#United States #Los Angeles #African American #Black History

Celebrating African American Histories with the Los Angeles Public Library

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is excited to announce its second annual Inspiring Journeys: African American Histories event, set to take place on February 28, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the Central Library located in Downtown Los Angeles. This influential event aims to honor and celebrate the rich tapestry of African American history and contributions to society.

Throughout the month of February, in alignment with Black History Month, LAPL will be hosting a series of engaging programs at various branch libraries across Los Angeles. These programs will be designed for participants of all ages and will encompass storytelling sessions, workshops, artistic activities, and meaningful community discussions.

A Month of Celebration and Learning

As part of the Inspiring Journeys initiative, branches of the LAPL will provide complimentary interactive programs that invite children, teenagers, and adults to dive deep into the narratives of African American culture and history. Each branch will facilitate activities tailored to spark interest and engagement within the community. Christina Hairston, Co-Chair of the Inspiring Journeys Committee, expressed her enthusiasm: "People can learn about Black L.A. history through lectures, dance, or even by documenting their own family history with our free kits."

Event Highlights

The event itself will feature several highlights that promise an enriching experience for all attendees:

1. CommUnity Your Archive, Your Legacy: Kicking off the event will be an oral history workshop focused on preserving community memories. Participants will interactively discover how to identify significant moments, record them, and ensure their stories are preserved for the future. Attendees can also engage in fun hands-on activities, including using an oral history backpack to initiate their recording projects.

2. The Charles Reese Experience: This segment will pay tribute to the legendary James Baldwin, utilizing performance art to weave together narratives inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and the Black intellectual movements of the mid-20th century. This performance will explore themes of identity, truth, and resistance.

3. Making Black Los Angeles: Dr. Marne L. Campbell will lead this informative session, connecting personal experiences to the historical trajectories of early African American families and communities that shaped Black life in Los Angeles.

4. Tommy the Clown and Crew: The event will conclude with an energetic performance led by Tommy the Clown, known as the originator of Clown Dancing and Krumping. This performance will celebrate the vibrant spirit of Black Los Angeles through dance, music, and expressive youth culture.

Commitment to the Community

The Los Angeles Public Library holds the esteemed designation of being a recipient of the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, recognizing its exceptional service to the largest and most diverse urban population of any library across the nation. With over eight million books and diverse programming that emphasizes access to information and continuous learning, LAPL continues to be a pillar of the community.

As this year's Inspiring Journeys event approaches, the LAPL invites the greater Los Angeles community to participate in these transformative experiences that honor African American histories, promote cultural understanding, and foster a shared sense of community engagement. With a plethora of interactive activities and lectures planned, the library is committed to ensuring that Black history is celebrated and remembered throughout the month of February and beyond.

Join us as we celebrate this vital chapter of history together at the Los Angeles Public Library.