February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, history and culture of the Black community.
In Southern California, various events celebrate this month, from creative workshops and 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 most everyone.
Here’s a roundup of 10 events taking place across the region in celebration of Black History Month.
African American Firefighter Museum
You can explore history via the museum, which opened in 1997 and is inside Los Angeles Fire Station No. 30. The 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 firefighters’ legacy in Los Angeles.
Where: 1401 S. Central Ave.
When: 1-3 p.m. Sundays
Admission: Free
100 Films Retreat #8 Black History Month Celebration
This in-person event blends an independent film festival with a professional entertainment industry retreat. Free worldwide short film screenings include “Hapless Revenge” (Iran), “Unspoken” (South Africa) and “Winegame” (Armenia). Hollywood talent agent Zoey Allen will conduct actor interviews for the first 10 participants who purchase Phillip E. Walker’s talent workbook.
Where: Solamonte Glass Booth, 9200 Milliken Ave., Rancho Cucamonga
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Admission: Free; RSVP at allevents.com.
“I Am a Man: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement”
The exhibition focuses on the movement in the South in the ’60s and ’70s. Visitors can view photographs taken by amateurs, local photojournalists and international photographers in the heat of the movement that show it evolution. Key events include James Meredith’s admission to the University of Mississippi, Ku Klux Klan gatherings, the Selma to Montgomery marches 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: Monday through March 26. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
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 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. Feb. 7
Admission: Free
Paint & Sip for Black History Month
You can take part in an afternoon of creativity while learning about a featured artist in celebration of Black History Month. This event is suited to beginners and art enthusiasts alike. Registration is required, and participants must have an L.A. County Library card.
Where: Lawndale Library, 14615 Burin Ave., Lawndale
When: 3-4 p.m. Feb. 8
Admission: Free with an L.A. County Library card. Register at visit.lacountylibrary.org.
Motown Mania
You can revisit the classic songs and stars of the Motown era — 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, featuring soft harmonies and the era’s choreography.
Where: Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks
When: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8
Admission: Tickets start at $64.35 at Ticketmaster.com.
LA Voices: Black History Celebration with Inner-City Youth Orchestra of L.A.
The ensemble is one of the largest predominantly Black orchestras in America. In collaboration with African Americans for L.A. Opera, this evening will feature compositions by Black composers, including “Black National Anthem,” by orchestra 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 W. Eighth St., Los Angeles
When: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 9
Admission: All LA Voices events are free. Register for tickets at eventbrite.com.
44th Annual Black History Expo & Parade
The expo will feature over 40 vendors selling food, artifacts, clothing, books and more; information booths; and local entertainers.
Where: Outside 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
SoulPlay Yoga offers a 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.
Where: SoulPlay Yoga, 9711 Washington Blvd., Culver City
When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 22; doors open at 3:15 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $35 at Eventbrite.com.
Black Images: A Black History Month Poetry Slam
Spoken word performances will celebrate Black history and culture. Hosted by award winner 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
When: 2:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 23
Admission: Free; RSVP at Eventbrite.com.
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