Black History Month, celebrated each February since 1926, is recognized across California through a variety of events and activities that highlight African American history and culture. The commemoration began with Carter G. Woodson’s establishment of Negro History Week nearly a century ago.
Susan Anderson, history curator at the California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles, said, “Both the natural landscape and built environment of our state are filled with the significance of California’s African American past. Black history is often under-researched and underrepresented, and there is so much out there for people to experience year-round. Black History Month is a way of opening that door.”
Historical sites throughout California provide opportunities to learn about African American contributions to the state. In San Diego County, the Julian Gold Rush Hotel was founded by Margaret and Albert Robinson in 1887. Tulare County’s Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park marks the site of a town founded and governed by African Americans in 1908. Other locations include Stockton’s Moses Rogers House and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, where African American miners played significant roles during the Gold Rush era.
Major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles feature places like Biddy Mason Memorial Park and El Pueblo de Los Angeles, which acknowledge key figures and communities from California’s past. In Northern California, Oakland is home to former Black Panther Party locations like It’s All Good Bakery, while San Francisco commemorates Mary Ellen Pleasant at her namesake park.
Organizations across the state are hosting events for Black History Month 2026 under the theme “African Americans and Labor.” The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs lists citywide programs including an African Marketplace and Drum Circle at Leimert Park farmers’ market, as well as the 45th Annual Black Doll Show at William Grant Still Art Center. CAAM will present exhibitions such as “These Walking Glories” by Sage Ni’Ja Whitson until April 5; film screenings like “Sometimes I Feel Like I Am Almost Home” by J.J. Anderson through March 22; and “The Black Interior,” an exhibit examining artists’ domestic spaces.
On February 4, L.A. County Library will host an event focused on artist Kara Walker for teens aged 12-18. The annual Black History Month Festival will take place on February 21 at La Brea Tar Pits with vendors, health services, and music performances.
In San Francisco, Thrive City will hold its celebration on February 1; Joy Fest on February 19 features live music from LaRussell along with crafts and food. The San Francisco Main Library’s African American Center will offer performances, readings, exhibitions, and more throughout February as part of its “More Than a Month” series.
Oakland Asian Cultural Center’s third annual Lunar New Year x Black History Month Community Celebration on February 7 aims to foster solidarity between Asian and African American communities through art forms including martial arts demonstrations and drumming.
A special event celebrating West African culture will be held at South San Francisco Public Library on February 20 where participants can decorate models of notable Black figures while sampling sorrel tea.
Additional events are planned by organizations such as the San Francisco African American Historical and Cultural Society, San Diego Public Library, UC San Francisco, Oakland city officials, Livermore city officials, among others.
Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort will mark Black History Month with themed meet-and-greets featuring characters Tiana and Ariel; specialty cuisine at Tiana’s Palace restaurant; Celebrate Gospel concerts headlined by Grammy-nominated singers (February 20–21 & 27–28); displays honoring leaders such as Floyd Norman—Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first Black animator—and other historical figures via Heritage Trail events in Disney California Adventure Park.
California offers many museums focused on African American experiences: Fresno hosts the African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley; CAAM in Exposition Park showcases over 4,000 works related to Western U.S. history; San Francisco provides self-guided tours through sites like Museum of the African Diaspora; Hayes Valley houses the expansive African American Art & Culture Complex; Oakland features The African American Museum & Library dedicated to personal narratives from community members.
The state also encourages support for local Black-owned businesses throughout these observances.
