February is Black History Month, a celebration of Black achievement and legacy across the United States.
Consider kicking off the celebration in Orange County at the 44th Annual Black History Parade and Unity Festival, hosted by the OC Heritage Council on Feb. 3.
Later this month, take the kids to a Black History storytime at San Juan Capistrano Library, or to an African folktale show at La Habra Library, just two of many free events offered through public libraries and community centers.
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Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this month.
Black History Month Events
Black History Parade and Unity Festival
Join in the celebration of Black heritage at the 44th annual Black History Parade and Unity Festival held in downtown Anaheim.
The parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. The festival will have food, vendors, keynote speakers, entertainment and a health village.
When: Saturday, February 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 205 W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the OC Heritage Council at (714) 579-9966
Black Author Talk at Tustin Library
Join the Tustin Library for an author talk with Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winner and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient. Woodson’s bestsellers include Red at the Bone and Brown Girl Dreaming.
The author talk will be followed by a storytime, a craft and beverages.
No registration is required, but early arrival to the library is recommended.
When: Saturday, February 3rd at 11:00 a.m.
Where: 345 E Main St Tustin, CA 92780
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 544-7725 or email ocpl.tustin@occr.ocgov.com
Black Author Talk at Norma Hertzog Community Center
Attend an author talk with Nicola Yoon at the Norma Hertzog Community Center. Yoon is the author of Everything Everything, a New York Times best seller, and The Sun is Also a Star.
When: Tuesday, February 6th at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1845 Park Ave. Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the center at (714) 327-7576, or email victoria.castillo@costamesaca.gov
Black History Themed Storytime and Craft at San Juan Capistrano Library
Enjoy a Black History Month themed storytime and craft at San Juan Capistrano Library.
When: Tuesday, February 20th at 10:30 a.m.
Where: 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 92675
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 493-1752, or email ocpl.sjc@occr.ocgov.com
African Folktale Show “Talking Drums” at La Habra Library
Enjoy an African folktale show at the La Habra Library. The show will include songs, movement and more.
When: Wednesday, February 21st at 11:00 a.m.
Where: 221 E La Habra Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 526-7728 or (562) 694-0078, or email ocpl.lahabra@occr.ocgov.com
Southern and Soul Food Demonstration at Haskett Branch Library
Attend a cooking demonstration by Gretchen Shoemaker and Nika Shoemaker Machado of Georgia’s Restaurant.
Attendees will learn about the history of soul food while enjoying food samples.
When: Wednesday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m.
Where: 2650 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92804
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-5075
Kente Cloth Inspired Craft at Tustin Library
Take the kids for a Kente cloth inspired craft activity at Tustin Library. Kente is a brightly colored, woven textile with origins in 12th century Africa. Today, it is worn during cultural celebrations such as Juneteenth and Kwanzaa.
When: Thursday, February 22nd at 4:00 p.m.
Where: 345 E Main St Tustin, CA 92780
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 544-7725 or email ocpl.tustin@occr.ocgov.com
Black History Month Storytime and Craft at Sunkist Branch Library
Take the kids to a Black History Month storytime, song and craft activity at Sunkist Branch Library in Anaheim.
When: Thursday, February 22nd at 5:00 p.m.
Where: 901 S Sunkist, Anaheim, CA 92806
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845, or email ocpl.costamesadd@occr.ocgov.com
Black Author Talk to Norma Hertzog Community Center
Attend an author talk with Black romance novelist Jasmine Guillory, author of The Proposal, at the Norma Hertzog Community Center.
When: Thursday, February 27th at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1845 Park Ave. Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845, or email ocpl.costamesadd@occr.ocgov.com
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to admin@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.