Santa Barbara Black Culture House 2022

Two years since its inception, Santa Barbara’s Black Culture House returns for in-person programs in April, 2022. The Black Culture House, a pop-up space with a wide range of cultural events celebrating Black art, culture, and history, will be hosted at The Alhecama Theater on April 9, 10, 16, 23, and 24. All events, which include live music, film screenings, and a panel discussion, are open to all members of the community and are FREE.

“It’s been an arduous journey,” says Darrell M. McNeill, who, with his wife and creative partner, Sally A. Foxen-McNeill, is co-founder, co-executive producer, and co-curator of Black Culture House, “but we never lost sight of our inspiration. All the support we got from the community since we started this back in 2020, has helped us endure a great many challenges.”

This year’s edition of the Santa Barbara Black Culture House will showcase the first live programs since its debut in February, 2020 for Black History Month. In February, 2021, Culture House moved to online programs exclusively because of the pandemic. To ensure safe in-person engagements, the Culture House team opted to move the events from February to April because of the winter COVID surge.

“It was always our intent to present Black cultural programming year-round, not just  during Black History Month,” says McNeill, “Our motto is ‘Black Excellence happens every day.’ The February surge merely forced us to lean into proof of concept.” 

Santa Barbara Black Culture House 2022 will present the following programs:

• Saturday, April 9, 1pm – Panel discussion: “Elevating The Black Voice,” a talk with Black changemakers about the evolution of community dialogue and the platforms connecting Black people. Featuring Malynda Hale, Santa Barbara native, singer/songwriter, actor, activist, and founder of “We Need To Talk,” and James Joyce III, host of “Coffee With A Black Guy” journalist, and civil rights activist. Darrell McNeill will moderate.

• Sunday, April 10, 2pm – Live music with one of Santa Barbara’s favorites, Chillpoint Band. Featuring seasoned players: guitarist/vocalist William Fiedtkou, bassist Brian J. Fox, saxophonist Daniel LeMelle, and drummer Craig Thatcher.

• Saturday, April 16, 1pm – Film screening: “I Am Not Your Negro,” Raoul Peck’s riveting award-winning documentary based on the works of author/social critic James Baldwin. Darrell McNeill will discuss the film and lead a Q&A. (Film rated PG-13; parental discretion is advised.)

• Saturday, April 23, 1pm – Live music with L.A. premier Super-band, 

The Cookies. Featuring legendary artists: vocalist Maxayn Lewis, bassist Bobby Watson, guitarist Allen Hinds, and drummer Land Richards.

• Sunday, April 24, 1pm – Film screening: “Floyd Norman: An Animated Life,” the award-winning biographical documentary on Santa Barbara native and Santa Barbara High graduate, Floyd Norman, the first Black animator for Disney Studios.  Darrell McNeill will discuss the film and lead a Q&A. (Film not rated).

• Prerecorded DJ mixes for Culture House events created by DJ Kyle McNeill.

The 2022 edition of Santa Barbara Black Culture House will be hosted at Alhecama Theater, at 914 Santa Barbara Street – Unit A, between East Canon Perdido and Carrillo Streets. Doors open at noon. All events are all ages and FREE to the general public. The Santa Barbara Black Culture House is sponsored by the Black Rock Coalition and made possible by a grant from The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture, with additional partnership with The Santa Barbara Trust For Historic Preservation and The Santa Barbara Public Library.

For more information, email Darrell McNeill and Sally Foxen-McNeill at SBBlackCultureHouse@gmail.com and follow “Santa Barbara Black Culture House” on Facebook, Instagram, and Eventbrite.