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As February approaches, the spotlight will soon shine on Black History Month as many celebratory events are scheduled throughout the Tri-Valley.
Given the visual art displays, performances, trivia night and more on tap, the wide expanse of activities honoring Black History Month — or coinciding with the heritage month — offers something for everyone.
Performances
Traci Bartlow, dance educator and performance artist, is set to host “A Celebration of African American Social Dances” at 2 p.m. on Feb. 8 at the Civic Center Library Storytime Room in Livermore. During this event, Bartlow will teach attendees about different eras of African American music and dance. All ages are welcome to attend and dance along.
The following week on Valentine’s Day, the female tap dance band, Syncopated Ladies, is set to perform a full-length concert called “Syncopated Ladies: Live!” at 8 p.m. at the Bankhead Theater.
Created by Emmy award nominated tap dancer and choreographer, Chloe Arnold, the group has amassed over 100 million views on their viral videos, worked with Beyoncé, won the first dance crew battle on the popular TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” and performed at the US Open.
According to the Livermore Valley Arts website, their performance combines inspiring stories with intricate footwork, feminine power and energy.
For event tickets or more information, visit livermorearts.org.
Later that weekend, the Granada High School Hip Hop Band is scheduled for an energetic performance at the Civic Center Library Storytime Room, set to begin at 3 p.m. on Feb. 16.
Just days after, Faith Alpher — multi-talented comedian, author, speaker and radio host — is scheduled to perform a sold-out show called “Faith Unfiltered: Comedy Without Apologies” at the Charming Fig in Livermore on Feb. 21.
For more information about Alpher or other upcoming shows, visit her website at therealfaithalpher.com.
SPARC Theater is partnering with Tri-Valley for Black Lives — a community coalition that promotes social justice through community engagement and education — to host a play reading of “Shakespeare in Harlem” by Langston Hughes on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.
“It’s not quite the full-blown theater production and it’s so much more than mere storytelling. It’s a unique hybrid where poignant prose meets passionate performance, all lightly staged to spark your imagination and kindle your spirit,” SPARC organizers wrote of the show’s format.
The reading is free and suitable for ages 12 and older. More information is available at sparctheater.org.
The next day, Black poets Devorah Major and James Cagney will share their work as part of the “Verse on the Vine” series at Civic Center Library Storytime Room. The event will be hosted by Livermore poet laureate Peggy Schimmelman followed by a Q&A. Scheduled at 3 p.m. on Feb. 23, the reading is intended for adults and teens, organizers said.
Visual art
An ongoing solo exhibition of contemporary African American artist Fan Lee Warren’s “The Legacy” at the Harrington Gallery within the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton is set to continue until March 1.
Presented on Jan. 11, the exhibit features 12 pieces with themes of past and present, the patterns of life, community and personal introspection, according to the Firehouse website. Entry to the exhibit is free.
A reception for Warren and the exhibit is set for 1-3 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the Firehouse lobby.
Also all month long, the Livermore Public Library is set to host “Art of the African Diaspora – Black History Month 2025 Art Exhibit” at the Civic Center Art Gallery. Included in the exhibit are works by talented Bay Area artists like Araceli Holmes, Arthur Norcome, JAMM The Artist, Kelvin Curry, Khristel Johnson, Pamela Harris, Saida Adias, Sloane Gross, TheArthur Wright and Yolanda Patton.
As a satellite exhibit of the Richmond Art Center, “Art of the African Diaspora” supports Bay Area artists of African descent through representation, professional development and building a creative community, library representatives said in an announcement. The 2025 exhibit marks the fourth consecutive year the Livermore library has hosted the satellite exhibit during Black History Month.
A reception honoring the artists is scheduled at noon on Feb. 22 at the Civic Center Library Community Rooms A and B. All ages are welcome to meet the artists, learn about their work and snack on appetizers provided by the Pleasanton Catering Company.
In addition to art exhibits in Pleasanton and Livermore, the Blackhawk Museum in Danville hosts the ongoing “Art of Africa” exhibit. Displayed items include intricate wood sculptures, instruments, and ceremonial masks created by indigenous peoples in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the museum website. For more information, visit blackhawkmuseum.org.
Interactive
Also scheduled for the entire month of February is the Springtown Library Scavenger Hunt, where weekly questions lead participants to treasured books by Black authors and fascinating facts about Black Americans, according to organizers. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a prize at the end of the month.
Black History Month Trivia Night, hosted by Tri-Valley for Black Lives and the Livermore library, is set for Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. Attendees may learn about the contributions of African Americans to the country, library representatives said. Winners will also receive prizes from local Black artists and businesses.
“The contributions of Black folks on American culture are often overlooked or downplayed and some people’s understanding of Black History is limited to slavery and the Civil Rights Movement so with this event, we really just strive to amplify and honor the talent, influence and impact that Black people have had on this country in a fun way,” said Emily Wilson of Tri-Valley for Black Lives.
The following week, visitors to the Rincon Branch Library can participate in creating a mosaic-style art piece inspired by African American artist Alma Thomas during “Craft – Art Tributes to Alma Thomas.” All ages are welcome to the event set for 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 21.
To wrap up the month, Tri-Valley for Black Lives is hosting a restorative yoga class at Dragonfly Yoga + Wellness studio in Livermore at 5 p.m. on Feb. 28.
“We wanted to do something focused on wellness and healing which we haven’t done before,” Wilson told the Weekly.
The donation-based class also serves as a fundraiser for this year’s Juneteenth festival hosted annually by the community group and Livermore Valley Arts.
Sign-ups for the yoga class are available online at the studio’s website dragonflyyogawellness.com.
Presentations
Author Tina Jones Williams will host an online webinar to discuss the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first historically African American sorority, on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. International membership of the sorority totals over 380,000 college-educated women, each committed to a lifetime of service to all humankind. This webinar, supported by the Livermore Public Library, is intended for adults.
All Black History Month events offered through the Livermore Public Library are free and open to the public.
“Livermore Public Library is committed to honoring Black History Month,” library representatives wrote in an announcement. Through the library’s programs, one can celebrate the history and cultural impact of Black Americans through accessible and diverse events and resources, they added.
For more information about all Livermore library events, visit library.livermoreca.gov.
