Celebrating Black History Month in los Angeles: A Month-Long Tribute to Culture and Legacy
February marks the annual party of Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Across Los Angeles, museums, parks, and cultural institutions are hosting a vibrant array of events, screenings, and workshops to commemorate this vital month. From film festivals to art workshops, there’s something for everyone to engage with and celebrate Black culture.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation is leading the charge with over 60 free events on its cultural calendar. These include food tastings, art workshops, and documentary screenings at parks like Del Aire Park in Hawthorne, El Cariso Park in Sylmar, and Rimgrove Park in La Puente.Norma E. García-González, Director of Los angeles County Parks, emphasized the importance of these celebrations: “black History Month honors the triumphs, contributions, and resilience of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Too often, this history is minimized, marginalized, or erased, wich is why we feel these LA County celebrations of Black history are also an important possibility to uplift and highlight the black community in LA County.”
The California African American Museum (CAAM) is also a hub of activity this February. On February 8,CAAM will host a Black History Month Zine Workshop,followed by A Tribute to Black Legacy in Opera on February 27. Additionally, the museum’s annual King Day commemoration, rescheduled from January, will take place on February 17.
Film enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Pan African Film and Arts Festival, celebrating its 33rd year with a lineup of global filmmakers. Running from February 4-23, the festival will be held at The Culver Theater, Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 15 and XD, and the Westfield Culver Shopping Center.
For those interested in cinematic history, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is hosting Oscar sundays, a series that pays tribute to “the exceptional Black artists who have been nominated for or won Oscars over the last 65 years.” Screenings include critically acclaimed films like “Get Out” and “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
Another highlight is the Kingdom Day Parade, rescheduled from its original date on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The parade will take place on February 17, starting at Western boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
here’s a swift summary of key events:
| Event | Date | Location |
|——————————–|——————-|——————————————-|
| Black history Month Zine Workshop | February 8 | California African American Museum |
| Kingdom Day Parade | February 17 | Western Blvd & MLK Jr. Blvd |
| Pan African Film Festival | February 4-23 | Culver Theater, Cinemark Baldwin Hills |
| Oscar Sundays | Throughout February | Academy Museum of Motion Pictures |
Whether you’re exploring the rich history at CAAM, enjoying a family-amiable event at a local park, or immersing yourself in the cinematic brilliance of the Pan African Film Festival, Black History Month in Los Angeles offers countless ways to celebrate and reflect. Don’t miss these opportunities to honor the legacy and culture of African Americans in our community.February is brimming with vibrant celebrations of Black history and culture across Southern California. From art exhibitions to parades,there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of must-attend events this month.
The 44th Annual Black Doll Show concludes at The William Grant Still Arts Center on February 15. This unique event invites attendees to dress up as their favorite doll and enjoy a day of “community joy” and tea. It’s a heartwarming celebration of creativity and heritage.
In Pasadena, the beloved Black History Festival continues its tradition at Robinson Park on february 15. While the parade has been canceled due to the Eaton Fire, the festival promises to be a lively gathering honoring Black history and culture.
riverside’s Black History Expo & Parade, one of the largest and oldest in Southern California, marks its 45th anniversary on February 8.This milestone event is a testament to the community’s enduring commitment to celebrating Black heritage.
On February 23, head to Pan Pacific Park for the Los Angeles Black History Festival.This celebration features an African marketplace, offering a rich cultural experience for attendees.
San Bernardino County’s 57th Black History Month Parade and Expo takes place on February 22. The event includes a car show, entertainment, and more, making it a festive and uplifting occasion.
For a magical twist, the Magic Castle in Hollywood honors Black magicians from February 3-9.The program pays homage to “the history of African-American magicians and their impact on contemporary magic,” with performances in every showroom.
The Los Angeles County Library is hosting a variety of Black History Month programs throughout February. From a Mystery Book Club to a STEAM event honoring legendary LA architect Paul Revere Williams, there’s something for all ages. Don’t miss the art sessions on Afrofuturism collages, poetry happenings, and author talks. Check your local branch for details.
Art enthusiasts can enjoy the free Andell Family Sundays at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. These drop-in workshops, inspired by “Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics,” take place on February 2, 9, 16, and 23.
