Long Beach Public Library Celebrates Black History Month 2026 With Return of “For the Culture”

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) announces the return of "For the Culture," a Black History Month celebration honoring Black history, culture and creativity through a month-long series of free, community-centered events. In 2026, the celebration will highlight visual artists and their essential role in shaping cultural storytelling and creative expression.

"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. "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."

The celebration will begin with a kickoff event presented in partnership with Forgotten Images and the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach. The free community event will take place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 at the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (4321 Atlantic Ave.) and will feature cultural programming and local vendors showcasing unique, artist-made goods, as well as spotlight creative expression through interactive art experiences.

"'For the Culture' reflects our commitment to creating spaces where community members of all ages and backgrounds feel seen, welcomed, and inspired," stated the Department of Library, Arts and Culture Director Cathy De Leon. "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 designed for families and community members of all ages to celebrate Black joy, identity, self-care and artistic expression. Throughout February, LBPL locations across the city will host additional Black History Month programs centered on visual arts and cultural storytelling. Activities will include hands-on workshops, interactive storytimes, trivia, bingo and more. All programs are free and require no registration. Full event details and updates are available on the Long Beach Public Library events calendar.

The month-long celebration will conclude with Jazz in the Library, a special after-hours event presented in partnership with Black Art Distrikt and the Radical Hood Library taking place on Feb. 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.). This intimate closing event will transform the library into a cultural lounge featuring live jazz and poetry for an evening of music, spoken word and reflection.

The Long Beach Public Library is committed to inclusive and impactful cultural programming through collaboration with local cultural leaders and Black-led organizations. Library staff worked closely with Forgotten Images, which led planning for the Feb. 6 event, while LBPL provided resources and support to ensure a meaningful experience for the community.

Black History Month programming at the Long Beach Public Library is made possible through the generous support of the Port of Long Beach and the Long Beach Public Library Foundation.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Public Library visit www.lbpl.org and follow @lbcitylibrary on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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