Celebrating Black History

At On Lok, we know that honoring our community’s diverse history deepens our understanding of the seniors and families we serve. This month, we join the nation in a landmark celebration—marking 100 years since the first organized effort to bring Black history out of the shadows and into the national conversation.

Black historian Carter G. Woodson dedicated his career to the study of Black life. Responding to the fact that the achievements of Black men and women were largely missing from our nation’s recorded history, he founded "Negro History Week" in 1926 to commemorate "the Black past."

The inaugural celebration took place during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass (one of the foremost African-American civil rights leaders of the 19th century).

In the decades that followed, the observance grew in popularity. Fueled by the Civil Rights Movement and a rising consciousness on college campuses, the week transformed into Black History Month by the late 1960s.

In 1976, during the nation’s bicentennial, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month, urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Celebrating Black History in the Bay Area

If you are looking for ways to connect with this history locally, here are some upcoming events and exhibits in the Bay Area:

• ❤️ Feb 14 — Free Admission at MoAD (San Francisco): The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is offering free admission this Saturday. It is a perfect opportunity to explore their current exhibitions with friends or family.

• ✨ Feb 15 — Spotlight Sundays at OMCA (Oakland): Visit the Oakland Museum of California for "Spotlight Sundays." While you are there, be sure to check out the powerful exhibit "Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain," which highlights the struggle and triumph of Black communities in the Bay Area. (Note: This exhibit runs through March 1).

• 🏛️ Feb 25 — SF Black History Month Closing Ceremony: Join the citywide celebration at San Francisco City Hall. The closing ceremony begins at 5:30 PM and will feature speakers and performances to close out the month in community.

For a wider list of festivals, performances, and educational events happening around the Bay, check out the San Francisco Chronicle’s guide to celebrating Black History Month.