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|————————————|—————-|———————————-|———————————————|
| 44th Annual Black Doll Show | Feb. 15 | William Grant Still Arts Center | Dress as a doll, tea, community joy |
| Black History Festival | feb. 15 | Robinson Park, pasadena | Festival continues, parade canceled |
| Black History Expo & Parade | Feb. 8 | Riverside | 45th anniversary, one of the largest events |
| Los Angeles Black history Festival | Feb. 23 | pan Pacific Park | African marketplace |
| Black History Month Parade & expo | Feb. 22 | San Bernardino County | Car show, entertainment |
| Magic Castle Tribute | Feb. 3-9 | Hollywood | Honoring Black magicians |
| LA County Library Programs | throughout Feb.| Various branches | Book clubs, STEAM events, art sessions |
| Andell Family Sundays | Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 | LACMA | Drop-in workshops, Black Diasporas theme |
These events offer a chance to celebrate, learn, and connect with the rich tapestry of Black history and culture. don’t miss out on these inspiring opportunities!
Q&A: Celebrating Black History Month in Los Angeles
Editor: Los Angeles is hosting a variety of events to celebrate Black History Month. Can you highlight some of the key events happening this February?
Guest: Absolutely! February is packed with exciting events across Southern California. For instance, the Black History Month Zine Workshop is taking place on February 8 at the California African American Museum (CAAM). This is a grate chance to explore the rich history and creativity of African Americans. Additionally, the Kingdom Day Parade on February 17 along Western Blvd & MLK Jr. Blvd is a must-see, as it’s one of the most beloved parades in the city.
Editor: Are there any film-related events that attendees should look out for?
Guest: Yes, the Pan African Film festival is a standout event, running from February 4 to 23 at the Culver Theater and cinemark baldwin Hills. This festival showcases cinematic brilliance and offers a deep dive into African and African American storytelling. Also, don’t miss Oscar Sundays throughout February at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where you can enjoy screenings and discussions centered around Black cinema.
Editor: What about family-amiable events? Are there any that cater to all ages?
Guest: Definitely! The 44th Annual Black Doll Show at the William Grant Still Arts Center on February 15 is perfect for families. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite dolls and enjoy a day of community joy and tea. Another great option is the Black History Festival in Pasadena, which continues its tradition at Robinson Park on February 15. Although the parade has been canceled due to the Eaton Fire, the festival itself promises to be a lively celebration of Black history and culture.
Editor: Riverside is also hosting a notable event. Could you tell us more about it?
Guest: Certainly! Riverside’s Black History Expo & Parade is one of the largest and oldest in Southern California. This year marks its 45th anniversary, and it’s taking place on February 8. This milestone event is a testament to the community’s enduring commitment to celebrating Black heritage, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and honor this crucial history.
Editor: Are there any unique events that offer a different perspective on Black history?
guest: yes, the Magic Castle tribute in Hollywood from February 3-9 is a unique event that honors Black magicians. This program pays homage to the history of African american magicians and their impact on contemporary magic, with performances in every showroom. It’s a magical twist on celebrating black history that you won’t want to miss.
Editor: Lastly, what are some ongoing events throughout the month that people can attend?
Guest: The Los Angeles County Library is hosting a variety of Black history Month programs throughout February. these include a Mystery Book Club, STEAM events honoring legendary LA architect Paul Revere Williams, art sessions on Afrofuturism collages, poetry happenings, and author talks.Additionally,the Andell Family Sundays at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art offer free drop-in workshops on February 2,9,16,and 23,inspired by the theme ”Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics.”
Editor: Thank you for sharing these insights! It’s clear that there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Black History Month in Los angeles.
Guest: Absolutely! these events offer a chance to celebrate, learn, and connect with the rich tapestry of Black history and culture. Don’t miss out on these inspiring opportunities!
Conclusion
From workshops and parades to film festivals and magical performances, Los Angeles is brimming with vibrant celebrations of Black history and culture this February. Weather you’re exploring the rich history at the California African American Museum, enjoying family-friendly events like the Black Doll Show, or immersing yourself in the cinematic brilliance of the Pan african Film Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss these opportunities to honor the legacy and culture of African Americans in our community.
