Black History Month: How to Celebrate in San Diego

In 1976, the first Black History Month was introduced to celebrate and honor historical African American events and leaders in our country.

Black History Month is an opportune time to teach children about diversity, inclusion and African American history. Consider taking your family to some of the following places or events to commemorate African American historical figures, as well as the African American leaders of tomorrow.

Events to Attend:

• Black History Month Speech Contest

  When: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  Where: The O’Farrell Charter School, 6130 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114
  Who: All contestants must be enrolled students attending a San Diego County school, grades second through 12th.
  Note: Deadline to register is February 7.
  The students will be doing the teaching at this event! The Association of African American Educators encourages African American pride by presenting this fun, yet educational annual speech contest for students. Contestants give a two-minute speech about an African American historical figure to a panel of judges and can win prizes.

• Black History Month at UCSD

  When: Throughout February
  Where: UCSD campus

  UCSD is a hosting a variety of events celebrating Black History month, including screenings of movies such as Selma and Queen & Slim, vocal and dance performances, a Mid-Year Mixer,  roller skating night, and a lecture series on topics such as voting, people of color in law professions, and more. Check their website for a full list of events and times!

• 2nd Annual Black History Celebration Brunch

  When: Saturday, February 15, 11am
  Where: Harding Community Center, 3096 Harding St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

  Join the North County NAACP for an afternoon of food and entertainment. Enjoy a hearty brunch while watching a variety of performances including singing, dancing, and spoken word.

• African-American Women in Film

  When: Tuesday, February 25 at 6:30pm
  Where: Jacobs Center, Celebration Hall, 404 Euclid Ave, San Diego

  Gather your friends and join your neighbors to watch a free screening of Netflix’s “Never Heard” and “Together”.

Places to Visit:

• Malcolm X Library

  When: Hours vary depending on day
  Where: 5148 Market Street
  Visit this beautiful and beloved library this month, named after one of our country’s most renowned human rights activists. Extremely community-oriented, this library offers a wide range of workshops, classes, seminars and events for people of all ages. It also has a wide range of books, magazines and videos for the public.

• African Museum Casa del Rey Moro

  When: 10:30 to 7 p.m. daily except Wednesdays
  Where: 2471 Congress Street
  Learn about African history and culture throughout the world by touring this spectacular museum, located in Old Town. Three main exhibit areas consist of educational information, timelines, graphics and artifacts of Africans living in Africa, the Americas and the United States. Celebrate Black History Month by learning something new!

Teach your children about the importance of diversity and the Civil Rights Movement in order to build a safer, stronger future for all people. For more events happening in San Diego, check out Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups’ articles.