Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. It honors people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to Black Americans living in the United States today. It is important to commemorate the history, heritage, and contributions of those who sacrificed their lives to establish a better society and justice for all.
The Underground Railroad to Freedom
The Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad, but rather a group of individuals and small networks of people working together to help others escape slavery in the south to freedom in the north. Although there wasn’t a literal train, they often used the language of train/transit infrastructure. For example, stops and safehouses were known as Stations, the guides who led the escapees to different stations were known as Conductors, and folks who hid escaped slaves in their homes were known as Station Masters.
American abolitionist and social activist, Harriet Tubman, the most famous conductor stated, “I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say — I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.” She rescued about 70 people within 13 trips to Maryland. Together, Black and White abolitionist helped nearly 50,000 to 100,000 enslaved people to escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. When Black abolitions and escapees were caught, they were forced to return to slavery, tortured, or even killed. The Underground Railroad symbolized hope and freedom for many enslaved people.
Learn more about the Underground Railroad here.
Learn more about Harriet Tubman here.
Black History Month Activities
Take the Capitol Corridor to celebrate Black History Month! Learn more about its origins, stories, and cultural/social impact in today’s society.
Richmond Station:
- Black Girls Tea Party
Location: Veterans Memorial Hall, 968 23rd St., Richmond, Date: 2/18. 1pm-4pm
Enjoy an afternoon of tea, pastries and culture in honor of this year’s Black History Month. This event is about the girls, but feel free to bring any gentlemen to accompany you! $35. More information here
Oakland Jack London Station:
- Oakland’s First Fridays
Location: 2633 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, Date: 2/10, 5pm-9pm
The city of Oakland is home to Black families with roots all over the globe, with some who go back generations and some who just landed. We’ll celebrate them all at the Black Love edition of Oakland First Fridays, a monthly street festival that hosts local art, food, drink and retail vendors, 73% of whom are Black and Brown owned. Free admission. More information here
- Afro Soca Love: Day Marketplace and Night Carnival
Location: 341 13th St., Oakland, Date: 2/10-11, 11am-6pm
Come out Friday night for the 21+ Night Carnival, a culturally immersive music experience featuring the sounds of soca, afrobeat, reggae, salsa, reggaeton, hip hop, rhythm and blues. The Saturday marketplace features Black-owned food, drink and retail vendors, plus live music and DJs. Free marketplace admission, carnival tickets $5-$150. More information here
- 6th Annual Black Joy Parade
Location: 20th St. at Franklin St., Oakland. Date: 2/26, 12pm-7pm
Come out for the sixth annual parade and festival to celebrate the past, present and future of the Black experience, featuring more than 200 Black-owned vendors, two stages of Black performances and activities for the whole family at Lil Joy for kids, Games n’ Grooves and Healing Village, as well as the largest Black Joy Parade procession in the country. Free admission. More information here
San Francisco (Emeryville Station):
- Museum of the African Diaspora
Location: 685 Mission St., San Francisco, Date: All month, free 2/11
The Museum of the African Diaspora is celebrating Black History Month with a month of special programs including film screenings, fashion and food. Event prices vary, but on Feb. 11, admission is free to all. More information here
- STEM Kitchen + Garden: Wine Tasting
Location: 499 Illinois Street San Francisco, Date: 2/23
Sample wines from across the Bay Area at this free tasting event highlighting Black vintners. More information here
San Jose-Diridon Station:
- History San José and the African American Heritage House
Location: History Park, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose, Date: Every Thursday in February, 5pm-7pm
History San José and the African American Heritage House are presenting this weekly workshop series using WRAP (wellness recovery action planning) methodologies and the principles of Kwanzaa as a framework to explore Black history and culture, culminating in a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 24. Free admission. More information here