It sneaks up on me every year and in a flash it’s over. Twenty eight days, packed with amazing events, film screenings, pop-up shops and exhibitions. To celebrate Black History Month is like the shortest of sprints; every second counts. It goes by much too fast- a whirlwind that gives me FOMO, every.single.year. This year, I’m trying something new. I’m planning ahead (for all of us). You can thank me later.
San Francisco
Friday, February 8th
Kick things off this Friday at the Sip and Shop at the African American Art & Culture Complex. Complete with fashion show, local artists and vendors, this event (in the historic Fillmore neighborhood) is a great way to highlight and celebrate our culture.
Sunday, February 17th
I’m excited about The Diaspora Party at the Fillmore Heritage Center for a few reasons. First, it’s exciting to see the Heritage Center reactivated after a long closure. Anyone who used to hit the Old School 90’s parties at Yoshi’s can attest to the need for that space to reopen. Second, this party sounds like a vibe waiting to happen. A free event, on a holiday weekend, great music, an awesome space. Vibes.
Tuesday, February 26th
Don’t miss the San Francisco Black History Month Cultural Experience. This free annual event, hosted by the Mayor and City leaders in the City Hall Rotunda, is one of the highlights I’m looking forward to this year. Tasty bites and wine, music, art and dancing. Sounds like a party you (and I) shouldn’t miss!
Oakland
Fridays, 5-9pm
Friday nights at the Oakland Museum of California are always a good time. Discounted museum admission, live music, dancing, Off the Grid food trucks and local vendors. To celebrate Black History Month, visit the Black Power exhibit, and then head downstairs to enjoy some wine and maybe a little salsa dancing.
Saturday, February 23rd
Get out in support of community and local artists at the Pop up Market and Mural Celebration for the unveiling of the “Authentically Oakland” mural by local artist, Andre Jones, Director of Bay Area Mural Program (B.A.M.P.).
San Jose
My recent trip to the African American Museum in DC, has me inspired. When TK sent me the link for the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose, I was excited to see what they have to offer. I’d love to check out one of their weekend workshops, where you can learn more about everything from hieroglyphs to Egyptian jewelry and cosmetics. Or take a scavenger hunt through the museum. This seems like a great activity to do with kids to celebrate Black History Month; though as our visit to Candytopia proved, my girls and I aren’t above doing ‘kid stuff’ without any kids 😉
Netflix and Chill
So maybe not specifically Netflix, maybe YouTube or Amazon Prime. You get my meaning- movie night! I’m a huge documentary fan (and used to work on them), so I’ve always got a list of favorites and a full queue. Learning about our diverse stories is a great way to celebrate Black History Month.
Your Black History Queue
Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
Music Monday
I love a great playlist. My Spotify serves as a soundtrack of sorts for my life. Fortunately, there is no shortage of great Black music- past and present. Put the Black History Salute on Spotify in your rotation this month; reminisce on some favorites and maybe even discover some new ones.
Brown Lady Bookshelf
I have always loved to read. I was the kid with the book light (yes, seriously) who hid under the covers, reading long after I was supposed to be asleep. Clearly, Black History Month is not the only good time to read- but is there ever a bad time to start a new book?
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
For more ideas, check out the Black History shelf on Good Reads; it has some of my all time favorites and some new ones I’m excited about.
Ready, Set, Go!
Hopefully this post inspires you to explore some new things to celebrate Black History Month. The good news is several of these options are available all year long, so you have more than twenty eight days.
Do you have any favorite Black History Month traditions? Any other books or films I should add to my list?
Happy Black History Month!