem” by ICYOLA Music Director Charles Dickerson and “Trial and Triumph” by Kenichi and Kevon Fortune, which pays homage to the first female African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Where: Wilshire Ebell Theatre. 4401 West 8th Street Los Angeles
When: Sunday, February 9, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Admission: All LA Voices events are free of charge. Register for tickets here.