Celebrate Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month with a dance party led by Traci Bartlow at KQED headquarters. Photo courtesy of KQED.

Black History Month, the 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. Fittingly, this year's theme is "African Americans and the Arts." Beyond the traditional idea of the arts is fashion, culinary, architecture, visual mediums and music—an all-encompassing creative expression that is infused with the rich traditions of America and the entire African Diaspora.

Decades of artistry formed through the shared experiences of historic events culminate in iconic cultural movements like Hip-Hop and Afrofuturism. The Bay Area is intertwined with many of these movements and there are several ways listed below to honor and celebrate this important and special time of the year.

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

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

Black History Month in Oakland | Various Oakland Stations

Visit Oakland has compiled several ways to celebrate Black History Month in Oakland. From the African American Museum and Library in Oakland to the exploration of the Black Panther Movement, the curated list of events allows the chance to witness a city committed to its past and future. There's even a sample two-day weekend itinerary of restaurants and other places to explore.

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. Explore exhibitions that capture the essence of the Black figure, both live and virtual, that offer immersive experiences from artist discussions to literary, culinary and film programs. Find tickets and museum details here. Take BART to Montgomery St and travel 0.2 miles to 685 Mission St.

View "Art of the African Diaspora" through Mar. 16. Photo courtesy of AotAD Instagram.

The 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 travel 0.5 miles 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 Sunday, Feb. 25, in Downtown Oakland, making its way down Franklin St. The hyper-positive parade celebrates the Black experience and the community's contribution to history and culture in this seventh annual parade and celebration. Sign up to volunteer for the event and catch the BARTmobile during the parade! As the month progresses, activities and new experiences will be added to the schedule which recognizes the Black experience past, present and future. Take BART 19th St/Oakland and travel 0.5 miles to the parade's starting point at 14th and Franklin.

Watch the film, "Loving," on February 2 at San Francisco's Mechanics' Institute. Image courtesy of Time.

Black Civil Rights on Screen | Montgomery St

Starting Feb. 2 and running the entire month, the Mechanics' Institute will be screening movies speaking to the Black experience. These Friday night showings are free to members; $10 for non-members. Registration required. Travel 0.1 miles from Montgomery St to 57 Post St.

Children's Fairyland | 19th St./Oakland

Children's Fairyland will be hosting a month of special programming including two children's book launches. The park's "Oakland History is Black History" transforms their plaza into a spectacular visual display highlighting important people, time periods and movements in Oakland. To purchase tickets and see what's in store during the month of Februrary, visit their website. Take BART to 19th St./Oakland and travel 0.7 miles to 699 Bellevue Ave.

SF Public Library | Civic Center/UN Plaza

In honor of Black History Month, the San Francisco Public Library is hosting a series of events titled "More Than a Month."  Programing includes a photograph exhibit by artist Kenneth P. Green, Sr, the first black photographer for the Oakland Tribune. Explore the other events starting at the end of January and lasting through February. Travel 0.1 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza to 100 Larkin St.

KQED Dance Party | 24th St Mission

Celebrate Black History Month with an evening of dance exploration. Dancer Traci Bartlow leads the crowd with various dance genres including Hip-Hop and Lindy Hop. Learn about the history of these dance forms while perfecting your moves. $15 for in-person; free livestream. Registration required. Travel 0.7 miles from 16th St Mission to 2601 Mariposa 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 the monumental landmark.

How are you honoring Black History Month?

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