San Francisco celebrates Black History Month, paying tribute to the contributions of African Americans in the United States with an array of enriching exhibitions, cultural programs, theatrical performances and more. Times and locations may be subject to change; please telephone or visit websites listed for complete details.

Highlights include:


Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)
685 Mission St. For information call 415-358-7200 or visit www.moadsf.org.
MoAD is celebrating this month with a robust schedule of exhibitions, education and public programs showcasing the history, art and the cultural richness that resulted from the dispersal of Africans throughout the world.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located at the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, in San Francisco. The park includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, visitor center, WPA-era bathhouse building (closed for renovation) and library. For more information about the park or its public programs, call 415-447-5000 or visit http://www.nps.gov/safr. 

Exhibit: African Americans in the Maritime Trades: A Photographic Exhibition
Daily, through February
Visitor Center, 499 Jefferson St.
Photo exhibit about African Americans in maritime industries.

Chanteys: The African American and Caribbean Connection
Feb. 23, 1 to 1:45 p.m. 
.Discover African American and Caribbean work songs of sailors, oarsmen, longshoremen and fishermen. Join Park Ranger Peter Kasin and Park Volunteer Richard Adrianowicz and sing along to these compelling chanteys

The Saga of Captain William Shorey
Feb. 9 and 23, 3 p.m.
Visitor Center, 499 Jefferson St.
A slide program on the extraordinary life and accomplishments of the only Black whaling ship captain on the West Coast.

Jazz Heritage Center
1330 Fillmore St., www.jazzheritagecenter.org, 415-255-7745
The Jazz Heritage Center’s Koret Heritage Lobby – the main public lobby of the Fillmore Heritage Center outside the entrance to Yoshi’s jazz club and restaurant – showcases special local and traveling exhibits focused on jazz history and culture, with a particular emphasis on the contribution of San Francisco to the history of jazz. In addition, the lobby will host interactive and traditional exhibits focused on the unique history of the Fillmore neighborhood, a district rich in diversity and cultures that has served as the heart of San Francisco’s African-American population for more than 50 years.

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
Thorughout February 
PG&E Auditorium, 77 Beale St., 415-474-8800, www.lhtsf.org.
LHT presents plays by America's foremost African-American and multicultural playwrights; provide employment and career-building opportunities for actors, directors, designers, and technicians; and fosters youth development and education through workshops and outreach. LHT distinguishes itself as an eclectic learning community, sustained by both rigor and creativity.

Black Choreographers Festival (BCF) – Here & Now
Throughout February 
Tickets may be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com or by phone for the following locations: Laney College Theatre Box Office: 888-819-9106; San Francisco’s Dance Mission Box Office: 415-273-4633. For information visit www.bcfhereandnow.com. Media contact: David Perry, 415-693-0583, news@davidperry.com
The eagerly anticipated showcase continues its trans-Bay celebration of black dance in its many forms. For three weekends, BCF’s Here & Now festival features award-winning choreographers and companies, community master classes, film series and special events. 

San Francisco Public Library
For information call 415-557-4400 or visit www.sfpl.org. 
A number of special events, exhibits and programs specifically for children are planned at San Francisco’s Main Library and various branches. 

For a one-day itinerary offering a glimpse into the San Francisco's black culture, please view our African American Excursion

For a complete listing of events, click here


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