February is Black History Month, and San Francisco is an excellent place to honor, uplift, and celebrate Black history on both a local and international level. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Black culture and contributions in San Francisco, this is a great place to start. Read on for some inspiration.
1. Check out More Than a Month at SF Public Library
Each year, the San Francisco Public Library puts on More Than A Month, a celebration of Black history and culture that spotlights Black creators. The program includes various events, including workshops, performances, and more. Some exciting events include a African American Icons Collage workshop on Feb. 11 and a workshop on Miniature Art Galleries featuring Black History Makers on Feb. 17. Plus, the SFPL curated a selection of books in honor of More Than A Month.
2. Visit the Museum of the African Diaspora for exhibitions and activities
San Francisco’s extraordinary Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) has served as a vital Bay Area institution since 2005. It’s one of the world’s few museums focusing solely on African Diaspora culture, and we are very lucky to enjoy it right here in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena neighborhood. Be sure to visit current exhibitions, JoeSam. Spectrum, The Only Door I Can Open, and more.
- Feb. 8: Artist Talk: Spectrum: On Color & Contemporary Art
- Feb. 10: Artist Talk & Reception, EAP Presents Lishan AZ: Eugene’s Cove
- And more
3. Look into the SF African American Historical & Cultural Society
The SFAAHCS is a great resource for programs, exhibits, and cultural events all year round. Events include a genealogy resources workshop for African Americans, a book club, and various exhibits.
4. Walk beneath a waterfall at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial
Yerba Buena Gardens is home to the country’s second-largest memorial to Martin Luther King Jr., an enormous sculptural waterfall fountain. Water cascades over a granite walkway, blocking out the city sounds and creating a tunnel in which visitors can contemplate inscribed quotations from Dr. King’s speeches. When was the last time you visited this profound monument?
5. Check out this month’s events at the Bayview Opera House
The Bayview Opera House dates back to 1888 in the Bayview Hunters Point district, which is the most ethnically diverse community in SF. Events for this month include a parade and community party on Feb. 24 and Give Back Day on Feb. 10. Check out their website for more.
6. Check out the Black Creators Craft Market at the Ferry Building
A pop-up craft market celebrating Black entrepreneurs in the Bay Area will fill Ferry Building Plaza on Feb. 17. Talented vendors will sell handmade goods, including beautiful clothing, skincare, jewelry, candles, and more. The market starts at 9 am and runs until 2 pm, and entry is free and open to the public. The pop-up is part of a program by the nonprofit Foodwise, which operates local farmers markets.
7. Explore the African-American Freedom Trail
SF Travel put together a fantastic map marking local spots with connections to African-American history. It takes you through community centers, restaurants, gathering points, libraries, hotels, and more. Download the map here to learn about significant locations in local Black history you may not have known about!
8. Enjoy a meal at these Black-owned restaurants
There are dozens of ways to honor Black culture in our city and one of the easiest is to order from a local Black-owned restaurant. These amazing restaurants will keep you coming back!
9. Support these Black-owned businesses recommended by locals
We asked our Instagram followers for their favorite Black-owned businesses around the Bay Area and got some great suggestions. Check out this list of Black-owned businesses recommended by San Franciscans for San Franciscans.