Local Celebration Event: Featuring music, speeches by local elected officials, dance, and poetry.

NEW DATE 3/04: Pioneer Park (1150 W. Foster, Santa Maria) from 11am–5pm. FREE LUNCH; RSVP to Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt, (805) 448-8783.

The observation of Black History Month is an annual celebration of African-American achievement and triumph. 

Historian Carter G. Woodson declared the second week of February as Negro History week in 1926.  February was chosen in honor of former U.S president Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass- both of whom worked to end the practice of slavery in the United States.  Negro History Week transitioned to Black History Month in February 1976.

As we reflect on the triumphs and history of African Americans, we want to acknowledge the role of Black women in the voting rights movement. From Ida B. Wells to Stacey Abrams, Black women have played a pivotal role in the advancement of voting rights. Although there have been obstacles along the way, Black women as a collective power are a force to be reckoned with. While Black women are not a monolith in any shape or form, they have and continue to use their voices to make progress on many issues, especially voting rights.