Celebrating Black History Month In Los Angeles
Learning about Black history is essential no matter what month of the year, but during Black History Month there are many family-friendly events that make it easier than ever to teach kids about Black history, art, historical figures, and more. It is also an excellent opportunity to discuss and learn about social justice, diversity, and empathy. Check out our list of family-friendly events and activities to celebrate Black History Month in Los Angeles and the South Bay below.
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42nd Annual Black History Parade and Festival
Feb. 17
The City of Pasadena is hosting its 42nd annual celebration of Black History. Southern California’s longest-running Black History parade starts at 10 am at Fair Oaks Avenue and Figueroa Drive and ends at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. The festival follows until 4 pm, featuring live music, dance performances, food vendors, and more.
Black History Month Festival
Feb. 18
The Open Arms Food Pantry and Resource Center presents its 8th Annual Black History Month festival at the newly renovated West LA’s Pan Pacific Park. This year’s event will highlight “Children & Family” and focus on “Health & Wellness” of the African American community. The event will include live music performances, vendors, food trucks, and more!
Aquarium of the Pacific 22nd Annual African American Festival
Feb. 24-25
The Annual African-American Festival is back for another year of exciting festivities. Family-friendly activities include live music, dance performances, storytelling, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. Festival admission is included in your Aquarium ticket.
Black History Month: Children’s Art Festival
Feb. 15
Hosted at the Monrovia Community Center, this festival features children’s art from local schools.
Black History Month Storytime at Redondo Main Library
Feb. 23
Celebrate Black History Month with a special storytime featuring books by African American authors at the Redondo Beach Public Library.
Black History Month Marketplace
Feb. 25
Celebrate Black History Month at this family-friendly in-person marketplace at the Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room for a vibrant celebration of Black History Month!
Black History Parade and Expo
Feb. 24
The 56th Annual San Bernardino County Black History Parade and Expo celebrates “Unity in Community” for 2024. The parade kicks off at 10 am with marching bands and community groups. The Expo features children’s activities and a load of community resources. In addition, the event will also feature special guest speakers, live entertainment, merchants, and food vendors.
City of Santa Monica’s Black History Month 2024
Throughout Feb.
The City of Santa Monica has special events planned throughout February, including displays at the Santa Monica Public Library branches, movie screenings, live music performances, and more. This year’s celebration is focused on the theme “Black Media & the Arts.” These are a few of the events to check out:
- Thursday, Feb. 15: Food trucks & music (Big Blue Bus, 12 – 2 pm)
- Saturday, Feb. 24: Santa Monica Greens Festival (Virginia Avenue Park, 10 am – 2 pm)
- Thursday, Feb. 29: Screening of “The Wiz” (Santa Monica Library, MLK auditorium, 11:30 am and again at 3:30 pm)
- Every Wednesday: Santa Monica Black Lives Association Open House (520 Arizona Avenue, 11 am – 1 pm)
Pretend City Children’s Museum Black History Celebration
Throughout Feb.
All month, Pretend City will offer different exploration options to help young visitors learn about black historical figures who changed the United States for the better. Activities will include science and art projects as well as storytime.
African American Firefighter Museum
Sundays
This museum, housed inside Fire Station No. 30, one of two segregated firehouses in Los Angeles between 1924 and 1955, is the only museum in the United States dedicated to the historical fire service of African Americans. Every Sunday, the museum provides free 40-minute guided tours. Please book your visit in advance online.
Black History Month Events at LAPL
Throughout Feb.
The Los Angeles Public Library is always a great place for things to do with kids. Throughout February, branches across the city offer all kinds of programming, from storytimes to a STEM activity inspired by Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space. Check out our list of the best children’s books about Black History and take one home from the library!
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