“Black Resistance” is that this 12 months’s official theme for February’s Black History Month remark, dedicated to the legacy of African American culture in America. Though it was only celebrated for per week until 1976, with events starting on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in mid-January, the San Francisco Public Library programming duly notes that it’s “More Than a Month.”
Observed within the U.S. and other parts of the world, Black History Month events encourage community members to reflect on what they will do to raised confront racism and oppression. These offerings help honor the legacy of distinguished voices, in addition to provide resources for community constructing through social motion, lectures, live performances, visual arts and more.
Here’s how Bay Area organizations and humanities institutions plan to have a good time Black History Month in 2023:
The Indigo Project: Ancestral Reverence Revival Artist Panel
An artist talk led by Ayitian-American independent curator/Black queer artivist Isha Rosemond and independent curator Bushmama Africa, with participating artists of “The Indigo Project” group exhibition.
6-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. Free-$10, reservations required. SomArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan St., S.F. 415-863-1414. somarts.org
Black History Month Kick-Off
Mark the beginning of Black History Month with a commemorative event and musical procession starting on the Goodlett Place side of City Hall Plaza, heading through Civic Center Park to the principal library. Usher within the occasion with dancing and live music from the Recent Orleans style brass band, MJ’s Brass Boppers.
Noon Friday, Feb. 3. Free. City Hall Rotunda, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, S.F. 415-557-4400. sfaahcs.org
Oakland First Fridays x Black Love
The monthly outdoor event in Oakland plans to have a good time the theme of “Black Love.” It is about to feature food, artisan and retail vendors, in addition to Black artists, live entertainment and more.
5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Free. Telegraph Avenue, Oakland. 510-361-0615. oaklandfirstfridays.org
Engage Symposium: Photography, Fashion and Black Representation
This 12 months’s Symposium, inspired by MoAD’s current exhibition, “The Recent Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion,” will feature conversations with innovators in art, fashion and photography, with a live music component. Guests will include vocalist Tiffany Austin; African multi-instrumentalist Keenan Webster; author Antwaun Sargent; Senegalese clothier Diarra Bousso; photographers Djeneba Aduayom, Awol Erizku and more.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. $45-$85, reservations really useful. Museum of African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., S.F. 415-318-7152. moadsf.org
USS Hornet Black History Month Celebration
The National Park Service will give a presentation concerning the Port Chicago 50. The brand new “African Americans within the Military” exhibition, created by the Walking Ghosts of Black History and NPS, will likely be open to attendees.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Included with museum admission. USS Hornet Museum, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda. 510-521-8448. uss-hornet.org
twentieth Annual Black College Expo
Seniors, juniors and transfer students can meet one-on-one and get educational resources from greater than 40 historically Black universities and over 150 other institutions. Activities from 3 to five p.m. are set to incorporate a “Step Show,” and dance-off with celebrity hosts and prizes.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. $7-$10, reservation really useful. Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland. 877-427-4100. thecollegeexpo.org
Black History Month on the CJC
Throughout the month, the conservatory will likely be presenting high-caliber performances, including guitarist Jacques Lesure’s Quintet (Saturday, Feb. 4) with drummer Marvin ‘Smitty’ Smith, Marcus Shelby (Feb. 11) and Charles McPherson quartets (Feb. 17) offering original compositions, together with works written by, and celebrating, Black composers and musicians.
8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, Feb. 11 and Feb. 17. $20-$35, reservations really useful. Rendon Hall, California Jazz Conservatory, 2040 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-845-5373. concert events.cjc.edu
Black History Month Gospel Brunch
Featuring brunch, live music, entertainment, giveaways and more.
Noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. $25-$40, reservations really useful. Calvary Hill Community Church, 141 Industrial St., S.F. calvaryhillsf.com
Ambrose Akinmusire / Ron Carter Duo
On his third night as resident artistic director, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire will offer a duo performance with the long-lasting bassist/composer/1998 NEA Jazz Master, Ron Carter.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. $30-$70, reservations really useful. SFJazz, 201 Franklin St., S.F. 866-920-5299. sfjazz.org
Friday Nights at OMCA with Destiny Muhammad Jazz Trio
Off the Grid food trucks, DJ sets from Juan G and live music from Destiny Muhammad Jazz Trio, honoring the legacy of Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby, will likely be happening on the museum campus.
5-9 p.m. Feb. 10. Free. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. museumca.org
‘From Enslavement to the Path of Freedom: The Power of Black Resistance’ Exhibition
Curated by Petaluma Blacks for Community Development, the exhibition addresses ongoing oppression encountered by African Americans.
