This February, the Oakland Public Library (OPL) invites the public to its third annual Black Culture Fest: A Celebration of the African Diaspora. OPL’s Black Culture Fest features a variety of dynamic virtual and in-person events for all ages, curated book and music lists, blog posts, exhibits, and more.
The public can find links to all events at oaklandlibrary.org/blackculturefest. Most events require registration, which can also be done on our website.
Online events offered during Black Culture Fest include:
- African (Congolese) Dance Class with LaKeisha Golden on Saturday, February 5 from 3:30-5pm
- African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, February 12 from 2-3pm
- Workshop: Removing the Stigma of Mental Illness in Black Communities presented with Dr. Rosenna Bakari, author of The Healing Journey: Relationships and Wellness Guide on Thursday, February 17 from 4-5pm
- Afro-Turks: History and Culture: Historian and author, Dr. Nikki Brown, discusses her experience translating an Afro-Turkish activist's memoir, offering an extraordinary perspective on citizenship, identity, and nationality on Tuesday, February 22 from 4-5pm
In-person events offered during Black Culture Fest include:
- Black Culture Children’s Storytime on Saturday, February 5 at 10:30am at the Main Library Children's Room, 125 14th Street. Call 510-238- 3615 to register; attendance is limited to six families with two wait-list slots.
- Our Truth, Our Style, Our Voice: Poetry Recital/Workshop on Thursday, February 10 from 2-3:15pm. Oakland Youth Poet Laureate and Finalists share original poetry, favorite verses and writing prompts. Register on the website.
Exhibits during Black Culture Fest include:
- Black Superheroes in Comics: a large banner of comicbook heroes past and present at the Eastmont Branch Library, 7200 Bancroft Avenue
- Celebrating Black Artists: a 4-panel collage of works by famous African American painters and artists at the Rockridge Branch Library entryway, 5366 College Avenue
- We Also Served: African Americans in the Military: a showcase of oral narratives, photographs, military uniforms, veteran's visual art, and other memorabilia at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland, 659 14th Street
Find featured blogs, staff recommendations, and videos on our website at oaklandlibrary.org/blackculturefest throughout the month of February.
About OPL
The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow.
