This February, Mosser joins our residents in celebrating Black History Month (BHM). We take great pride in our heritage and our residents’ stories contribute to the golden tapestry of history. We know the pandemic has posed challenges to joining the in-person community traditions that we look forward to each year. However, there are so many ways we can safely honor and pay homage to our ancestors.
Black History Month was first established in 1976, the year of our nation’s bicentennial. President Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Below are some safe upcoming events to pay tribute to generations of African Americans:
- Black Culture Fest: Young Truths, Beautifully Told
Celebrate the Oakland Library’s “February Black Culture Fest 2021” with Oakland Youth Poet Laureate finalists Siara Edmonds and Monique Jonath, who plan to share their poems and engage in an interactive discussion with attendees.
Details: Thursday, February 4th at 10:45 AM, free registration required.
- ‘Mandela: Let Freedom Reign’
The Marsh presents a one-man show on the life of South African President Nelson Mandela. Starring Darryl Van Leer, the production covers the early life of the activist and political legend leading up to his equal rights struggle against apartheid. It also is set to feature the actor delivering Mandela’s powerful “I Am Prepared to Die” statement, which he gave before being sentenced to life in prison.
Details: Saturday, February 6th, 7:30 p.m. Free.
- Oakland MLK 40 Days of Service
Oakland residents are encouraged to take action locally, keeping neighborhoods, local parks, and waterways clean by picking up litter, reporting illegal dumping, and pledging to practice environmental conservation actions at home. The city of Oakland offers a list of resources and suggested acts of service on its website.
Details: Through Feb. 28. Free.
- The Aquarium of the Pacific Virtual African-American Festival
On Saturday, February 27, the Aquarium of the Pacific will host its nineteenth annual African-American Festival as a virtual online festival, streaming live from the Aquarium of the Pacific. Anyone can tune in for free from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This virtual event will feature African and African-American music, dance, storytelling, and historical displays. Festival performances will include Mardi Gras second-line dancing, hip hop and break dancing, tap and modern dance, soul-pop fusion music, and West African drumming, dancing, and storytelling. At 3:15 p.m., the Aquarium will present the Heritage Award to Felton Williams, Ph.D. for his outstanding service to the African-American community.
Details: Saturday, February 27th, 10:00 AM-3:30 PM