Open house/docent tour 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 10 through March 26. Free. Petaluma Historical Museum, 20 Fourth St., Petaluma. 707-778-4398. petalumamuseum.com
Roots of Faith: An Offering of Sacred Song and Movement
Explore living links between African and African American spiritual musical traditions with the Awon Ohun Omnira (Voices of Freedom) choir. Led by musical/artistic director Tobaji Stewart, Yoruba chants for the ancestors accompanied by Bata drums will likely be followed by a community Ring Shout.
9:30 a.m.-noon Feb. 11. Free-$60, reservations required. Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-430-2255. mills.northeastern.edu
Black History Month Point Pinole Stroll
Have fun Black History Month with a stroll around Point Pinole. Learn concerning the local history of Parchester Village, explore the Dotson family marsh and listen to concerning the history of the family it was named after.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 11. Free. Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, 5551 Giant Hwy, Richmond. 510-544-2233. baynature.org
Oakland Civic Orchestra: ‘Portraits in Music’
Martha Stoddard and Christine Brandes will conduct a program that features violinist Christina Walton because the soloist in Bartok’s “Two Portraits,” and likewise includes William Grant Still’s “Darker America” and Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 7.”
4 p.m. Feb. 11. Free, reservations really useful. Valley Center for the Performing Arts, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. oaklandcivicorchestra.com
Words That Made the Difference: ‘Brown v. Board of Education’
A live theatrical performance from award-winning playwright/director Cindy Acker commemorates Black History Month. Based on actual events within the fight to finish school segregation, the script draws from trial transcripts of cases brought before the Supreme Court, culminating within the famous 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. There will likely be a pre-show talk with Acker, and a post-performance discussion with the solid.
6:15-10 p.m. Feb. 11. Free, reservations required. Unity, Palo Alto, 3391 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. 650-494-7222. unitypaloalto.org
SFBATCO Presents: ‘I, T00, Sing America’ Album Release Party
Mingle with solid and creatives as they have a good time the discharge of an original solid recording of their award-winning musical theater project. Admission features a night of live entertainment, DJ dance sets, catering, open bar and more.
7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 11. $30-$55, reservations required; 18 and older. Brava Theater Center Cabaret, 2781 twenty fourth St., S.F. 415-484-8566. sfbatco.org
Experience Sankofa Project: Black History, Black Future, Black Now
An progressive immersive art installation combines history, live performance and sacred altars into an interactive timeline of African and American history. Light refreshments will likely be provided.
1:30-4 p.m. Feb. 12. $16.19, masks indoors and reservations required. Spearitwurx Center for Culture & Wellness, Eastmont Town Center, 7200 Bancroft Ave., Oakland. spearitwurx.com
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Eighth Annual Black History Month Performance
Founded in 1986, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir was born out of a gospel music workshop led by Terrance Kelly at Living Jazz’s Jazz Camp West. Since then, the award-winning choir’s stirring repertoire has led to performances with a wide range of esteemed groups.
7 p.m. Feb. 12. $26-$30, reservations really useful. Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-644-2020. thefreight.org
After Dark: ‘Black Excellence, Black Invention’
Presented in partnership with the S.F. Public Library, in celebration of their exhibition, “Black Excellence, Black Invention,” the evening’s program shines a lightweight on missed stories of Black inventors with curators Carolyn Ransom-Scott, Shawna Sherman and historian/storyteller Kathy Cotton. Food and drinks will likely be available for purchase.
6-10 p.m. Feb. 16. $19.95, 18 and older; reservations required. Exploratorium, Pier 15 S.F. 415-528-4444. exploratorium.edu
San Jose Jazz Winter Fest: Jazzmeia Horn with the Marcus Shelby Orchestra
A winner of each the Sarah Vaughan and the Thelonious Monk Institute international jazz competitions, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn will perform arrangements from her most up-to-date album, “Dear Love,” accompanied by the Marcus Shelby Orchestra and featuring internationally recognized Ukrainian trumpeter Dennis Adu.
7:30 p.m. Feb. 16. $35, reservations really useful. Mayer Theater, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. 408-288-7557. sanjosejazz.org/events
Hammer Presents: Philadanco
Founded in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, the Philadelphia Dance Company was created to assist fill the necessity for study and performance opportunities for Black dancers.
7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-17. $45-$60, reservations required. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408-924-8501. hammersjsu.wpengine.com
Black Opry Revue
A musical revue showcasing the range in sound and stories from Black country music artists Serafia, Deidra Hall, Destinie Lynn and Autumn Nicholas.
