Black History Month in Long Beach

Black History Month will be observed and celebrated all over Long Beach in February. From a historical exhibit to a recent historic election, the Black experience will be celebrated, and recognized through community storytelling, art, performance and numerous gatherings designed to enrich both mind and body.

AFRO-LATINX FESTIVAL, MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART

The Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.) will once again celebrate the cultural diversity of the Americas, as well as African influences in Latin America, with its Afro-Latinx Festival, February 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum will present a diversity of experiences of artists, scholars, community organizers as well as business leaders. There will also be art workshops as well as food and activities such as live music and DJ performances.

AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL, AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

For the 21st time, the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will host its African American Festival, an event featuring music, dance, storytelling, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. The free (with general admission ticket), two-day event takes place February 25-26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Aquarium will also announce and celebrate the recipients of its 2023 African American Scholar Program, which supports exceptional African American students pursuing fields of study related to the aquarium.

Courtesy of Baba the Storyteller

BEATS + BREATHWORK

This event at Studio H Conditioning (3732 Pacific Coast Hwy.), is designed for those who identify as people of color, specifically of African descent. A breathwork event that takes place February 22, it is an active meditation that invites expanded states of consciousness that allows participants to release stuck emotions and energies. It will be set against a backdrop of self-affirming music, spanning soul, funk, Latin and African genres. There will be a community altar for photos, gifts and offerings. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with the practice beginning at 11:35 a.m.

FORGING THE FUTURE

The Andy Street Community Association presents Forging the Future: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, Feb. 10 at the Seaside Rooms at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center (300 E. Ocean Blvd.). The event, the 11th annual Black History Month Showcase Event, takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will honor Rex Richardson, the first Black Mayor of Long Beach.

BLACK HERITAGE EVENTS, LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE

As in the past, Long Beach City College will celebrate Black/African American culture and history through a series of interesting and entertaining events. Events include a free screening of Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever on February 10, a February 14 viewing of Forgotten Images, an exhibit of African American artifacts showcasing the unique culture of the African diaspora and, on February 23, the second annual Black Heritage Month Performing Arts Showcase, featuring a display of student and local talent.