This February, organizations throughout the US are celebrating black accomplishments, fostering black connections, and sharing and documenting black history. Here are just a few Black History Month events accessible to those in and around Los Gatos. We hope you utilize all these amazing offerings!
Los Gatos
Tween Book Club (Ages 10-13)
Tues, Jan 31 | 4-5 PM
”In preparation for Black History Month, join us for a discussion of the book, "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks. The sequel to this book, "On Air with Zoe Washington," will be published in February 2023 - don't miss out on the first book, or refresh your memory, so that you can read the sequel next month!”
Art Exhibition & Fundraiser: Highlighting Black Voices in Art and Advocacy
Multiple dates
”This special collaborative effort will feature the digital art of Kweli Bomaye and the words of Folake Phillips- The Founder & Executive Director of AWỌ.
To learn more about both Kweli and Folake, please visit diasporianart.com and awocenter.org
This exhibition will showcase future ideas for homes and imaginative spaces. Where living communities could exist. The pair hope that this “Revolutionary Homes” Collection will inspire people to think of equitable solutions for future homes and living communities. “Art sales during this month-long exhibit will assist AWỌ in covering the cost of providing music therapy and sound healing workshops during AWỌ's “A Place To Call Home” series involving women and girls experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness.”
Oakland
The 6th annual Black Joy Parade
Sun, Feb 26 | 12:30 PM
”Celebrate the Black experience past, present and future. We invite you to come be present, be creative, be open and be free.”
Black Liberation Walking Tour
Multiple dates
”A project of the West Oakland Cultural Action Network (WOCAN), the BLWT captures oral histories to document the lives, art, and culture of long-time residents, historical figures, and rapidly disappearing former Black cultural spaces. They are creating this archive to mitigate cultural erasure and physical displacement.”
Black History Onsite Performance (Grades K-6)
Multiple dates
”Experience an interactive performance that celebrates the dreams and accomplishments of Black musicians and leaders, on OMCA’s new outdoor garden stage.”
A Spectacular Black Girl Art Show
Sun, Feb 5 | 3-9 PM
”A Spectacular Black Girl Art Show is a national exhibition experience celebrating black women artists using various forms of media.”
Richmond
Art of the African Diaspora
Multiple dates
Art of the African Diaspora, in partnership with Richmond Art Center, supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community.
Redwood City
BraveMaker: Black History Celebration: 2 Short Films & Discussion
Tues, Feb 28 | 6:30-9 PM
”Two Black filmmakers share and discuss their short doc films elevating the Black experience.”
San José
Layered: Defining Our Relationship with African American Hair
Fri, Feb 3 | 5 PM
”Join the ICA San José on Friday, February 3rd at 5 PM for a conversation with artists and poets on the topic of hair for black history month.”
First Friday | Black/Pacific: The Geography of Freedom
Fri, Feb 3 | 6–9 PM
”For Black History Month, Mosaic America presents Black/Pacific: The Geography of Freedom, a performance by RIGHTSTARTER at First Friday. Through ancient and contemporary beats, rhymes, and rhythms, RIGHTSTARTER presents a unique Black + Brown musical fusion that showcases the drum as a connective tissue between African and Pacific cultures from pre-colonization to the present.”
Black to the Future San Jose
Multiple dates
”A series of events in observance of Black History Month, celebrating Black people, Black culture, and Black spaces in San Jose, CA.”
Santa Cruz
Black History Month Film Series with Father Taj
Multiple dates
”Every Thursday in February, join us for a film and discussion centered around the Black experience. These are community events; all are welcome.”
Virtual
The History of African Americans in Santa Clara County
Tues, Feb 28 | 7 PM
“Noted author Jan Batiste Adkins will discuss her book by the same title on the migration of African Americans to the Bay Area and Santa Clara County.”
The Maritime Underground Railroad
Wed, Feb 23 | 7-7:45 PM
”For Black History Month, a panel discusses how enslaved people achieved their freedom and what the journey by sea looked like for many African Americans. Featuring Timothy D. Walker, Cheryl Janifer LaRoche, and Cassandra Newby-Alexander, and moderated by Kluge Center Director John Haskell.”
Posted by Jamie Donofrio, NUMU’s Development + Communications Coordinator
Questions? Email jamie@numulosgatos.org.
