It’s officially February, which means the month-long observance of Black History Month has begun! Black History Month marks the celebration of African American achievements and the recognition of both systemic racism and African American history. It has been a national observance in the U.S. since 1979. As a time to share and learn about Black heritage and culture, take the time this month to go to any of the various events and celebrations going on in Los Angeles and support local Black communities!
The Pan African Film and Arts Festival
The Pan African Film and Arts Festival is a two week long Oscar-qualifying festival that ends on February 19th, and is known as the largest Black History Month film and arts event in the U.S.! This festival features screenings of over 140 films as well as industry panels and discussions, all centered around Black stories, experiences and creative expression. In its 32rd year, this jam packed, non-profit festival has hosted a series of red carpet celebrities and diverse works of art from all over the world, with the goal of preserving Pan-African culture. It is certainly not an event to miss! This festival will be taking place at the Cinemark Baldwin Hills and XD and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.
Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit @ the Grammy Museum
The Grammy Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop with “Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit,” an event taking place until September 4th of 2024. Immerse yourself in the various and profound realms of hip hop with this expansive exhibit, featuring topics such as hip hop music and dance, history, activism, fashion, graffiti, and more. Not to mention, this exhibit boasts an incredible collection of artifacts, including the Notorious B.I.G’s red leather jacket and LL Cool J’s red bucket hat! If you’re a UCLA student, you’ll be happy to know that a co-curator of the exhibit is our very own English Professor Adam Bradley! Explore the remarkable impact of hip hop on our culture and celebrate it this month with this amazing exhibit.
Kinsey African American Art and History Collection at Sofi Stadium
Recently opened in February of 2022, the Kinsey Collection, an incredibly large and comprehensive exhibit, extended its installation due to popular demand and will be opening on February 23rd of this year. Enjoy an impressive collection of fine art, sculptures, historical artifacts, and photographs from as early as the 16th century through years of slavery and the civil rights movement to the present day. This collection is curated by the Kinsley family who has amassed the largest private collection of Black art and historical objects. Celebrate many unknown stories, pieces, and accomplishments from African American culture and history with this beautiful collection.
L.A. Black History Month Festival
In need of a lively event to spice up your Sunday? Look no further. The Open Arms Food Pantry and Resource center is hosting their eighth annual Black History Month festival this February 18th at the Pan Pacific Park. This festival will not only include live music and performances, but is also fit with an African marketplace, guest speakers, and other concessions. The focus of this year’s festival will be on health and wellness as well as children and family in the African American community, so come out to contribute to discussion forums and learn something. This event is free-entry, so bring all of your friends!
The Academy Museum screenings
The Academy Museum is hosting a plethora of films, documentaries, and videos about Black history this month. Every Sunday, the Academy Museum screens a series of films as part of their Oscar Sunday’s event, celebrating films that have been recognized in Academy awards. Upcoming screenings include 12 Years a Slave and Ray. Additionally, the Academy Museum is displaying a collection of videos about Black history, accomplishments, and well-known figures in an interactive experience that takes place on Fridays. Check out the Academy Museum website for more events and information about their contributions to this year’s Black History Month!
Support a black-owned business in L.A.
Don’t have time to attend an event or festival? No problem. Support a local black-owned business, whether that be a restaurant, fashion brand, cafe, plant shop, or more. Check out this amazing Her Campus at UCLA article for a list of great black-owned restaurants in the area, or check out this article on more black-owned businesses in L.A! Do your part this month and enjoy a simple sweet treat or impressive creation by some talented people.