Santa Barbara is celebrating Black History Month with a series of community events honoring Black culture, history, and lived experiences throughout February.
Black History Month is observed each February to recognize the lasting contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s history and culture.
The City of Santa Barbara announced plans to mark the month with film screenings, art receptions, music programs, literary events, and family-friendly gatherings in partnership with local organizations.
Celebrate Black History Month in Santa Barbara! @SBPLSystem, in partnership with local community organizations, is hosting film screenings, art receptions, book launches, and music events honoring Black voices and culture all February.
More info: https://t.co/zQzoImKqAI pic.twitter.com/crSygyPinM
— City of Santa Barbara (@SBCity) February 3, 2026
The Santa Barbara Public Library is also taking part by working with community groups to host events focused on learning, reflection, and celebration.
Beyond scheduled programming, the library is offering educational resources and reading materials that highlight Black voices and historical perspectives.
A featured installation curated by the Santa Barbara Black Culture House is on display in the Central Library lobby throughout February.
The display highlights Black heritage, creativity, and resilience, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with cultural narratives through visual and written works.
The month’s programming began on February 1 with a screening of ‘Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock ’n’ Roll’.
The next event takes place Thursday, February 5, when the Central Library hosts a First Thursday Art Reception from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., presented by Healing Justice Santa Barbara with an emphasis on healing and social awareness.
A post shared by Healing Justice Santa Barbara (@healingjusticesb)
Literary history takes center stage on Saturday, February 21, with a book release party titled Celebrating the Living Black History of Santa Barbara. Scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Eastside Library, the event spotlights stories that preserve and document Black experiences within the local community.
Later in the month, the community can attend Soulful Nights: A Jazz & Movie Celebration, a music and film event scheduled for Friday, February 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carpinteria Community Library.
The month concludes with Stories in Motion: A Family Celebration on Saturday, February 28, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Eastside Library, offering programming designed for children and families.
This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor the history, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans past and present who have helped shape our community and our nation. Happy Black History Month!#SantaBarbaraCounty pic.twitter.com/yRbyvXhEJC
— Santa Barbara County (@countyofsb) February 2, 2026
Beyond February, organizations including the Santa Barbara Black Culture House, SBCC Umoja, the Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Santa Barbara, Juneteenth Santa Barbara, and Healing Justice Santa Barbara continue to support Black culture, education, and advocacy year-round.
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