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Long Beach Public Library to celebrate Black creativity and community

The city will honor 'Black joy, identity, self-care and artistic expression' this month with the annual 'For the Culture' program, which kicks off Friday, Feb. 6.

Long Beach Public Library to celebrate Black creativity and community
African American Cultural Center of Long Beach. Feb. 5, 2026. Photo by Anthony Pignataro

The Long Beach Public Library will kick off its annual tribute to Black creativity and expression with a special interactive art celebration this Friday, according to city officials.

Long Beach will honor "Black joy, identity, self-care and artistic expression" throughout February as part of Black History Month with its annual "For the Culture" program, officials said.

"'For the Culture' reflects our commitment to creating spaces where community members of all ages and backgrounds feel seen, welcomed, and inspired," said Department of Library, Arts and Culture Director Cathy De Leon in a Jan. 23 statement. "By centering Black artists, stories, and lived experiences, we celebrate Black history not only as the past, but as a living, creative force that continues to shape our city."

“For the Culture” is an annual program that encourages families and community members to "celebrate Black identity and creativity, according to city library officials.

The program officially begins Friday, Feb. 6 at the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (4321 Atlantic Ave.). The event will feature cultural programming and local vendors offering artist-made goods and will highlight "creative expression through interactive art experiences," city officials said.

The event will run from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

For the rest of this month, all city library branches will host Black History Month programs that feature visual arts and cultural storytelling. Activities will include interactive workshops and story times, trivia, bingo and more. The programs are free and require no registration, city officials said.

You can find complete event details and updates on the Long Beach Public Library events calendar.

The month-long celebration will end on Feb. 27 with Jazz in the Library, a special after-hours event that will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.). During this event, the library will transform into a lounge that features live jazz and poetry for an evening of music, spoken word and reflection, according to the library officials.

"Long Beach is a city that celebrates culture, creativity and community, and 'For the Culture' is a powerful reflection of those values," said Mayor Rex Richardson in a statement. "By uplifting Black artists and storytellers, the Long Beach Public Library helps connect residents to our shared history while creating spaces for learning, joy and belonging."

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Anthony Pignataro is an editor at Long Beach Watchdog. If this work is important to you, please consider thanking him.

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