This Black History Month, Long Beach and Signal Hill boast a variety of opportunities to celebrate, learn about and recognize the contributions of the Black community, both locally and nationally.
From storytimes, movies and arts and crafts to live music, drum circles and festive celebrations, there are events for friends, families and everyone in the community.
This is a running list and will be updated throughout the month. Keep checking in for more events as the month goes on.
Wednesday 2/12
Now Is The Time VR Experience: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. An immersive virtual reality experience at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) that explores the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. This event is appropriate for all ages. Registration is required and space is limited. To register for this event, call the library at (562) 989-7323. Free.
Artist of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Children ages 7-12 are invited to create their own colorful paintings inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Drive) in honor of Black History Month. No registration required, but space is limited. Free.
Thursday 2/13
Bingo: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents of all ages are invited to flex their knowledge of Black History during these bingo sessions at the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.). Have fun while learning about the history and contributions of Black Americans. Free.
Tuesday 2/18
Virtual Author Talk: 11 a.m. Join journalist and author Lee Hawkins online for a conversation about his memoir, “I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free,” which explores his family’s legacy of post-enslavement trauma and resilience. Registration through the City’s online event calendar is required. Free.
Family Storytime: 4:30 p.m. Families with children ages 5 and under are invited to celebrate Black History Month with stories about love, crafts and playtime at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.). Free.
Wednesday 2/19
Crafternoon: 3:30 p.m. Children ages 6 and up are invited to celebrate Black History Month with a special story and craft at the El Dorado Neighborhood Library (2900 Studebaker Road). Free.
Thursday 2/20
Teens Celebrating Black History: 2 p.m. Teens are invited to the Dana Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.) for an afternoon of special activities, crafts, and games in celebration of Black History Month.
Bingo: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents of all ages are invited to flex their knowledge of Black History during these bingo sessions at the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.). Have fun while learning about the history and contributions of Black Americans. Free.
Teen Jeopardy: 4 p.m. Teens are invited to test their knowledge of Black History, win prizes and learn about the rich history and achievements of Black leaders and innovators at the El Dorado Neighborhood Library (2900 Studebaker Road). Free.
Family Game Night: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families are invited to celebrate Black History Month with games, trivia and fun at the Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E. Anaheim St.). Free.
The Jazz Sessions: 5 p.m. Celebrate Black History Month with a viewing of saxophonist Greg Osby’s solo performance at the Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.). Light refreshments will be served. Free.
Sixth District Elevate ’28: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Residents of the 6th district are invited to learn about the Elevate ’28 projects that will take place in the neighborhood, including steps to restore the VIP Records sign, developing the African American Cultural District and the Martin Luther King Jr. Park Master Plan.
Saturday 2/22
Family Movie Matinee: The public is invited to a screening of the film “Hidden Figures” at the Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E. Anaheim St.), which tells the story of three Black women whose mathematical and engineering contributions helped send American astronauts to space. Free.
Musical Performance Series and Crafts: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate Black History Month with an afternoon of music and creativity at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Attendees will be able to make their own shakers and rattles before joining in on a drum circle. Limited seating and supplies available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Sunday 2/23
Roots & Rhythm: 11 a.m. The Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy.) will host a Black History Month celebration featuring art, music, and performances inspired by Leimert Park, a historic center of African American culture in Los Angeles. The event will highlight local artists, spoken word and live performances. Tickets are available on the Queen Mary’s website for $15.
Monday 2/24
African Drums and Dance: 6 p.m. The Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E. Hill St.) will host a celebration of African culture featuring rhythmic drumming and dance. Djembe drums will be provided. This event is free and open to all ages. Free.
Tuesday 2/25
Black Neighborhood Tenants Council: 6 p.m. Black residents can learn about their rights as a renter, local politics and how to organize at Playnice (1029 E. Fourth St.). Free.
Wednesday 2/26
After School Storytime: 3:30 p.m. The Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E. Anaheim St.) will host a special storytime highlighting African American S.T.E.M. figures Mae C. Jemison and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Free.
Friday 2/28
Author Storytime: 11 a.m. to noon. Join author Kobina Commeh at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) for a reading of his newly published picture book, “Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim.” Participants will also craft their own Djembe Drum after the reading. Free.
Black Mosaic Music and Dance Showcase: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine invites the public to attend this music and dance showcase at the Long Beach Senior Center (1150 E. Fourth St.). The event will feature performances by the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate, Helena Donato-Sapp, the DramanaKone drum and dance group, and other local performers showcasing Black history and culture. Free.
This is a running list and will be updated throughout the month. Keep checking in for more events as the month goes on.
