SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Black History Month kicked off Feb. 1 in the U.S. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, this year's theme is "Black Resistance."
The theme focuses on how African Americans dealt with historic and ongoing systematic oppression in all forms, yet highlights how important Black history is in the United States.
The 2023 theme is also a call to everyone to study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish safe spaces, where Black life can be sustained, fortified, and respected.
In terms of ways to celebrate Black History Month, here are some events to attend and support in Northern California.
Come down to the California Museum where you can take a look at Black American contributions to California’s rich history. Focusing on themes of resilience, activism, democracy and community, this exploration of signature and temporary exhibits highlights the influence of Black Americans in California.
- Feb. 1 - 28
- Located at The California Museum (1020 O St., Sacramento)
- Organized by The California Museum
- More information about this event HERE.
A Crocker concert series creating connection and community through the arts and spreads love one beat at a time. Raised on the beautiful islands of Jamaica and Dominica in the Caribbean, Bryson Musiq and the Caribbean Soul present authentic Roots Rock Reggae!
- 7 – 10 p.m. Feb. 23
- Located at The Crocker Art Museum (216 O St., Sacramento)
- Organized by The Crocker Art Museum
- More information about this event HERE.
The past, present and future are connected. Join this celebration as Black veterans reclaim their past and prepare for a new Golden Age of peace and prosperity!
- 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Feb. 24
- Located at California State Capitol Park (1300 L St., Sacramento)
- Organized by the California Black Agriculture Working Group
- More information about this event HERE.
The event is free and open to the public and will feature a parades, a Black Sports Hall of Fame Tribute to the "Original" Sacramento Kings, a hair battle, a music and film festival business fair and networking conference, nightly concerts and performances and more!
- Feb. 24 – 26
- Located at The Hyatt Regency (1209 L St., Sacramento)
- Organized by Black Expo Events
- More information about this event HERE.
A communal hub connecting local Black farmers and herbalists to the wider Sacramento community. This market will feature various Black farmers, herbalists, and artisans providing the best most local products!
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Feb. 25
- Located at 3841 4th Ave., Sacramento
- Organized by Sankofa Market Sacramento
- More information about this event HERE.
This one-day event will introduce you to the next generation of filmmaking, featuring several of Nor-Cal's best filmmakers and producers!
- 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Feb. 25
- Located at The Delta King (1000 Front St., Sacramento)
- Organized by Sacramento International Film Festival
- More information about this event HERE.
With performances by Lucky Witherspoon, Vadia, Yardley Griffen and Lizzy Paris, this event is hosted by Dru Burks and honors the Sacramento pillars of the community Pleshette Robertson and Venetia James.
- 7 – 11 p.m. Feb. 25
- Located at The Colonial Theatre (3522 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento)
- Organized by Conscious Vibes, BluPrynt Entertainment and Marketown Productions.
- More information about this event HERE.
An evening of elegance and excellence starring the legendary Oscar Award and Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and speaker Regina Belle.
- 7 – 10 p.m. Feb. 25
- Located at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento (1209 L St., Sacramento)
- Organized by Black Expo Events
- More information about this event HERE.
Inspired by the origins of the first known beer recipe dating back to 3900 B.C. in Mesopotamia, this collaboration is an opportunity for those in the craft beer industry to amplify their voices and for the community to understand the underrepresentation in the industry.
- 6 – 9 p.m. Feb. 25
- Located at Oak Park Brewing Company (3514 Broadway, Sacramento)
- Organized by Oak Park Brewing Company
- More information about this event HERE.
The 10th Annual Program and Luncheon celebrating African American Women making a difference in the community.
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Feb. 25
- Located at Hilton Stockton (2323 Grand Canal Blvd., Stockton)
- Organized by Stockton Women's Collaborative
- More information about this event HERE.
The theme this year is: "From Challenge to Triumph." This conference is for 6th to 12th-grade students, families and caregivers and will focus on activism, advocacy, empowerment and much more within the community.
