Celebrate Black History Month | 2023

"Angela Davis-Seize the Time" exhibit. Photo courtesy of Oakland Museum of California.

Every February, the United States pays tribute to Black Americans whose struggles and triumphs are woven into the fabric of America’s story. This month-long celebration, initiated by Harvard-educated historian Carter G. Woodson in 1925, was created to acknowledge the ignored contributions from artists and activists, academics and craftsmen, writers and poets, and people in service.

Let’s take time to celebrate the important people, events and achievements that have touched history and continue to do so. Many live events are back this year providing more options to honor and celebrate this important and special time of the year.

Visit OMCA to learn more about Black History. Photo courtesy of OMCA.

"Angela Davis-Seize the Time" at OMCA | Lake Merritt

Examine the image, influence, and activism of Oakland-based icon Angela Davis. With a focus on her arrest, incarceration, trial, and the national and international campaigns to free her, "Seize the Time" highlights Davis’s legacy as well as her ongoing role as an important contemporary figure for artists and activists. To learn more about current exhibits or purchase tickets visit OMCA's website. Take BART to Lake Merritt and walk eight minutes to 1000 Oak St.

Visit MoAD during Black History Month. Photo courtesy of MoAD.

MoAD | Montgomery St

This is the perfect time of year to visit the Museum of African Diaspora (MoAD). The contemporary art museum celebrates Black cultures year-round where it ignites challenging conversations, and inspires learning through the global lens of the African Diaspora. From exhibitions that capture the essence of the Black figure with programs and events, both live and virtual, that offer immersive experiences from artist discussions to literary, culinary, and film programs. The museum will also host a free community day so experience the entire museum free of charge. Find tickets and museum details here. Take BART to Montgomery St and walk five minutes to 685 Mission St.

View "Art of the African Diaspora" through Mar. 19. Photo courtesy of AotAD Instagram.

Richmond Art Center | Richmond

"Art of the African Diaspora" is the longest running event of its kind in the Bay Area. The showcase exhibition at Richmond Art Center features work by over 120 artists of African descent. This exhibition is accompanied by open studios and satellite exhibitions throughout the Bay Area. For the full list of events, activities, and hours of operation, visit the Richmond Art Center website. Take BART to Richmond and walk twelve minutes to 2540 Barrett Ave.

Black Joy Parade celebrates live this year. Photo courtesy of Black Joy Parade.

Black Joy Parade | 19th St./Oakland

The Black Joy Parade returns on Feb. 26 in Downtown Oakland making its way down Broadway. The hyper-positive parade celebrates the Black experience and the community's contribution to history and culture in this sixth annual parade and celebration. If you're considering volunteering check out their website where signups are being taken. As the month progresses, activities and new experiences will be added to the celebration plan to recognize the Black experience past, present, and future. Take BART to 19th St and walk 3 minutes to Broadway.

Eventbrite offers a month full of ways to celebrate Black History Month. Image courtesy of Eventbrite.

Children's Fairyland | 19th St./Oakland

Children's Fairyland will be hosting "Oakland History is Black History" a month-long display that will transform their plaza into a into a spectacular visual display highlighting important people, time periods, and movements in Oakland. To purchase tickets, visit their website. Take BART to 19th St./Oakland and walk 15 minutes to 699 Bellevue Ave. 

BAMPFA | Downtown Berkeley

Join BAMPFA and the Black Studies Collaboratory (UC Berkeley) at Black Studies Open University, a speaker series in Berkeley aimed at answering how the role of Black studies make a more just future. For more info on the series visit their website. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley and walk 5 minutes to 2155 Center St.

Black Power Statue | Berryessa/North San Jose station

Visit the Black Power Statue to learn more about the duo responsible for this historic moment at the 1968 Olympics. To learn more about this landmark check out this article. Take BART to Berryessa/North San Jose and take a 15-minute ride on the VTA Rapid 500 to see this monumental landmark.  

More Events and experiences that celebrate and honor Black Culture 

In addition to those listed above, Eventbrite has curated a collection of events to energize, educate, and entertain, while also showcasing Black excellence in its many forms, food, film, comedy, music, literature and more. 

How are you honoring Black History Month?

Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat, and have fun around the Bay.