Celebrate Black History Month in Santa Barbara

By the City of Santa Barbara

February highlights Black History Month celebrating the historical achievements that Black/African-Americans have contributed to the region and the nation, with the 2023 theme “Black Resistance.”

Juneteenth Santa Barbara along with Black/African-American-led organizations are holding a series of events in Santa Barbara. A regularly updated list of events can be found on the Juneteenth Santa Barbara website.

Wednesday, February 15:

Celebration of Black Joy, History, & Education, Presented by SBCC UMOJA Community

• Free | 5:30 – 8 p.m. at UMOJA Village Space
• Dinner, music, activities, and information provided

Saturday, February 18:

Panel discussion: “Black Women Rock.” A pre-taped video conference of five dynamic Black women who’ve carved out careers in the rock music genre. Featuring Maureen Mahon, author/professor at NYU and artists Sophia Ramos, Shelley Nicole, Leah King and LaFrae Sci, Presented by Santa Barbara Black Culture House 

• Free at Soul Bites, 423 State St., starting at 1 p.m.

Black History Month Community Appreciation Celebration, Presented by Endowment for Youth Community

• Wine Collective in Santa Barbara, 4-6 p.m.
• RSVP and information: Shevon Hoover, ShevonHooverSB@gmail.com

Sunday, February 19:

Live blues/rock with Jellyroll. Popular Santa Barbara blues rock band led by vocalist/harpist Morganfield Burnett, Presented by Santa Barbara Black Culture House 

• Free at Soul Bites, 423 State St., starting at 1 p.m.

Wednesday, February 22:

Voice of Liberation Show, Presented by Healing Justice Santa Barbara

• Free on YouTube, airing in the evening

Thursday, February 23:

Ainissa Ramirez, Award-winning Materials Scientist, Science Evangelist, and author of The Alchemy of Us, Presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures

• UCSB Campbell Hall at 7:30 p.m.
• Register for the event!

Saturday, February 25:

Chocolate Baby Storytime, Presented by Healing Justice Santa Barbara

• Free on YouTube, airing in the morning

2nd Annual HBCU Virtual Fair, Presented by Gateway Education Sevices

• Virtual from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Free | Register for the event!

Live Music with the “Funky Neighbors,” Presented by Santa Barbara Black Culture House 

• Free at Soul Bites, 423 State St., starting at 1 p.m.

Sunday, February 26:

Live Music with the “Cookies,” Presented by Santa Barbara Black Culture House 

• Free at Soul Bites, 423 State St., starting at 1 p.m.

Friday, March 3:

Dr. Thema Bryant, President of the American Psychological Association and author of Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self, Presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures

• UCSB Campbell Hall at 7:30 p.m. 
• Register for the event!