We want to celebrate Black History and Culture Month with our families of young children in the Bay Area. This year we’ll be gathering together and still doing some creative celebrations online. Find events, storytimes, dance performances, as well as movies and books! If you, personally, need a massive infusion in Black History, I recommend The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story to fill in the gaps.
We’ll be adding new kid-friendly activities as we find them.
Black History Celebration Activities & Outings | Movies to watch with kids | Books to read with kids
Looking for some new restaurants to try? Be sure to peruse our round-up of Black-owned restaurants in the East Bay.
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Black History Month Activities & Events in the Bay Area
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African Dance Class (Congolese) with LaKiesha Golden, Oakland Public Library
Saturday, February 5, 3:30 pm – 5 pm
If you like to move, have fun, dance, try something new, then check out the Oakland Library’s Congolese Dance online class with dancer LaKeisha Golden. Soukous music and Ndombolo dance hails from the heart of Africa, the Congo! Recommended for adults but sounds like fun. Register for zoom link. More information here >>
Akoma Outdoor Market, East Oakland
Sunday, February 6, 10 am – 3 pm
An outdoor market in East Oakland at the corner of Foothill and 73rd Avenue above Eastmont Mall on the first and third Sundays of the month, weather permitting. Support local black farmers and entrepreneurs while you enjoy the food, shopping, and roller skating. More information here >>
Freedom Farmers Market, Temescal
Saturday, February 12, 9 am – 2 pm
Shop organic produce from Black and underserved farmers at this outdoor market in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood. Takes places the second Saturday of the month and includes family-friendly programming. More information here >>
Black History Month Books to Read with Kids
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Oakland Public Library Black Joy Book List for Kids
If you’re seeking children’s books and media that celebrate African-Americans, check out the Black Joy book list from the librarians at Oakland Public Library. See the recommendations here >>
Oakland Public Library Black Panther Syllabus
Teachers and students can explore the Oakland Library’s Black Panthers syllabus featuring books, films, audio, and lesson plans for grades K-12. Check it out here >>
San Francisco Public Library Book Recommendations
The San Francisco Public Library wants us to go beyond Black History as merely a month. Check out their comprehensive list of children’s books that celebrate Black History, culture, and heritage. Find the list 2022 here >>
Favorite Black History Movies to Watch with Kids
Hidden Figures
I watched Hidden Figures with my 9-year old son after he read this book. We both really enjoyed it and would recommend it if you haven’t seen it yet. Common Sense Media has also put together a list of 6 movies to watch with your family for Black History Month, including handy-dandy age recommendations. See the list for ages 9+ here >>
Queen of Katwe
Queen of Katwe is a 2016 movie based on the true story of a young girl in Uganda who discovers she has quite a talent for the game of chess. Since The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix is a bit mature for most kids, try this inspiring story to get your kids excited about chess and more familiar with kids of different cultures. Best for kids ages 10+. Watch it on Amazon or Disney+
Black Panthers, Oakland Museum of California
This video features Black Panther Party members and young activists, artists, poets, and community advocates answering questions and reflecting on the Black Panther Party legacy and how it resonates today. Recommended for ages 12+. Watch it here >>
Black History Exhibits On View
Art of the African Diaspora 2022, Richmond Art Center
Visit Richmond Art Center to view Art of the African Diaspora 2022, an exhibit that supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community. Runs now through March 19, 2022. Learn more >>
Mothership: Voyage Into Afrofuturism, OMCA
This exhibit celebrates Black creators, Black experiences and Black imagination. Learn about the connections between important figures of Afrofuturism and the ways in which Afrofuturism is present in our everyday lives through various mediums: illustration, video, music and more. The exhibit is on view until February 27. Plan a visit >>
Black Power, OMCA
Explore moments of the Black Power movements in California. This ongoing exhibit features photographs, posters, paintings, interactive prompts and more. See more details >>
African-American Medal of Honor Winners, Significant Military Achievements and Members of NASA, USS Hornet
Learn about learn amazing African-Americans who contributed to the U.S. Military and NASA. The exhibit will showcase photos, biographies, stories and more. Open throughout the month of February, starting February 4. More information >>
Black Superheroes in Comics, Oakland Public Library | Eastmont Branch
Celebrate Black representation in comics and the media at this exhibit throughout February. A collection of comic books that highlights current representation while paying homage to the past will be on display and available to check out. There will also be coloring pages for younger children. See the full book list of Black Superheroes in comics and learn more about the exhibit >>
We Also Served: African Americans in the Military, African American Museum and Library at Oakland
Explore the contributions of the Blacks in the Armed Forces of the United States through this exhibit, running through February 28. Photographs, oral narratives, military uniforms, veteran’s visual art and other memorabilia will be on display. Learn more >>
