Black History Month recognizes the generations of Black people who have persevered throughout history including the trailblazers and pioneers who made contributions to our world with resilience and strength, often in the face of incredible hardship and bigotry.
This month and throughout the year, we encourage you to visit San Diego museums to listen and learn about Black history, culture and art. In this issue, we highlight events and exhibitions and share the voices of Black leaders within San Diego’s arts and culture community.
Keepers of the Culture 2023
San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art
San Diego History Center
Balboa Park on Feb. 25
Join the celebration of five local luminaries who have dedicated their lives to enriching and expanding San Diego’s African-American cultural landscape.
Keepers of the Culture 2023 is presented by the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art in collaboration with the San Diego History Center where the event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 25 with doors opening at 5 p.m. featuring music by Lyrical Groove and a program at 6 p.m.
Honorees include (clockwise from top) the Honorable Leon Williams, artist Jeanne Cornwell Wheat, publisher Dr. John Warren, choral director Ken Anderson, and musician Elliot Lawrence.
Register here for this free event (reservations are required).
BLACK COM!X DAY 2023
WorldBeat Cultural Center
Balboa Park on Feb. 11 & 12
This year’s Black Com!x Day “Heroes Rise V” celebrates Black artists and creators from Marvel, DC & Black Owned working in comics, movies and TV. Black artists in the comic book industry have been around for decades contributing to Black Panther, Spider-Man, Batman and Blade. Black Com!x Day has a special focus on Black-owned creations such as Power Knights, Is’Nana The Were-Spider, Methu, Agent Wild and more.
Meet these amazing artists at WorldBeat Cultural Center on February 11 & 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get more information about this free event here.
USS Midway Museum
Celebrating Admiral Lawrence Chambers
In 1975, Admiral Lawrence Chambers became the first African American man to command a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Midway. Among his many achievements, Admiral Chambers was the first African-American graduate of the Naval Academy to reach flag rank. Learn more about his incredible story here and visit the USS Midway Museum to experience the ship he commanded.
San Diego History Center
Balboa Park on Feb. 11
Learn about the history of African-American life in San Diego through a one-day pop-up of the San Diego History Center‘s Part of the Patchwork: Reflection of African-American Life in the History Center Archives. All ages are welcome to enjoy crafts and interactive activities on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more here. Free with suggested $10 admission donation.
Aviation Heroes
San Diego Air & Space Museum
You may have heard about the Tuskegee Airmen, whose bravery during WWII lead the way to the desegregation of the armed forces in 1948. But do you also know the inspiring stories of Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license; Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton, the first Black Thunderbird pilot and commander of three air wings; or West Point graduate Benjamin Davis, a member of the first Black pilots training class and commander of two all-Black flying units in WWII?
Learn more about these aviation heroes now on exhibit at the San Diego Air & Space Museum‘s prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame. Make sure to catch the P-51 Mustang Red Tail and corresponding Tuskegee Airmen exhibit which are the best and most extensive on the West Coast.
Tip: Don’t miss the museum’s amazing new Above and Beyond exhibit!
Coronado Historical Association
Saturday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m.
Local historian Kevin Ashley will discuss Coronado’s little-known Black history and share historic photos on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. Presented by the Coronado Historical Association, the lecture is concurrent with an exhibit in the Coronado Public Library of books that relate to the lives of Coronado’s pioneering Black residents from 1887-1921.
The library exhibit includes The Other Side of the Fence which chronicles the life of Cynthia Hudgins, a woman who grew up in Coronado in the 1920s and 1930s and was raised there by her formerly enslaved grandparents, Amos and Annie Hudgins. Find out more and register here.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
La Jolla on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.
Join the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego at its flagship La Jolla location on Sunday, Feb. 12 for its free Prebys Play Day. Based out of Conrad Prebys Learning Center and sprawling into the galleries, guests may explore the work of artist Mildred Howard and celebrate Black History Month. Make art inspired by Mildred Howard, enjoy a live DJ, watch live painting by Rachel Rhone, move with dancers from Disco Riot and catch storytime with Ms. Katia from the La Jolla/Riford Library.
WorldBeat Cultural Center
Balboa Park on Feb. 19
Celebrate Black History Month at WorldBeat Cultural Center’s 42nd Tribute to the Legends Festival on Sunday, Feb. 19 in Balboa Park. Get your tickets here.
Africa in Context
San Diego Mesa College
Experience pieces from the Mesa College Foundation World Art Permanent Collection as curated by Dr. Denise Rogers. The “Africa in Context” exhibit at the Mesa College Gallery, Room FA103 is now open and runs through February 23. Learn more here.
San Diego Public Library
All February Long
Each February, the 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. Learn more here!
Did you know? You can pick up your Museum Month pass at 36 branches of the San Diego Public Library, plus another 40+ public libraries throughout San Diego County. Go to your favorite library and pick one up!
Black Owned Businesses Support Museum Month
Great news! You can now pick up Museum Month 50%-off passes at three Westfield Mission Valley locations including Temple Custom Jewelers, Temple Barber Lounge and the Blu Temple Cigar & Wine Company shown above with owners Anthony and Naomi Temple. Please support businesses who support our museums!
