Los Angeles Area and Events for Black History Month

Black Angelenos came to the area in 1781, the year Los Angeles was founded, as part of a group of 44 settlers. African Americans have played a part in the history and culture of the Los Angeles area ever since. This year’s celebration of Black History Month is chock full of activities and events and there should be something for everyone. The following are some of the happenings but the list is in no way complete.

CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
600 State Dr., Los Angeles
213 744 7432

The museum has a permanent collection of African American art and history and in February will have “A Soldier’s Story,” a tribute to African Americans in the armed forces starting with the Civil War.

PAN AFRICAN FILM AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Magic Johnson Theaters
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
3650 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles
323 292 4486

Starting Feb. 9 and running through Feb. 20, this will be the largest African American film festival in the world with more than 150 new films being screened. There will also be an Artists Market featuring fine art, sculpture, photography and crafts.

ST. ELMO VILLAGE
4830 St. Elmo Dr., Los Angeles
323 931 3409

Open House Sundays will be held all during February to show photographs and other arts for sale. On Sunday afternoons visitors can listen to or join in drum circles.

WATTS LABOR COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE
10950 South Central Ave., Los Angeles
213 563 5600
Bones and Blues. On February 24 there will be an evening of jazz and blues
held on an old front porch

LOS ANGELES ZOO
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
323 644 6400

On February 18 and 19 the Zoo will celebrate African American culture, history and, of course, African Animals.

LONG BEACH ARENA
300 Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
562 436 3636

Ragga Muffins Festival. The festival features two days of the world’s greatest Reggae bands. It is an annual event and typically sells out so get your tickets right away.

CALTECH’S BECKMAN AUDITORIUM
1200 East California, Pasadena
626 395 6811

On February 24 the Children of Uganda will perform. They represent the staggering 1.7 million Ugandan orphans and will feature history, stories, and legends with costumes and musical instruments.

WILLIAM GRANT STILL ART CENTER
2520 South West View St., Los Angeles
323 734 1164

Black Doll Show. A variety of historic and contemporary black dolls will be shown.

LAMERT PARK VILLAGE
Around Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles
Lucy Florence Coffee House
3223 293 1356

The shops and coffeehouses of this vibrant neighborhood will hold a month of exhibits and performances.

ROYCE HALL, UCLA
Enter campus at Royce drive off Sunset Blvd, 1 mile west of 405 Fwy.
310 825 2101

On February 24 the Grammy Award winning song and dance ensemble, Peru Negro will perform.

WATTS TOWERS ARTS CENTER
1765 East 107th St.
213 847 4646

The Watts Towers will have activities and events. Call for information.