We want to celebrate Black History Month with our families of young children in the East Bay, but so many of the wonderful programs seem to be geared for adults. Read on for some great movies, storytimes, dance performances, and an amazing parade! We'll be adding new kid-friendly activities as we find them.
Looking for some new restaurants to try? Even my pickiest eater likes waffles. We love this round-up of Black-owned restaurants in Oakland.
Black History Month Activities and Events
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Black History Celebration
Location: Frances Albrier Community Center – San Pablo Park – 2800 Park St Berkeley
Come celebrate with our community! Frances Albrier youth will showcase their understanding and appreciation of the powerful legacy of African American history. They will entertain and teach you through the performing…
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Liberation and Healing through Story-Telling
Location: Ann Martin Center – 1375 55th Street Emeryville
In order to reclaim our personal and collective sense of empowerment, we can deal with trauma through creative expression and story-telling. Telling our stories is crucial in the healing process…
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Unique Derique
Location: West – Berkeley Public Library – 1125 University Ave Berkeley
Unique Derique comes to entertain with hambone body percussion, physical comedy, and circus skills (developed at the Pickle Family Circus, among other places)! Don't miss this hilarious program that promises…
Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 am
Cost: FREE
Storytime "I am Martin Luther King, Jr."
Location: Barns & Noble El Cerrito Plaza – 6050 El Cerrito Plaza El Cerrito
Join us for our biography kids' book series as we read about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an inspiring leader who had a dream of peace and love for all…
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE
JazzArt: Black History Month
Location: North – Berkeley Public Library – 1170 The Alameda Berkeley
What could be better than music and art together? Live jazz by violinist India Cooke and drummer Don Robinson, accompanied by stories presented by artist and educator Lisa DiPrima, all…
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Black Joy Parade and Celebration
Location: Harrison St & 14th St – Harrison St & 14th St Oakland
Black Joy Parade is a hyper-positive, family-friendly turn up that celebrates the Black experience and our community's contribution to cultures past, present and future. You are invited to come be present, be creative, be open and be free.
Time: 12:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
African American History Celebration
Location: James Kenney Recreation Center – 1720 8th Street Berkeley
Join James Kenney staff and youth as they present a celebration of African American history and culture through art, poetry, and music, among others. All neighbors and community members are…
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: FREE
I can’t tell what age range is appropriate for this exhibit at the RAC: http://richmondartcenter.org/exhibitions/22nd-annual-the-art-of-living-black/