Every February, we honor and celebrate the countless achievements and legacies of Black Americans. The month-long observance serves as an important reminder to reflect on Black history all the time. We’ve rounded up some ways to celebrate Black History Month in L.A. through books, music, art, workshops, lectures and more, this month and beyond.
At the museum
Video artist and choreographer Blondell Cummings turned everyday activities like sweeping the floor or making dinner into works of art. Catch the exhibition, “Blondell Cummings: Dance as Moving Pictures” on display through Feb. 19 at Art + Practice in Leimert Park.
California African American Museum in Exposition Park is featuring a mix of in-person and virtual programs, including three new exhibitions, in celebration of Black History Month. “Troy Montes-Michie: Rock of Eye” exhibition opens Feb. 16, featuring the artist’s collages, drawings and sculptures. Black feminist theorist Tina Campt, Own F. Walker Professor of Humanities and Modern Culture and Media at Brown University, will dive deeper into the artist’s work during a virtual conversation with Montes-Michie on Feb. 16.
Take a virtual tour of the Los Angeles Firefighters Museum on Feb. 22 with historian Brent Burton. The first and only free-standing museum dedicated to the African American firefighter experience in the U.S. is also open to in-person visits Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Celebrate Black History Month at The GRAMMY Museum with special exhibits, programs and workshops. Current GRAMMY Award-nominee for Best New Artist, Jimmie Allen, will discuss his career with Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Wayne Brady on Feb. 10 at the Downtown L.A. museum. “Songs of Conscious, Sounds of Freedom” has been updated to include songs and sounds from the Black Lives Matter movement, LGBTQ+ rights and an expanded section dedicated to “The Sounds of Los Angeles.” On display though May 8.
Online
The Pasadena Rose Poets celebrate Black History Month and their five-year anniversary with a virtual poetry reading on Feb. 7, reading selections from their work as well as favorite poets past and present.
Join Pasadena Public Library librarians and California African American Museum’s research librarian Denise McIver for a virtual discussion of Nella Larsen’s book “Passing” on Feb. 26.
Browse the Asian Art Museum’s collection of resources, from book and movie recommendations to virtual programs, to help you celebrate Black History Month.
Food, music and entertainment
Enjoy a parent’s night out at The Groundlings as the celebrate Black History Month with sketch comedy Thursday nights at 8p.m. at their Melrose Ave. theatre. Actor and comedian Leonard Robinson directs special editions of “Cookin’ with GAS,” showcasing Black stars from “Call Me Kat,” “Insecure,” “Grand Crew,” and more.
Join the California African American Museum in celebrating Black farmers, chefs and entrepreneurs at the free Prosperity Market pop-up on Feb. 26. Explore farmers market produce, prepared foods, handcrafted goods, cooking demonstrations, a kids corner, live DJ and more.
Disneyland Resort honors Black heritage and culture with “Celebrate Soulfully,” which debuts at Disneyland in Anaheim. Celebrate with food, music, art and more all month long.
For kids and families
Join Southern California Children’s Museum and Brownish Books for a Story & Craft Mini Series featuring books by BIPOC authors and illustrators, Tuesdays at 10:30a.m. through March 1.
The free streaming service for kids ages 2-10, Sensical, celebrates Black storytellers through videos and podcasts. Join Raiyah and her teacher mom in “Kids Black History,” as they inspire kids to learn about Black history. “Kujo’s Kid Zone” by host Randy Quansah takes preschoolers on an adventure to encourage problem-solving, kindness and social awareness.
Amazon’s podcast studio Wondery and award-winning podcast company ABF Creative launched “Adventures of Cairo,” a new original podcast series for kids. The family-friendly show follows 7-year old Cairo as he learns and explores the world around him.
Online learning platform Outschool features interactive classes for kids ages 3-18, including classes that help young learners explore the rich history and inspirational leaders who define Black History Month. Some classes include “Influential Women of Color from History,” “Black History From a Decolonized Perspective” and more.
