Black History Month Events & Experiences in Oakland, CA

Oakland is a city renowned for its diversity and deep roots in Black culture. Throughout Oakland's history there have been a number of pioneers and trailblazers who helped make this city as great as it is today. Oakland is also home to dozens of influential Black-owned businesses to celebrate all year: from restaurants and fashion retailers to Oakland’s only Black-owned adult store and ‘crystal botanica’.

This month we celebrate all of this a little extra, but Oakland's Black legacy is on display year-round.

How to Spend a Weekend in Oakland During Black History Month

Oakland’s deep roots in black culture are celebrated through the city’s food, music, art, and creativity. Here are a few ways to safely spend a weekend celebrating The...

8 Black-Owned Shops to Support

Take part in Keep Oakland Alive's giveaway – a free Keep Oakland Alive t-shirt to anyone who spends over $100 on black-owned businesses on our site...

Be sure to support Black-owned businesses during the month of February on our site! And pssst, use the code WELCOME for $10 off of your first purchase over $50.

History and Culture

Honor Our History
The Oakland Museum of CA has an exhibit as part of the Gallery of California History about the Black Power movement. In response to the widely-popular 2016 exhibition All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50, this new installation is now an on-going exhibit that illustrates the creative ways black anti-racist activists in California supported their communities and challenged the U.S. government.

Unfortunately, the Oakland Museum is temporarily closed due to COVID, but you can enjoy the virtual Black Panther gallery.

Marvel at Champions
The Remember Them: Champions for Humanity Monument statue stands proudly in the Henry J. Kaiser Memorial Park, in downtown Oakland. This inspiring bronze sculpture depicts 25 culturally diverse role models who have made significant contributions toward global peace, freedom and human rights over the past 150 years. The Monument has been designed in four sections, cast in 60,000 pounds of bronze and stands 31 feet high and 52 feet long. Some of the champions honored on the monument include; Maya Angelou, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Mary Ann Wright, Dr. Marcus Foster, and many more.

Black Panther Party

OMCA Black Power Virtual Tour

The Oakland Museum's virtual tour of the Black Panther Party.

Explore the Black Panther Party’s History in Oakland, CA

Oakland has always prided itself on being a progressive city, standing up for the rights...

Black-Owned Businesses

From food to apparel to plants, Oakland's Black-owned businesses showcase the creativity, culture, and resiliency of the community. Make sure to hit up some of these spots during Black History Month and all year round!