Ways to Celebrate Black History Month, Equity & Belonging in Palo Alto
Published on February 22, 2024
February is Black History Month, a time to recognize the history, culture and contributions of Black Americans. This community update also reflects on the Council’s commitment to advance one of their four priorities this year, Community Health, Safety, Wellness and Belonging. The following events, activities and resources offer an opportunity to recognize Black History Month, as well as resources to foster inclusiveness, equity, and a sense of belonging for everyone in the community year-round.
Library
Since 1976, every February has been designated Black History Month with a special theme. The 2024 theme "African Americans and the Arts"—named by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History—highlights the history and influence of African American artists in the visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music and more. Additionally, the Library has shared book lists to help foster inclusivity.
Events
Black History Month Program: STEAM Contributions
Friday, February 23, 2024 3 - 6 p.m. | Amazon SJC 18 Building
The program is organized by the Amazon Black Employees Network (BEN) in collaboration with the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). The program will feature an inspiring panel of notable STEAM leaders in the Bay Area community, an opportunity for students to ask questions, win prizes, and enjoy refreshments. Winners of the literary contest recently advertised will be announced during the event as well.
Stanford University: Rachel Jean-Baptiste | How Multiracial Identity Shapes Citizenship
Monday, Feb 26, 2024 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Levinthal Hall, Stanford Humanities Center
The Program in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies presents Rachel Jean-Baptiste, the Michelle Mercer and Bruce Golden Family Professor in Feminist and Gender Studies, speaking on her book Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa (Cambridge University Press, 2023). This book is a groundbreaking history of EurAfricans or métis, people of African and European parentage, and how their conceptions of racial identity shaped notions of citizenship and childhood in Africa and Europe. Learn more here.
For more BCSC events check out this calendar and Stanford events here.
Resources
Music & Film Resources
Research Resources
- Use Biography in Context to learn about the many amazing contributions by African Americans you might not have known about!
- Access Ancestry and use this guide to get started researching African American family history.
- Discover diverse books and related instructional materials for PreK-12 with Teaching Books.
Podcast Resources
We hope we’ve inspired you with some great tools and resources to celebrate black history and culture during the month of February and all year long!
Other Events Related to Inclusiveness, Equity, and Belonging
Palo Alto Art Center
The Palo Alto Art Center is celebrating inclusiveness and belonging through a popular theme in art – food! Their “Feast or Famine” exhibit runs through April 7, 2024, explores themes such as identity and community, food equity, history and memory, health, sustainability, and agriculture. The concurrent exhibit, “We Are What We Eat,” runs through March 31 and features a culinary and cultural tour of Palo Alto’s sister cities, including Oaxaca and Shanghai.
2024 Palo Alto Lunar New Year Fair
Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Mitchell Park Community Center
Celebrate Chinese culture with the Palo Alto Chinese Community at the 2024 Palo Alto Lunar New Year Fair. This free event is located at Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto.