Celebrate Black History Month at OMCA
In honor of Black History Month, we are sharing the many different ways you can remember important people and events in Black history right here at OMCA. From artists to activists, and everything in between, our galleries highlight numerous people whose contributions to American history should be celebrated this and every month. Here are some ways you can celebrate with us.
In honor of Black History Month, we are sharing the many different ways you can remember important people and events in Black history right here at OMCA. From artists to activists, and everything in between, our galleries highlight numerous people whose contributions to American history should be celebrated this and every month. Here are some ways you can celebrate with us.
Head to the Gallery of California Art and explore the creativity and visual expression of Black artists.
Question Bridge: Black Males is an intimate and powerful multimedia installation on the Black male experience featuring over 160 Black men answering each other’s questions and sharing stories in a personal portrayal of their lives. Encompassing themes of family, love, interracial relationships, community, education, and wisdom, Question Bridge: Black Males presents nuanced portraits of past, present, and future of Black men in American society. Listen, watch, learn, and start your own conversations with this profoundly moving installation by artists Chris Johnson and Hank Willis Thomas in collaboration with Bayeté Ross Smith and Kamal Sinclair.
Drop by the Gallery of California History to learn about important people and events that helped shape Black history.
In response to the widely-popular 2016 exhibition All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50, this new installation illustrates the creative ways Black anti-racist activists in California supported their communities and challenged the U.S. government. Focusing on the example of the Black Panther Party, Black Power brings to light the tensions between a culturally and socially progressive California and examples of economic racism and oppression in the state.
Explore the progress our community is making to help the environment inside the Gallery of California Natural Sciences.
Black history doesn’t have to be about things that happened in the past; it is happening every day. Take Root: Oakland Grows Food explores the connection between social justice and environmentalism in order to gain a deeper understanding of Oakland’s agriculture. Rodney Spencer, Executive Director of City Slicker Farms, offers education and community building through an urban farm and park while Director of the Oakland Food Policy Council Shaniece Alexander creates policy to help Oaklanders access healthy food. These two Black owned businesses address the need for healthy organic food in inner city food deserts and teach the importance of food sovereignty and social inclusion.
Learn dances rooted in Black culture every Friday Night in February!
In honor of Black History Month, we’re hosting a dance instruction series every Friday Night with Dimensions Dance this month. We Move to Stay Connected: African American Religious and Social Dance will showcase different African and African American dance forms and teach you the moves, step-by-step!
February 1, 6:30–7 pm: Latanya D. Tigner – African dance presence in African American dance forms
February 8, 6:30–7 pm: Lakiesha Golden – Detroit Ballroom
7:30–8 pm: Laura Elaine Ellis – African American Communal/Line dancing
February 15, 6:30–7 pm: Awon Ohun Omnira – Ring shout
February. 22, 6:30–7 pm: Latanya D. Tigner – HBCU movement experience