Black History Month is sweeping through Los Angeles with dozens of artistic and cultural experiences. It’s a series of celebrations designed to spark joy and strength in all who go.
Professor Bayo Akinfemi, who’s leading “Rhythms of Triumph” at the Kaufman School of Dance wants attendees to leave his event “feeling victorious.”
“Regardless of all the challenges that Black people all over the world are still facing, and we still encounter in the future, I want people to live with a sense [that] there is no obstacle that we cannot scale. There is no challenge that we cannot tackle,” Akinfemi said.
Here are a few of the most notable events, starting with the ones right here at USC.
Punk for the People
This Saturday, February 8, the Rosen Family Screening Room at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center will host several hours of punk festivities beginning at 3:30 p.m. and lasting deep into the evening. This USC Visions & Voices event was created by James Spooner, an award-winning graphic designer and novelist who also directed the acclaimed documentary “Afro-Punk.”
Activities include a workshop with top festival promoters, a conversation with popular L.A. punk creators and a live concert. All aspects of the event will share a central focus: the BIPOC community’s presence in punk rock. Admission to “Punk for the People” is free, but registrations are full. Still, there’s a waitlist available here.
Rhythms of Triumph
“Rhythms of Triumph” is a dance drama production held in the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance that will be focusing on themes of Black excellence and achievement. This production is composed of three performances from February 20 through February 22, each at 7:30 p.m.
“Rhythms of Triumph” features a variety of different dance styles such as hip-hop and African to illustrate stories built around its themes. Professor Akinfemi said the show is designed to “celebrate” Black stories and “really highlight their contributions and achievements [in] society.” The show will be choreographed by Nigerian choreographer Segun Adefila, best known for his current role as artistic director of the Crown Troupe of Africa. Tickets are $20 for general audiences and $10 for students and can be purchased here.
Black History Month Family Reunion
On Tuesday, February 25 at 2:30 p.m., Founders Park will be full of local vendors, live performances and refreshments dedicated to a theme of “Black Brilliance: Honoring Labor, Legacy, and the Joy of Excellence.” This is one of the university’s final Black History Month celebrations in February and will last until 5:00 p.m.
This event is free, and registration can be found here.
The Pan African Film Festival
The Pan African Film and Arts Festival, or PAFF, claims to be the nation’s largest Black History Month event. In the 30 years since its creation, the nonprofit organization has worked to promote thousands of important Black stories through film. This year, the theme is “Dream Beyond,” which is supposed to encourage Black individuals “to envision a future where Black excellence and creativity flourish without boundaries.”
This year, roughly 150 films from over 40 countries will be screened at the Culver Theater in Culver City. The festival began February 4 and will run through February 17.
Vibrations of History: A Black History Month Sound Bath Celebration
A celebration of Black culture will be paired with a wellness experience on Saturday, February 22. “Vibrations of History: A Black History Month Sound Bath Celebration” will begin at 3:30 p.m. with doors opening at 3:15 p.m. The event will be hosted by Dr. Arianna Dean, the founder of sound meditation company Harmonic Hertz.
It will take place at SoulPlay Yoga in Culver City. Tickets for the event are $31.50 and can be purchased here.
Black Images: A Black History Month Poetry Slam
“Black Images: A Black History Month Poetry Slam” will take place Sunday, February 23, at the West Adams/Leimert Park Family Source Center on Degnan Boulevard. Event organizer and award-winning poet Mike Guinn anticipates a “passionate display of poetry” appreciating past writers. Through powerful spoken word performances, local poets will compete for a cash prize and a trophy.
Samuel Rain, a poet known as Complicated Passions and an NAACP Image Award nominee, will be featured. The free event begins at 2:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased here.