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For this year’s Black History Month, Tri-Valley organizations have planned dozens of community events, from art shows, movie nights, crafts and more. With offerings for all age groups ranging from entertainment to educational, there will be something for everyone during this culturally significant month.
Throughout February, Black History Month is a time in the United States to honor and acknowledge the history and art of Black Americans.
The Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton is one of the many local venues that has curated a lineup of events for the community to participate in.
The center will welcome Alex Taite this Friday (Feb. 2) at 8 p.m. for “Deep River: The Flow of Negro Spirituals Through Time.” In the one-man show, Taite will explore aspects of African and African American culture, according to the event description.
The Firehouse is also currently displaying a solo exhibition of artist Orlonda Uffre titled “Visual Passages” through March 2. Firehouse representatives said Uffre’s work “places emphasis on the African diaspora and her personal connection to it.”
“I find inspiration everywhere from nature, to dreams, to the cultural environment of the African diaspora, and the politics of our history. Perhaps this is why my creative output is eclectic,” Uffre said in a statement about her exhibit.
“My origins incorporate Brooklyn, New York and the African Caribbean diaspora associated with it. Although very much an American, my mother’s Caribbean ways have forever permeated my sense of self, my thoughts and my art,” she added.
Uffre will speak with visitors during a Meet the Artist event on Saturday (Feb. 3), from 1-3 p.m. at the Firehouse.
The fusion group Mj’s Brass Boppers will take the Firehouse stage next Friday (Feb. 9) for a funk-filled performance in the style of authentic New Orleans swing with elements of modern pop and jazz.
Bay Area-based singer Stella Health will appear at the Firehouse venue on Feb. 16 to pay tribute to one of the most influential jazz artists of American history. In “Stella Meets Nat”, Heath will embody the musical delivery of Nat King Cole’s early career.
The Livermore Public Library has also planned a series of gatherings and activities commemorating Black History Month at its three branches throughout the city.
The Rincon branch library will host an educational crafting event for all ages on Friday (Feb. 2) at 3 p.m. During “Freedom Quilt Craft,” participants can learn about the Underground Railroad and create paper patches to honor those who fought for enslaved people’s freedom.
For the third consecutive year, the Civic Center branch will display “Black History Month Art Exhibit – Art of the African Diaspora” in partnership with the Richmond Art Center.
The exhibit seeks to highlight Black artists of the Bay Area. Featured artists of the Livermore exhibit include Arthur Norcome, Joseph Robinson, Asual Kwahuumba, Julie Atkinson, Kevin Lance Daniels, Joanne Johnson, and Ashlie Kego.
Running through Feb. 29 in the library’s art gallery, the exhibit will feature an artist reception set for Feb. 10 at noon in the library’s Community Rooms A and B.
Also on Feb. 10, the library will host a screening of “Soul”, a Disney Pixar film that follows the story of a jazz musician who learns to follow his passion.
For music lovers, the Livermore Public Library has scheduled performances to engage the community and celebrate Black History through song.
House of Samba Kids comes to the Livermore Civic Center branch Saturday (Feb. 3) at 1 p.m. for a live performance of global instruments. The group will liven up the room and invite listeners to join in.
Saxophonist Ashley Jemison will be live at the Civic Center branch next Thursday (Feb. 8) at 7 p.m. Library staff said Jemison brings a “new school vibe to smooth jazz by covering the current styles of R&B and pop music, while adding a unique improvisational twist that leaves her audiences wanting more.”
The Granada High School Jazz Band will make an appearance in the Civic Center Storytime Room on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. for a special live performance.
“The students will Present musical sets and pieces composed and performed by African American Jazz musicians and show us how the genre’s message of Hope and celebration greatly influenced American culture and history,” library representatives said.
The Dublin Library will be celebrating Black History Month as well by hosting teen and family movie nights throughout the month.
Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” will be showing in the library’s Virginia Bennett Room on Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. “The Color Purple” will show Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Thomishia Booker will host an art-based project and poetry lesson for youth in the Dublin Library’s Virginia Bennett Room on Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. Library representatives said the event titled “Blooms of History” will take participants on “a journey through Black History with art and poetry honoring Carter G. Woodson and Anne Spencer.”
Community group Tri-Valley for Black Lives has also planned events to bring community members together.
TV4BL members are inviting history buffs to test their knowledge of Black History with a trivia night at the Civic Center branch library in Livermore on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
On Feb. 24 at 5 p.m., the group is set to host a public Open Mic Night at Swirl on the Square.
The group has also partnered with the Vine Cinema for a screening of “The Wiz” to round out the month on Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. The musical reimagines the classic children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, starring an African American cast that includes Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
More information about events at the Firehouse and local libraries can be found on their websites. Additional information about Tri-Valley for Black Lives events can be found on Facebook and Instagram @tv4blacklives.
