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Every year during Black History Month, cities across the Tri-Valley hold a number of events that aim to educate residents and members of the public while also celebrating Black and African American culture.
This February, the city of Livermore leads the charge in offering various types of programming as the Livermore Public Library will be celebrating Black History Month virtually every day of the month with a number of exhibits, crafting events and performances.
“It’s a time for Livermore Public Library to celebrate the history and cultural impact of Black Americans,” according to a Jan. 20 press release from the library. “All are invited to attend free events and utilize the offered resources and services to learn more about this nationally celebrated month.”
Starting on Sunday (Feb. 1), the Livermore library will be showcasing the “2026 Art of the African Diaspora Exhibit” at the Civic Center branch. The exhibit will be available every day throughout the month.
“Art of the African Diaspora, in partnership with Richmond Art Center, supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community,” according to the library press release.
Every Livermore library branch will also feature a Black History Month Trivia Bulletin Board where members of the public can test their knowledge and learn more about important figures in Black history.
On Feb. 7, the Civic Center Library will host a talk with Akilah Cadet, author of “White Supremacy is All Around: Notes from a Black Disabled Woman in a White World”, where she will talk about what it’s like “living at the intersection of many identities.” The event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
The library will also be hosting a family friendly game night with Longevity Wines, a Black-owned winery in Livermore, on Feb. 12 starting at 5 p.m. and a trivia night at the Civic Center Library on Feb. 19 starting at 6 p.m. The trivia night is co-hosted by Tri-Valley for Black Lives, a community coalition that promotes social justice through community engagement and education.
Toward the end of the month, Baba Shibambo — an African hand drummer — is set to visit the Rincon Branch Library on Feb. 20. Starting at 3:30 p.m. The renowned South African instrumentalist will deliver a high-energy performance that the library said will take the audience on “a journey back into the heart of ancient Africa through music and story”.
“Baba Shibambo will play and have the audience participate by also playing traditional African instruments,” according to the press release. “He will present an authentic Zulu folktale set to music. The audience will have the chance to learn traditional African dance moves and learn the background of the dances.”
Bay Area saxophonist Ashley Jemison will stop by the Civic Center Library on Feb. 22 for a special musical performance that starts at 2 p.m.
The library’s final two events will close out the month on Feb. 28: a Black History Month storytelling with Diane Ferlatte, a Grammy-nominated storyteller, at 10:15 a.m. and the Art of the African Diaspora Reception at the Civic Center Library at 11 a.m. The latter will be an opportunity for members of the public to meet the artists who have their work featured in the month-long Art of the African Diaspora exhibit.
In addition to the library’s events, Livermore Valley Arts will also be hosting a number of Black History Month performances that will take place on Fridays at the Bankhead Theater throughout the month and into early March.
According to a Jan. 15 LVA press release, these Friday evening performances aim to “uplift and champion black artists and talents”.
These musical performances will kick off on Feb. 6 with a soulful show by American singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster and the Blind Boys of Alabama, a gospel group. Then, on Feb. 13, The String Queens — a trio of Black women who play classical string instruments — will grace the stage with a musical experience that LVA says will “inspire audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine”.
Lastly, the Bankhead will host Kings Return, a four-piece all Black a cappella group hailing from Dallas, Texas, on March 6.
Other Tri-Valley celebrations include the city of Pleasanton’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 28 from 1-3 p.m. at the Pleasanton Public Library. According to the city, the event will honor the “history, culture and contributions of African Americans through music, storytelling and activities designed for all ages”.
Pleasanton’s Museum on Main will also be debuting its 2026 Ed Kinney Speaker Series on Feb. 26 with Madelyn Porter portraying Sojourner Truth, an African American and women’s rights activist and abolitionist.
These museum performances — also known by its event name “An Afternoon or Evening with …” — involve scholar-actors dressing up to fully embody those historical figures in the Chautauqua style as they present a scripted biography of their persona and answer audience questions both in and out of character at the end of the show.
On Feb. 26, the Dublin Unified School District is set to host “A Harlem Renaissance Jazz and Art Night” at Dublin High School. From 5-7 p.m., student performances, live music, student art and food will fill the student union on campus.
Over in San Ramon, the Dougherty Station Library will be hosting Mister Boom Boom’s African Drum Circle on Feb. 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mister Boom Boom, also known as Frank Coates, is a Black music educator, multi-instrumentalist, children’s author and founder of Play Patrol, an organization that focuses on promoting music education in schools.
“This hands-on musical journey brings the power and spirit of African drumming to life,” according to the Contra Costa County Library website. “Kids will be introduced to global percussion instruments rooted in African traditions, including bongos, cajon and more.”
According to the website, the event is designed for ages 3 to 12. No registration is required.
Also during February, the Blackhawk Museum’s Art of Africa gallery in Danville features art created by the indigenous people of sub-Saharan Africa, including intricate wood sculptures, instruments, and ceremonial masks.
Beyond attending events, supporting Black-owned businesses in the Tri-Valley is another way to celebrate and uplift the culture this Black History Month.
“From wineries and chocolate shops to podcasts and BBQ spots, the Tri-Valley is home to several black owned businesses,” according to the Visit Tri-Valley website.
Some of those businesses include Longevity Wines in Livermore, Oyo restaurant in Pleasanton and Mimi’s Chocolates in Dublin, among others.
For those looking to get outdoors, the East Bay Regional Park District will be hosting multiple “naturalist-led programs and Black History walks” at various parks throughout the East Bay.
The first event, which is currently not accepting any more participants as registration is full, is the Celebrating Black History Walk on Feb. 7 and 8. The public tour will allow participants to explore the new Thurgood Marshall Regional Park: Home of the Port Chicago 50 located on the rolling grasslands of the Concord hills.
The Port Chicago 50 refers to the 50 African American sailors who “refused to return to the unsafe work, citing the lack of proper safety measures and training,” at Port Chicago, a naval base located in Contra Costa County, according to the National Park Service website.
“As we walk, learn about the history of this land, stories of resistance and bravery, and the events (that) occurred here that played a vital role in the desegregation of the armed forces,” the EBRPD website states.
The park district will also be hosting two other Black History Month walks, both of which are still open to the public and require no registration.
First, on Feb. 7, the park district will be hosting a “Exploring Black Environmental History” event at the Hayward Regional Shoreline park. The event, which lasts from 11 a.m. to noon, is designed for anyone over the age of 7.
According to the park district, participants will be able to enjoy a “leisurely marsh walk and conversation to gain a deeper appreciation of the invaluable contributions of Black environmentalist leaders.”
Then, toward the end of the month, the park district will host its “Storytime In The Garden: Black History Month” event on Feb. 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont.
“Celebrate Black History Month with a special storytime in the garden, featuring children’s books that highlight Black voices and experiences,” the EBRPD website says. “Gather together in nature to enjoy reading, reflection, and community connection over a warm cup of tea.” The event will be catered to kids ages 5 to 12. Parent participation is required.
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