It’s February, which means it’s Black History Month! A time for us to highlight history and celebrate the culture of African/Black Americans in the United States, past and present. From local festivals and live music to special exhibitions, there are plenty of ways to honor Black History this month — and beyond in Los Angeles!
1. Inaugural Black History Event at Westfield Culver City
Oscar, Emmy, and three-time Grammy winner Common will kick off Westfield Culver City’s inaugural Black History Month celebration — which will feature a variety of special guests, activities, and programming. On Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Malik Books, the acclaimed performer, artist, and activist will discuss personal tales and the keys to successful self-care from his latest book, “And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self,” which focuses on health and wellbeing. More info here!
🗓️ When: February 3, 2024 at 3 p.m.
📍Location: 6000 Sepulveda Boulevard Culver City, CA 90230 (Malik Books, situated on the second level of the mall)
2. OC Black History Parade & Unity Festival
The Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival is a celebration of African American culture and achievements. It serves as a platform to highlight the contributions of individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. This year, the event will pay tribute to Big Boy, who has become an icon in the radio industry and a pillar to his community. More info here!
🗓️ When: Saturday, February 3, 2024. Parade starts at 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. Unity Fest: 12 p.m. — 4 p.m.
📍Location: Pearson Park 400 N. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805. Free parking will be provided and accommodation for seniors with dedicated tent/seating.
3. 8th Annual L.A. Black History Month Festival
Open Arms Food Pantry and Resource Center have teamed up once again for their 8th Annual Black History Month Festival taking place on February 18, 2024. Their programming includes special guest speakers, live music, an African marketplace, and discussions on topics including health, mental health, and issues related to the African American community. Free to the public. More info here!
🗓️ When: February 18, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍Location: 600 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036
4. Hip Hop Til Infinity
Hip Hop was created by Black Americans as a powerful movement and an expression of the Black experience in America. Hip Hop Til Infinity presented by Mass Appeal, is not just an exhibition — it’s a visual mixtape that takes you on an immersive trip across 50 years of Hip Hop.
🎟️ Tickets: You can grab your tickets to Hip Hop Til Infinity here!
📍Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
5. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Just in time for Black History Month and on the heels of Quinta Brunson’s Emmy win, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood has introduced a brand-new Black excellence exhibit. Following her recent Emmy win, fans can see costumes worn by Quinta Brunson, in Abbott Elementary, and outfits worn by Morgan Freeman in Oscar winners like Driving Miss Daisy, Million Dollar Baby, and more in Stage 48: “Script to Screen. They have also brought back their Southern California discount. SoCal residents can now purchase their tickets for any of the tour experiences for a discounted price (as low as $58) until May 31. More information can be found here!
📍Location: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
6. Grammy Museum
In celebration of Black History Month, the Grammy Museum has special programming this month focusing on community engagement:
- February 8, 2024: History of Hip-Hop Education Workshop
- February 10, 2024: Family Time — Grandma’s Hands
- February 12, 2024: Celebrating James Brown — Say It Loud
- February 17, 2024: Backstage Pass — “TheWiz”
- February 22, 2024: History of Hip-Hop Education Workshop
- February 22, 2024: Reel To Reel: A Hip Hop Story
7. Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight Concerts are continuing to blow audiences away at several breathtaking venues across L.A. If you haven’t already been to one of Candlelight’s intimate evenings, then you’re in for a real treat. This month they are highlight some of your Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, and Jazz favorites—all in the charming glow of candlelight.
🎟️Tickets/Dates:
- February 22, 2023: A Tribute to Louis Armstrong
- February 23, 2024: A Tribute to Whitney Houston
- April 11, 2024: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
8. Support these 30 black-owned businesses in L.A.
While there are plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month, shopping from Black-owned businesses year round is a powerful way for communities to connect and grow. Los Angeles is home to some incredible cafes, vibrant flower shops, creative fashion brands, and more. Check out our list of 30 magnificent Black-owned businesses that you need to know about here!
9. Black History Month Umoja 5k
For this Black History Month, join the local community in person or online for the Umoja 5k race commemorating the past, present and continued Black excellence. Umoja is the first principle of Kwanzaa and represents the power of unity. Allies are welcome! Register here.
🗓️ When:
- In person race is Saturday, February 17, 2024
- Virtual race takes place from February 12 — 19, 2024
📍Location: 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA US 90293
10. City of Inglewood’s Black History Month Celebration
Join the City of Inglewood’s Black History Month Celebration! Friends and family can expect live music, local vendors, arts & crafts, and so much more. You can find more details here or contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at (310) 412-8750.
🗓️ When: Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
📍Location: Along Market Street (from Regent Street to Hillcrest Boulevard) in Downtown Inglewood
11. Academy Museum
Step into history and celebrate the Black trailblazers who shaped America at The Academy Museum. In celebration of Black History Month, guests can explore videos built to educate viewers about the contributions of Black people, created by legendary producer-director Neema Barnette and filmmaker Reed R. McCants. You can visit the museum educators on Friday afternoons in the Netflix Lounge for this interactive experience, where you can watch as many mini docs as you’d like. These short videos will include iconic figures such as Josephine Baker, Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge, Sammy Davis Jr., Lena Horne, Curtis Mayfield, Hazel Scott, Coretta Scott King, and Frederick Douglass.
All are welcome to join these public interactive experiences — free with admissionfrom 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
📍Location: 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
12. MOLAA: Afro-Latinx Festival
MOLAA is inviting guests to their special Afro-Latinx Festival celebrating the cultural diversity of the Americas and the African influence in Latin America! MOLAA’s Afro-Latinx Festival recognizes the importance of African legacy in Latin America through highlighting food, art workshops, live performances, Afro-Latinx owned businesses, and a live DJ performance. More info here!
🎟️ Tickets: Sunday’s are free to the public at MOLAA
🗓️ When: February 25, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
📍Location: 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
13. Pasadena Black History Month Parade
The City of Pasadena’s Black History Parade is one of Southern California’s largest and longest-running Black history parades. Following the incredible parade will be a festival taking place at Robinson Park and will feature live bands, dance performances, community booths, guest speakers, food for purchase, and more! More info here.
🗓️ When: February 17, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
📍 Location: The Parade begins on N. Fair Oaks Ave. and Mountain View Street from 10:00 am until 12:00 p.m.
The Festival begins at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
14. African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB)
The African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB) preserves and honors the history and culture of the Black/African American community locally and beyond. This month, you can explore their exhibit that highlights the powerful achievements and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King Jr. Folks will be able to take in images of historical leaders and heroes who fought and paved the way for the rights that we have today. Visit their site here.
📍 Location: 4321 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
15. Visit these incredible African American contributions to L.A.
Discover the unsung heroes of the past and beloved creators that have made L.A. what it is today. Black History Month is about educating yourself and celebrating the inspiring African Americans who have made invaluable contributions to the world. Find a map of L.A.’s African American heritage sites here!