Upcoming Black History Month events in L.B.

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Whether it’s reciting poetry excerpts from late African American authors or singing heartfelt gospel music, Long Beach residents are coming together to honor Black History Month.

Many events throughout the month commemorate influential figures in history like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Langston Hughes, and bring to light all the contributions they’ve made to society. Through spoken word, song and book discussions, residents touch on topics ranging from body image to gospel celebration.

Conversation in Black: Celebrating Black Beauty


At the Long Beach Public Library, located at 111 W. Park Ave., on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. join Councilwoman Anissa Moore and special guests to discuss African American women and images of beauty. For more information, contact info@longbeachlibrary.org, or go to the library’s website at longbeachlibrary.org.

Children’s Book Reading with Ama Yawson


On Friday, Feb. 16 at the Martin Luther King Center, located at 615 Riverside Boulevard, join a children’s book reading of “Sunne’s Gift” with Ama Yawson at 7 p.m. The main character, Sunne, is teased by siblings for having different hair, but later learns that there is beauty and power in being different.

Inspirational Gospel Music


On Sunday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. at the Long Beach Public Library, located at 111 W. Park Ave., the Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church Music Department will present its annual Black History Month concert under the direction of Minister of Music Michael Daniel. Pastor Isaac Melton will present the choirs consisting of the Male Chorus, the Youth Choir, the Sanctuary Choir and the J.J. Evans Mass Choir along with Laron West on the drums, A. Morton on the trumpet and L. Walker on the saxophone. The Generation Praise Dancers will also join the event. For more information, contact info@longbeachlibrary.org, or go to the library’s website at longbeachlibrary.org.

Gospel Shabbat

On Friday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m., Temple Emanu-El of Long Beach, located at 455 Neptune Blvd., will hold the second annual Gospel Shabbat in celebration of Black History Month. The temple will welcome a special guest speaker: Long Beach Councilwoman Anissa Moore, and the Nehemiah Project, the gospel a capella singers. The temple invites the entire community to join in this celebration of Black History Month.

Bridget Downes