Public Library
Accessibility Tools
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Understanding Black history is integral to understanding the history, issues, and the future of our country. One of the founding documents of this country, the United States Declaration of Independence, held that "all men are created equal." However, the long history and the impacts of enslavement, segregation, and redlining are still felt today. Each February, San Diego Public Library honors Black history, celebrates culture and community, and recognizes the achievements as well as the ongoing struggles of Black Americans.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Library hosts various thought provoking programs and provides an opportunity for students to participate in a creative works contest.
Quick links:
Black History Month Contest
Showcase your talents and creativity by submitting an essay, poem, visual artwork, song, rap, or other creative work that represents a Black American historical figure or an event in Black American history that has shaped the world.
All participants receive a free gift! Contest prizes include $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place and $50 for 3rd place. This opportunity is sponsored by the Friends of the Malcolm X Library.
Click here for contest details and submission form.
Contest is open to students in 4th – 12th grade.
- One entry per person.
- All content must be original work.
- Make it colorful, be creative and have fun!
- All entries must be submitted by February 10th, 2023.
Featured Programs
Black LGBTQ+ Human Book Experience
Saturday, February 11, 2023 | 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library
The San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition is hosting an event uplifting Black poetic and expressive art including a poetry slam, raffles, music and prizes and the human book experience.
Adapted from the Human Library, this event is an interactive learning experience where readers "borrow" our human books and ask difficult questions that are expected, appreciated and answered. This is a safe space for dialogue to build trust, mutual understanding, and connections with each other.
Registration is recommended.
Red Lip Theology with Candice Marie
Monday, February 27, 2023 | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Central Library
Blurring the boundaries of righteous and irreverent, Red Lip Theology invites us to discover freedom in a progressive Christian faith that incorporates activism, feminism, and radical authenticity. Essayist and theologian Candice Marie Benbow’s essays explore universal themes like heartache, loss, forgiveness, and sexuality, and she unflinchingly empowers women who struggle with feeling loved and nurtured by church culture. Join us for an author presentation from Candice Marie Benbow followed by a book signing.
Story Times & Crafts
Libraries across the City are hosting story times and crafts that explore Black History Month! Click on each event to learn more.
- Storytime & Craft: Kente Colors by Debbie Chocolate
Thursday, February 2, 2023 | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Point Loma/Hervey Library - Storytime: Why is My Hair is Curly? by Neil Thompson
Thursday, February 16, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - Noon | San Ysidro Library - Craft: Paper Kente Cloth
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Rancho Bernardo Library - Drag Queen Story Hour ft. Amber St. James
Saturday, February 25, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Mountain View/Beckwourth Library
Lecture & Discussion
In honor of Black History Month join us for thought provoking lectures and discussions on topics from Black voices in art and equity to Afro-Descendants in Nazi Germany. Click on each event to learn more.
-
Equity, Arts & Intersections: Black Voices
Thursday, February 9, 2023 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Central Library -
African American Artists in Art History
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. | University Community Library -
Afro-Descendants in Nazi Germany
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Central Library
Film Screening
Swing by the library to enjoy various film screenings in honor of Black History Month. Click on each event to learn more.
-
The Body Guard
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:15 p.m. | Pacific Beach/Taylor Library -
Just Mercy
Friday, February 17, 2023 | 1:00 - 3:15 p.m. | Pacific Beach/Taylor Library -
Ethnic Notions
Saturday, February 25, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Logan Heights Library -
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
Monday, February 27, 2023 | 6:00 - 8:45 p.m. | Central Library
General Interest
- Open Mic Night
Monday, February 27, 2023 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Oak Park Library
Art & Display
Black Writers & Poets in Rare Book Room
Central Library | Rare Book Room, 9th Floor
In honor of Black History Month, the Rare Book Room celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Black writers and poets featuring rare edition of works by Paul Laurence Dunbar, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes and Harriet Jacobs.
On View Local Artist - I.K. Chukwu
Central Library | 5th Floor | Feb. 1 - Feb. 28, 2023
Personal reflections on African American heroes will be presented on the 5th floor of the Central Library by local artist I.K. Chukwu.
Video
Have you ever wondered how Black History Month came into being and why February was chosen? This brief video on the evolution of Black History Month will give you a better understanding of the progression of events that led us to the celebration of the contributions Black Americans have made to the United States.