The City of Signal Hill will host a series of events honoring Black History Month during the month of February. The community will kick off the beginning of the month with the raising of a commemorative flag on Feb. 1 at Signal Hill City Hall, followed by a range of educational and entertaining events.
According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Black History Month originated from a week-long celebration of Black history and literature in 1924 organized by Carter G. Woodson and the fraternity Omega Psi Phi. In the late 1960s, this was gradually replaced by Black History Month.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, co-founded by Woodson, chooses a different theme each year for Black History Month. The theme for 2023 is “Black Resistance: Building Bridges and Navigating Barriers.” Every president since Gerald Ford has recognized and endorsed the theme for Black History Month.
Wednesday 2/1
Flag Raising: 9 a.m. Mayor Tina Hansen and the Diversity Coalition Committee invites the public to watch the raising of the Black History Month flag in front of Signal Hill City Hall (2175 Cherry Ave.). Public officials will give short speeches. Light refreshments will be available. Free.
Thursday 2/2
Film Screening: 2:30 pm to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the 1963 comedy drama film “Lilies of the Field” at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.).The film follows the story of a jack-of-all-trades who assists a group of Eastern European nuns trying to build a chapel in Arizona. Free.
Tuesday 2/7
We Were There: Grammy award-winning storyteller Diane Ferlatte will host a presentation on stories of shared cultures and history in the Signal Hill Public Library’s Community Room (1800 E Hill St.). Farlatte’s website describes the program as “not Black History, but Blacks in American History.” Free.
Thursday 2/9
Film Screening: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the 2014 documentary “Through A Lens Darkly” at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). The documentary explores Black history through the work of Black photographers. Free.
Thursday 2/16
Film Screening: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the Marvel movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). The movie follows the story of the Wakandan royal family after the death of King T’Challa. Free.
Saturday 2/18
It’s In You: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Children’s author Sharifa Anozie will host a reading of her book “It’s In You” at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). The story follows a butterfly’s life cycle to inspire children to dream big and persevere. There will be an opportunity to ask the author questions. Children will be able to complete a craft. Free.
Thursday 2/23
Ancient Egypt: 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Author Legrand H. Clegg will give a presentation about ancient Egypt, the African origin of the human race and more at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Free.
Film Screening: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to a screening of the 1989 documentary “Ida B. Wells: A Passion For Justice” at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). The documentary tells the story of journalist and activist Ida B. Wells during the post-reconstruction period in the United States. Free.
