Kern County Genealogical Society to host event teaching history of Black churches in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The community is invited to visit the Beale Memorial Library on Tuesday to learn about the rich history of Black churches in Bakersfield.

“DNA of the Black Churches in Bakersfield” is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, according to the Kern County Library.

This event is presented by Kern County Genealogical Society.

Educator and historian Katherine Sutton Jordan will bring stories of faith, culture and community to life in order to show how Black churches have shaped the city’s history and continue to impact the Bakersfield community today, according to organizers.

“The early Black churches in Bakersfield hold a rich and often underrepresented place in the city’s history, serving not only as spiritual havens but also as vital community centers,” organizers said.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.