The Long Beach Public Library will once again honor Black History Month with the return of “For the Culture,” a celebration honoring Black history, culture and creativity through a monthlong series of free community events at local branches.
This year, the celebration will highlight visual artists and their essential role in shaping cultural storytelling and creative expression, according to a press release.
“Long Beach is a city that celebrates culture, creativity and community, and ‘For the Culture’ is a powerful reflection of those values,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “By uplifting Black artists and storytellers, the Long Beach Public Library helps connect residents to our shared history while creating spaces for learning, joy and belonging.”
The celebration will kick off with a free community event, in collaboration with Forgotten Images and the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach. The event will take place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach, 4321 Atlantic Ave., and will feature cultural programming and local vendors showcasing artist-made goods, and will also spotlight creative expression through interactive art experiences.
“For the Culture” is designed for families and community members of all ages to celebrate Black joy, identity, self-care and artistic expression, officials said.
Throughout February, each library branch across the city will host additional Black History Month programs centered around visual arts and cultural storytelling. Activities will include hands-on workshops, interactive storytimes, trivia, bingo and more. All programs are free and require no registration.
A complete list of events and activities is available on the library’s events calendar at longbeach.gov/library.
The monthlong celebration will conclude with Jazz in the Library, a special after hours event, presented in partnership with Black Art Distrikt and the Radical Hood Library. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library, 5614 Britton Drive. The event will transform the library into a cultural lounge featuring live jazz and poetry, according to the press release.
The Long Beach Public Library, officials said, is committed to inclusive and impactful cultural programming through collaboration with local cultural leaders and Black-led organizations. Library staffers worked closely with Forgotten Images, which led planning for the Feb. 6 event, while the library provided resources and support to ensure a meaningful experience for the community.
The Port of Long Beach and the Long Beach Public Library Foundation also provided support for the Black History Month events.
“‘For the Culture’ reflects our commitment to creating spaces where community members of all ages and backgrounds feel seen, welcomed and inspired,” Cathy De Leon, director of the Department of Library, Arts and Culture, said in a statement. “By centering Black artists, stories and lived experiences, we celebrate Black history not only as the past, but as a living, creative force that continues to shape our city.”