Black History Month in Long Beach

Long Beach City College will commence a month of events celebrating Black/African American culture and history, including film screenings, educational events, and a panel with Black elected officials. Its Black History Month Kickoff will be held on Feb. 6 from 12 to 2PM at its Liberal Arts Campus (4901 E Carson St) at the T Building. This free event will feature live music, food, and more. For details on all the events, visit the LBCC website.

This two-day event presented by Black History Long Beach, in collaboration with Senate Majority Leader, Lena Gonzalez and Long Beach Forward, kicks off Feb. 20 at 11:30AM with a special luncheon the Westin Long Beach (333 E Ocean Blvd). The luncheon will feature guest speaker Joanna S. Jackson, President & CEO, Weingart Foundation, as well as honorees of California Senate District 33 and CEO Diversity Awards. On Feb. 22 at 1:30PM, the Art Theater will host a viewing of a film dealing with reparations, followed by a panel discussion and resource fair. For more information, contact LaVerne Duncan at: connectld696@gmail.com.

The Long Beach Public Library will host events at all library locations across the city in celebration of Black History Month. The theme "For the Culture" will be realized through author talks, film screenings, storytimes for kids, and more. A free two-day kickoff event on Feb. 7 and 8 in collaboration with the Forgotten Images and the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (4321 Atlantic Ave) will feature live music, a fashion show, family portrait sessions, a spades tournament, vendors, and giveaways. For details on LBPL Black History Month events and offerings, visit the website.

Enjoy all manner of entertainment, storytelling, and exhibits, while learning about local African American pioneers at Legacy & Unity: Black History Celebration on the Downtown Promenade (301 The Promenade N). Hosted by DIG LIFE, Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, and the Long Beach-Mombasa Sister Cities Association, this free outdoor festival takes place Feb. 8 from 12 to 4PM and offers live entertainment, family-friendly activities, Black-owned businesses, wellness resources and cultural exhibits.