Black History Month is a time to honor the legacy and the countless contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
Celebrated in February, Black History Month highlights civil rights leaders, activists, artists and others. The theme this year is “African Americans and the Arts.” Here are 10 ways to honor Black History Month with art shows, films, festivals, documentaries and other events happening throughout the month.
The Aquarium of the Pacific annual African-American Festival returns Feb. 24-25 to honor Black History Month. (Photo by Steve McCrank/Daily Breeze)
The annual Pasadena Black History Parade and Festival parade made its way down Fair Oaks avenue on Feb. 19, 2023 in Pasadena, CA. It returns Feb. 17 for Black History Month. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
A promotional photo of Grandmaster Flash, a founding father of hip-hop, and a flyer for the Back Door Club from 1978 are seen in Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. The exhibit is in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and will be on view until September. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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African American Festival
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach holds the 22nd annual African American Festival. The weekend event will include music, dance, storytelling, historical displays and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 24-25
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
Tickets: Aquarium admission is $44.95 for adults, $41.95 for seniors, $29.95 for children( ages 3-11) and free for children under age three and Aquarium members.
Information: 562-590-3100, aquariumofpacific.org
Black History Expo & Parade
Riverside’s annual Black History Expo, “It Takes a Village” returns with a parade, more than 40 different vendors selling food, artifacts, clothing, books and an event stage showcasing local entertainment.
When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Feb. 10
Where: Outside of City Hall, 3900 Main St., Riverside
Cost: Free
Information: https://www.riversideca.gov
Black History Parade and Festival
The City of Pasadena and the Black History Planning Committee are marking Black History Month by celebrating the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson and the 42nd annual Black History Parade. The festival will feature live music, food, and cultural celebrations.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 17
Where: The parade begins at Fair Oaks Avenue and Mountain View Street and ends at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., where the festival takes place from noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Information: cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/
‘Freestyle 101: Hip-Hop History’
Check out this new documentary that’s filled with a who’s who list of hip-hop stars that dives deep into the art of freestyle rapping. The documentary is narrated by Chuck D of Public Enemy and traces the evolution of freestyle rap. The film includes interviews with stars like Ice-T, RZA of the Wu Tang Clan, The Game, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, Sean Kingston and Ras Kass.
How to watch: Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube.
‘Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit’
This exhibition at the Grammy Museum runs through Sept. 4 and celebrates the 50-year anniversary of hip-hop by taking a deep dive into the cultural impact of the genre with a look at its humble origins, its effect on the overall musical landscape, street culture, the business world and activism.
When: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday-Sunday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; Closed on Tuesdays through September 2024
Where: The Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles.
Tickets: $12 for children and college students; $15 for seniors and military; $18 general admission
Information: 213-765-6800 or grammymuseum.org.
Los Angeles Black History Month Festival
The festival will feature an African American market place and a headlining set by R&B singer RoJames. There will also be discussions on topics including health, mental health and issues related to the African American community.
When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Feb. 18
Where: Pan Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Information: https://lablackhistorymonthfestival.com/
Menifee Art-A-Faire
The city is marking Black History Month with live music and an art show that honors Black men and women who have made historical accomplishments including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Jimi Hendrix and others.
When: 5:50-8:30 p.m., Feb. 16
Where: Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Road, Menifee
Cost: Free
Information: https://www.cityofmenifee.us
OC Black History Parade and Unity Festival
The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. and will include bands, floats, step dancers and drill teams. The day culminates with a festival that will include a college fair, arts and crafts, games, vendors and a food court.
When: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3
Where: 205 W. Center Promenade, Anaheim
Cost: Free
Information: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyHeritageCouncil/
Pan African Film & Arts Festival Festival
The two week-long celebration of film, art and culture includes film screenings, industry panels and other events all centered around the Black experience. It will include more than 200 films from all over the world.
When: Feb. 6-19
Where: Cinemark Baldwin Hills & XD, 4020 Marlton Avenue and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles
Cost: $13 for general admission
Information: www.paff.org/
‘This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement’
This exhibition at the Skirball Cultural Center features more than 150 photographs of the people who drove the Civil Rights movement. Besides the photographs it includes audio recordings of the photographers talking about their experiences, protest music, posters, newspapers and booklets.
When: Runs through Feb. 25
Where: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
Cost: $18 for general admission, free admission on Thursdays.
Information: 310-440-4500 or www.skirball.org/