- 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Feb. 25
- Located at T.R. Smedberg Middle School (8239 Kingsbridge Dr., Sacramento)
- Organized by Elk Grove Unified School District
- More information about this event HERE.
Celebrate Black culture with $10 tastings from Black, female-owned Amoy Wine, music from DJ Keep it Movin, and fun company!
- 12 – 4 p.m. Feb. 26
- Located at Dále Vino Wine Bar (51 Marina Blvd. Suite C, Pittsburg)
- Organized by Dále Vino Wine Bar
- More information about this event HERE.
Bay Area
Come learn, celebrate, dance, eat, drink and shop for Black History Month 2023! Enjoy local vendors, guest speakers, performers and more.
- 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Feb. 25
- Located at CoBiz Richmond, Inc. (1503 Macdonald Ave. #Suite A, Richmond)
- Organized by Cindy Howell
- More information about this event HERE.
Join the largest free, family-friendly event of its kind in California. A parade and festival to celebrate the Black experience past, present and future. Come and be present, be creative, be open and be free!
- 12:30– 7 p.m. Feb. 26
- Located at 14th St. & Franklin St., Oakland
- Organized by Black Joy Parade
- More information about this event HERE.
This list will be updated weekly. Do you want to see your event on here? Send your suggestions to ssoublet@abc10.com!
Previous events:
This free celebration highlights the accomplishments Rosa Parks made during her lifetime as well as the legacy she left behind and how Transit Equity Day helps level the playing field for Global Intermodal Transportation Systems.
- More information about this event HERE.
This is an opening reception for a solo exhibition featuring the mixed-media artwork of local artist and community activist, Shonna McDaniels. This event is free and open to the public with music, light refreshments, and art on display.
- More information about this event HERE.
This art show is meant to amplify black artists working in our community and region. Join to view art and meet the artists! There will be light refreshments provided and an educational exhibit.
- More information about this event HERE.
SacTownYouthNights is a catalyst for youth, teens, young adults and families to have a safe space to hang out while enjoying a wide range of exciting activities in a positive environment. This event consists of food, entertainment, music, arts and crafts, raffles, resources, and a poetry contest!
- More information about this event HERE.
Did you know that February is National Heart Health Month too? This event reminds us to use this month to take extra care of our heart health and help those who already suffer from heart disease. Be sure to wear red and come enjoy live jazz music, speed networking, drinks and appetizers, and good company!
- More information about this event HERE.
This event is filled with inspirational speakers to talk about the contributions Africans and African Americans have made in history from the past until now and beyond, a tribute to military members, spoken word, health screenings, a book giveaway for children, live music, and more!
- More information about this event HERE.
Come out and enjoy a presentation given by direct descendants of Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen about the first Black military aviators. They will cover facts, statistics, and personal historical perspectives on their true history and legacy.
- More information about this event HERE.
Come kick off Black History Month and learn the history behind the building that is not only a historical landmark, but also where the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce meets! Enjoy food, music, and good company.
- More information about this event HERE.
Come up to the mic and speak your piece! The Roberts Family Development Center invites those of all ages to sing, rap, recite your own poetry pieces, dance or share any form of expression in honor of Black History Month.
- More information about this event HERE.
A celebration of artistic expression created to uplift and highlight Black achievement through poetry, music, dance and singing, this event will offer an opportunity to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans who have devoted their time, talents, culture, and resources to make a difference in the Rancho Cordova community and throughout the Sacramento region.
- More information about this event HERE.
This play is the premier production for Celebrations Arts 2023 Season and shares the African American experience of overcoming discrimination.
- More information about this event HERE.
Come celebrate the sweet potato and learn about its cultural importance, its health benefits, and more! This is a community event filled with local entertainment, vendors, and a sweet potato pie eating contest.
- More information about this event HERE.
A community event honoring Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with food, music, performances, vendors and health services.
- More information about this event HERE.
