Black History Month in Long Beach

Black History Month will be celebrated in events all over Long Beach in February, offering everything from artistic appreciation to professional growth to storytime for the kids. Check out what will be going on throughout the city at these gatherings designed to enrich both mind and spirit.

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER OF LONG BEACH

The African American Cultural Center of Long Beach, which endeavors to honor, celebrate and advance the culture of the Black/African American community, will celebrate Black History Month with a two-day event at the Expo Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave). The event will include a photo exhibit of Martin Luther King Jr., African Marketplace, Inventor and Artists Showcase as well as music, art and a children’s area with entertainment geared to kids.

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will host its African American Festival for the 22nd year. Featuring music, dance, storytelling and historical displays as well as the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. Admission to the event is free with a general admission ticket. It takes place over two days, February 24-25, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Courtesy of Baba the Storyteller

First Fridays, Bixby Knolls

The popular monthly Bixby Knolls event celebrates Black History Month with an evening of great food, drink, art and live music. The event, which runs from 6:30 to 9:30, will once again feature many businesses along Atlantic Avenue that will stay open late, many offering special deals. The Big Red Bus will be available to drive people around the district for free. The Bus will begin from Beachwood Brewing at 6:30pm and continue around the route until 9:30 PM.

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART

This annual event is always one of the most anticipated of its kind as the

Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.) celebrates the significant African influences seen in Latin America culture. The Afro-Latinx Festival not only celebrates that influence, but presents it, February 25 (11 AM to 5 PM) through performances like Street Dance Orixás and Colombian folk dance along with art workshops that include mindfulness through movement.

Credit: MOLAA

LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE

As in the past, Long Beach City College will celebrate Black Heritage Month through a series of events recognizing the achievements and contributions of those who have inspired others to achieve success. Join LBCC in celebrating Black/African American culture and history through a series of mind expanding sessions throughout the month of February. All virtual events will either be hosted through Zoom or presented through the official Long Beach City College YouTube channel.

Loiter Galleries

Loiter Galleries (425 The Promenade N) will present a new sculpture exhibition that shines a light on four women who, along with Rosa Parks, helped to set the Civil Rights movement in motion. "Power of Five: The Women who Sparked the Civil Rights Movement," features works by sculptor Larry Stokes, who created the "I Have a Dream," sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. located at MLK Park in Long Beach. The show runs from February 17 through March 23.

LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Long Beach Public Library is presenting “Our History, Our Future” throughout February at its various locations, beginning with its Black Excellence Professional Development Day at Billie Jean King Main Library (9200 W Broadway) from 1 to 4 PM. Other events include a storytime session featuring author C.M. Harris and the Black Voices Open Mic on Feb. 24 (12 to 3 PM) at Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E Hill St.) available to anyone to share their art, poetry or personal tales.

More to Explore

Art Museums in Long Beach Learn More

Insider’s Guide to the Aquarium of the Pacific Learn More

Events in Long Beach Learn More