8 p.m. Feb. 17. $13-$26, reservations really useful. Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. 510-644-2020. thefreight.org
Black Liberation Walking Tour: Black History, Art and Culture in historic West Oakland
A project of the West Oakland Cultural Motion Network, the tour captures oral histories to document the lives, art and culture of longtime residents, historical figures and rapidly disappearing former Black cultural spaces.
10 a.m.-noon Feb. 18. Free-$50, reservations required. 804 twenty seventh St., 804 twenty seventh St., Oakland. thewocan.org
SFJazz Family Matinee: Marcus Shelby Recent Orchestra
The ensemble combines music, text and video in a family-friendly live performance that addresses Black history past, present and future, and includes original compositions.
11 a.m. Feb. 18. $5-$23, reservations really useful. SFJazz, 201 Franklin St., S.F. 866-920-5299. sfjazz.org
Black Life: An Evening with Paige Taul
Hosted by Black Life co-producer Ruth Gebreyesus, this system will include a screening of short experimental film works and a conversation with the Oakland-born filmmaker Paige Taul.
5 p.m. Feb. 18. $10-$14, reservations required. BAMPFA, 2155 Center St., Berkeley. 510-642-0808. bampfa.org
Black Cab Jazz: Orrin Evans Trio
Hammer Theater Center ends its Black Cab Jazz series with Grammy-nominated pianist Orrin Evans and his trio.
7 p.m. Feb. 22. $25-$35, reservations required. Hammer4 Studio, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408-924-8501. hammersjsu.wpengine.com
Felwine Sarr: Music, Freedom, Africa
A musical discussion with the Senegalese author, composer and musician. Live music and poetry will take center stage as he performs songs and converses with UC Berkeley professor Natalia Brizuela.
5:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Included with museum admission; reservations required. Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, 2155 Center St., Berkeley. 510-642-0808. bampfa.org
Center for Literary Arts: Hanif Abdurraqib
The award-winning, Recent York Times bestselling poet and essayist will read from his works and converse with SJCC professor/entrepreneur Khalid White.
7 p.m. Feb. 23. Free, reservations required for live stream and in-person attendance. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408-924-8501. clasanjose.org
Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble
Don’t miss the chance to ascertain out this ensemble, which has toured internationally and recorded many celebrated projects over the past 45 years, in an intimate Berkeley listening room. The band will feature trumpeter Corey Wilkes, baritone saxophonist Alex Hardin and percussionist/composer Kahil El’Zabar.
8 p.m. Feb. 24. $25, under 12 free; reservations really useful. The Backroom, 1984 Bonita Ave., Berkeley. 510-654-3808. backroommusic.com
S.F. African American Arts & Cultural District Gala Fundraiser
A showcase of live performances, fashion, and community inspiration celebrating the Black culture of San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunterspoint neighborhood. The event will include key note speaker artist Aniyia Williams and will likely be hosted by CBS-KPIX news director Carla Duke.
5-9 p.m. Feb. 25. $100, reservations required. Bayview Opera House, 4705 Third St., S.F. 415-819-1149. sfaaacd.org
Sixth Annual Black Joy Parade and Festival
This family-friendly event celebrates joy in California’s Black community. The festival is about to feature greater than 200 local artists, food and drinks vendors, live performances on two stages and more.
Parade starts 12:30 p.m. Feb. 26; festival will likely be noon-7 p.m. Free; registration encouraged. Parade starts at 14th and Franklin streets, Oakland. Festival entrance at twentieth Street and Franklin, Oakland. blackjoyparade.org
Black Joy Parade Official Afterparty
The Black Joy Parade takes place across the corner and Toasted Life will likely be hosting the official afterparty where joyfulness is prioritized.
7 p.m. Feb. 26. $10-$20, reservations really useful. Crybaby, 1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. crybaby.live
Grace Cathedral Sound Bath: Celebrating Black History Month
Presented by Grace Cathedral, the event will feature performances from the Fractals of Sound ensemble and Destiny Muhammad, making a soundscape deeply rooted in world music. Bring a yoga mat and/or blanket for a deeply meditative and immersive sonic journey.
7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 27. $25-$80, reservations really useful. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., S.F. 415-749-6300. gracecathedral.org
Richmond Art Center: Art of the African Diaspora
The twenty sixth annual Bay Area Black artists group exhibition features works from greater than 120 artists of African descent, showcased on the Richmond Art Center and in satellite exhibitions at venues across the Bay Area. See website for offsite schedule details.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Through March 18. Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond. 510-620-6772. richmondartcenter.org