Author, dynamic speaker, visionary, and entrepreneur 19 Keys is coming to Sacramento to talk about his journey to success and shed light on the historical context of creating and addressing the inequities that are built into our institutions. There will be special guests as well as featured artists.
- More information about this event HERE.
Let's Read Oak Park is presented by St. HOPE for elementary school-aged children to explore books and participate in hands-on activities with an emphasis on cultural themes!
- More information about this event HERE.
A celebration of Black family, love, economics, and health. There will be live music, food, panel discussions, a fashion show, guest speakers, cooking demos, black wineries, a vendor market, a Black heritage 5K walk/run, a mural kick-off, and a kid's zone!
- More information about this event HERE.
The annual kick-off is uniquely designed for AACSA to highlight and elevate and share Black creators' works and talents! There will be food, beverages, activities, information and resources, and invite the active participation of Black creatives.
- More information about this event HERE.
A free community event for all ages featuring local Black-owned businesses, food vendors, photo booths, fashion, giveaways, and good vibes. There will also be a 21+ afterparty with DJs playing all the best soca, afrobeats, reggaeton, salsa, hip hop and R&B music.
- More information about this event HERE.
A family-friendly event open to those of all ages to spread love! Black History Month gives us the opportunity to bring the community together with genuine love and connections and at this event you can spread love through art and good company.
- More information about this event HERE.
To celebrate Black excellence and Black-owned spirits, this is a 5-course dinner presented by Fixins Soul Kitchen paired with a cocktail and an opportunity to learn the history of Nearest Green, the first known African-American master distiller.
- More information about this event HERE.
A feature-length documentary and panel discussion discussing the issues fueling the maternal health crisis within the African American community and advocating for best practices to enhance birthing equity for all women, especially Black women.
- More information about this event HERE.
A community-building event designed for BIPOC educators and their allies. Sip on some coffee or tea and connect more with the educators in the community.
- More information about this event HERE.
A Black alternative to Valentine's Day. A night of self-love and a night to promote love for each other through culture, dinner, and dancing.
- More information about this event HERE.
A free community health fair focusing on physical and mental health within the Black community. Participate in presentations, workshops, giveaways, wellness activities, and more!
- More information about this event HERE.
A free stand-up comedy show filled with a night of great laughs, food and drinks! Hosted by Buddy Rahming, there will be featured comedians Dejan Tyler, Alvin Duke, Tess Frey, Aja Mae and D-Roc.
- More information about this event HERE.
Celebrate Black History Month at this annual Black History Month Art Show and Crafters event! There will be art, vendors, crafters, shopping, wine tasting at 14 tasting rooms, food trucks on-site and more.
- More information about this event HERE.
Celebrate Black History Month with comedy and some poetry by local talent! With laughs from comedian Lance Woods, this event also accepts donations for men, women, and children if you bring hats, gloves, or scarves.
- More information about this event HERE.
Come out and enjoy entertainment from the loc community including a focus on the art and history of locs, an education panel, a live loc learning course as well as a loc hair show!
- More information about this event HERE.
A special Black History Month event with great food for the soul and great reggae vibes for uplifting!
- More information about this event HERE.
With sounds by DJ Fiji, DJ Dennis and celebrity DJ Buka aka 'The Cultural Wolf', this is an all-exclusive afrobeats night for the people and for the culture. Come dressed in all shades of brown from tan to dark chocolate to celebrate the beautiful shades of black history!
- More information about this event HERE.
An event engaging two successful local restaurateurs, Ernesto Delgado and Ryan Royster, who have a mission to create immersive culinary experiences and bring the Sacramento community together through their love of food, art, and culture.
- More information about this event HERE.
A concert that celebrates Black history and the history of hip-hop including performances from Brotha R.J., Yumz Awkword, hosted by Chuck Taylor and headlining is Bay Area native E-Train!
- More information about this event HERE.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: 'OURstory: The Black History Musical Experience' set to premiere in Sacramento
