Celebrating Black History Month with BART
Visit the Black Panther Party Museum in Downtown Oakland. Photo courtesy of Bethanie Hines.
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions, resilience and creativity of Black communities throughout history. In the Bay Area, there are plenty of BARTable opportunities to do this. From historic landmarks and cultural events to libraries and museums — you'll find countless ways to learn and celebrate. This year's theme, "African Americans and Labor," invites us to explore the significant role Black people have played in the workforce over time. Here are a few fun ways to get involved this Black History Month near BART.
Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
Visit Bay Area landmarks honoring Black history
The impressive "Remember Them: Champions for Humanity Monument" is in Downtown Oakland. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
DeFremery Park | West Oakland
Also known as "Lil Bobby Hutton Park," DeFremery Park is a famous former meeting place and rally location for the Black Panthers. At seventeen years old, Lil' Bobby Hutton was the first member recruited into the Black Panther Party. Sadly, just two days after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Hutton was killed during a police confrontation in West Oakland. "Lil' Bobby Hutton Day" is held in the park every April to honor Hutton and his contributions. Check out this historic park 0.8 miles from West Oakland.
Remember Them: Champions for Humanity Monument | 19th St/Oakland
The bronze statue in Henry J. Kaiser Memorial Park depicts 25 culturally diverse role models who contributed to global peace, freedom and human rights. Influential figures include Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X and many more. The impressive monument is 60,000 pounds of bronze and stands 31 feet high and 52 feet long. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland to see the very moving monument just 0.1 miles away.
It's All Good Bakery | MacArthur
At first glance, this bakery seems like any other, but the building has historical significance as the Black Panther Party's first headquarters. In operation since 1996, this Bay Area Black-owned eatery is a place to find delicious bites made from fresh ingredients and family recipes. While here, notice the articles and old photographs that line its walls. Take BART to MacArthur to treat yourself to baked goods and a bit of history at 5622 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, 0.9 miles away.
Martin Luther King Memorial | Montgomery St
The country's second-largest memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. is in Yerba Buena Gardens. The waterfall fountain feature cascades over a granite walkway, creating a serene tunnel setting where the sounds of San Francisco disappear. Strolling through, you can read Dr. King's inspiring words etched onto glass panels. This beautiful monument is 0.4 miles from Montgomery St.
Learn more about Black history in the Bay Area
Check out the Black Panther Mini Museum and the West Oakland Mural Project's piece highlighting the Women of the Black Panther Party. Photo courtesy of West Oakland Mural Project.
African American Historical & Cultural Society | Civic Center/UN Plaza
The San Francisco African American Historical & Cultural Society (SFAAHCS) is a great resource for books, programs, exhibits and cultural happenings. Events include film screenings, art shows, genealogy resources workshops and a book club. Their 2025 Annual Black History Month Kickoff is Feb. 7 at the City Hall Rotunda, just 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.
African American Arts & Culture Complex | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Located in the Fillmore District, one of two historically black communities remaining in San Francisco, the African American Arts & Culture Complex (AAACC) preserves African American art and culture. The facility is home to an art gallery, three exhibition spaces, a 203-seat theater, a recording studio, a library with archives of African American history, two dance studios and other multi-purpose spaces. Check out current exhibits and take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza for art and more, 0.8 miles away at 762 Fulton St.
The Museum of African Diaspora | Montgomery St
The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is a contemporary space and one of the few museums in the world that focus exclusively on African Diasporic culture. Their list of current exhibitions is here. Take BART to explore the rich history and creativity of Black communities through thought-provoking pieces. MoAD is only 0.2 miles away from Montgomery St at 685 Mission St.
African American Museum and Library at Oakland | 12th St/Oakland City Center
An excellent year-round destination, the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO), preserves and celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans in the Bay Area and beyond. They offer rich archives, exhibits, and educational programs. It's a space for deep reflection and learning in a historic Carnegie building. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center to discover stories that have shaped local and national history 0.3 miles away at 659 14th St.
Black Panther Party Museum | 12th St Oakland City Center
Black History Month is the perfect time to check out Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)'s ongoing exhibit in the Gallery of California History, Black Power. Illustrating the creative ways black anti-racist activists in California supported their communities and challenged the U.S. government, the exhibit focuses on the Black Panther Party through historical photographs, posters, paintings and more. Take BART to Lake Merritt to learn more about the Bay Area's role in this story, 0.1 miles to 1000 Oak Street.
Black History Month events in the Bay Area
Head to Oakland to celebrate Black culture at the Black Joy Parade. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
Black Joy Parade & Festival | 19th St/Oakland
The Black Joy Parade celebrates Black culture annually in Oakland every February. With live music, food vendors, and community art, it's a joyful reminder of the power of unity and self-expression. The Parade, which will be held on Feb. 22 at 12:30 p.m., is the first of its kind to celebrate the Black experience and its influence on cultures past, present and future. It starts at 14th St. and Franklin St. near BART's 19th St/Oakland.
Children's Fairyland | 19th St/Oakland
Children's Fairyland celebrates Black History Month with a new "Black Cowboy Academy" experience. The Oakland Black Cowboy Association and the Metropolitan Horseman Association join forces to bring this special event to Fairyland. On February 14 celebrate the history, culture, and living legacy of Black cowboys with an interactive day of lasso lessons, pony grooming with REAL LIVE ponies, and meet and greets with actual cowboys! Take BART to 19th St/Oakland to join in the fun, 0.6 miles away at 699 Bellevue Ave.
Black History Month Celebration at Thrive City | Powell St
The Chase Center's Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 1 is a vibrant tribute to Black culture, history and achievements. This annual event features live performances, art exhibits, and community activations that highlight the contributions of Black leaders and creators. It's a dynamic opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the enduring impact of Black excellence in the Bay Area and beyond. Take BART to Powell St and walk or hop on the Muni T to the Chase Center.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
