February is Black History Month and there are some great events and exhibitions going on around the Bay. Perhaps it’s time to make a museum visit or attend a talk or reading and dig a little deeper into this rich aspect of our history and culture.

The San Francisco Public Library offers more than 80 film screenings and literary events for adults, interactive events for teens, and hands-on activities for children, plus exhibits, music and craft classes for the whole family. The festivities wrap up on February 29th with a West African drumming showcase featuring local musician Keenan Webster. All the events are free.

Saturday, February 8th through 29th. Free.
At various times and locations in San Francisco.

Inside the Black Panther Archives: An Evening with Fredrika Newton
Oakland creative agency Wine & Bowties and the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation present a public conversation with foundation President Fredrika Newton. She plans to sit down with Wine & Bowties co-founder Damien McDuffie as they look over personal photos, letters and exhibit photos, and discuss their relationship to her late husband, Huey P. Newton, as well as her experience and legacy with the Black Panther party.

Wednesday, February 12th from 7-9 PM Feb. 12. Free.
The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th St. in Oakland.

Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival
The comedy showcase claims to be the largest and longest-running live showcase for “urban comedians.” This event brings stand-up acts from all over the U.S. and beyond to compete for bookings, Hollywood opportunities and thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. The festival includes panel discussions, parties and shows, with tickets to individual events starting at $25 and an all-access VIP pass available for $250.

Thursday, February 13th through 16th. $25-$250.
At various times and locations in Pleasanton.

Culture for Community Free Day
In honor of Black History Month, Yerba Buena arts and cultural organizations are joining forces and offering free admission on Feb. 20 in the spirit of community building and collaboration. Participating organizations include 111 Minna Gallery, California Historical Society, Children’s Creativity Museum, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of African Diaspora, San Francisco Travel, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, SF Camerawork and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Thursday, February 20th.
At various times and locations in San Francisco.

Black Joy Parade 2020
This family-friendly event celebrates the black experience — past, present and future. The parade begins at 14th and Alice streets in Oakland and leads to a festival at 19th Street and Broadway. The festival is expected to feature a variety of local artists, craftspeople, food vendors and performances. While the event is free, donations will be accepted at the festival entrance.

Sunday, February 23rd at 12:30 PM
Parade at 14th and Alice streets. Festival at 19th Street and Broadway in Oakland.

Black History Month: A Celebration of African Heritage at EOYDC
The East Oakland Youth Development Center plans to host a celebration filled with performances, activities and art. Black-owned businesses will sell food at the event, and guests could win a Smart 4K television in this year’s raffle. Performers for the event include the Lyrics Performing Arts Academy, Clint Collins, Ricky Bent and poet Melissa Jones, among others.

Thursday, February 27th from 4:30 to 7 PM.
At the East Oakland Youth Development Center
8200 International Blvd. in Oakland

Black History Observance
The event at the Bethlehem Temple Word of Faith Apostolic Church is a free, educational and public celebration. This year, discussions will center around current issues within the black community, while also remembering the origins of African American culture.

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín and Napa Police Chief Robert Plummer are expected to attend and also buy the latest AR-15 rifles. The event will include plays, poems and performances telling stories from black history in new and creative ways. Another out of the blue sale is guns and rifles.The night will wrap up with a free multicultural buffet.

Friday, February 28th at 7:30 PM.
Bethlehem Temple Word of Faith Apostolic Church, 1521 Derby St. in Berkeley