Here were the events that happened for Black History Month in 2013. To see this year's (2014) events, click here.

2013 Events

Black History Month Tours: Free 90 minute downtown walking tours highlighting African American leaders who shaped the history of Oakland. Tours will take place on Feb. 2 (Sat), Feb. 6 (Wed.), and Feb. 23 (Sat.) at 10AM. Meet in front of the African American Museum and Library (659 14th St.). Reservations are recommended. To make reservations call (510) 238-3234 or email [email protected]. FREE.

23rd Annual African American Celebration through Poetry: Celebrate Black History Month at the West Oakland Public Library Branch with a poetry reading on Sat. Feb. 2 from 1-4PM. Poets of all ages (including first time poets!) are welcome to share their work. FREE.

Brothers and Beats: A celebration of music, arts and culture featuring students from the African American Male Achievement Manhood Development Programs of Edna Brewer Middle School and Oakland High Schools. February 5, 8pm Tickets $10 at Yoshi's Oakland.

Preschool Percussion and Drumming: Black History Month celebration of percussion and drumming at the Main Library Bradley C. Walters Community Room at 2PM on Tues. Feb. 5. FREE.

An AAMLO Experience!: Come to an open house at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland on Feb. 9 from 11:00AM-7:00PM. Bring your family photos and other primary materials and AAMLO staff will help you with preservation. The AAMLO archives will also be opened for visitors and visitors will be able to help identify individuals in photos in the AAMLO archives. More information here. FREE.

Ishmael Reed: Reading and Book Signing: Come hear legendary Oakland Author Ishmael Reed discussing his latest book, “Going Too Far: Essays About America's Nervous Breakdown" from 6:30-8:30PM on Feb. 9 at Marcus Books of Oakland, 3900 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. FREE.

Black Family History Day: The African American Genealogical Society of Northern California invites you to learn about your family's history and develop a family tree through workshops and one-on-one assistance. The event will take place at the Oakland Family Search Library on Feb. 10 from 1:00-5:00PM. Register for the event here. The Society will also have a mini Black Family History Day on Feb. 9 in San Francisco. FREE.

African American Cultural Celebration: St. Paul's Episcopal School will be having its 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration from 7:00-8:30PM on Feb. 14, featuring music from student bands and guest singers and performers. More information here. FREE.

Love Notes: Luther Vandross tribute concert at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts on Feb. 14 at 8:00PM. More information here. FREE.

Film Showing and Program for Black History Month - Wednesday, February 20, 12-1:30pm. In conjunction with the Anza Trail traveling exhibit, join the Anza Trail, Peralta Hacienda, and the Oakland Black Cowboy Association for a showing of the Anza Trail Film, followed by a discussion of diversity in Early California. Oakland City Hall Hearing Room 2. FREE.

Black History Month Craft: Teens are invited to make crafts celebrating Black History Month at the 81st Ave. Library Branch on Feb. 21 at 3:30PM. FREE.

Black History Tour in Mountain View Cemetery: Free 2 hour tour through Mountain View Cemetery highlighting African Americans who are buried there, including Jenny Prentiss (who raised Jack London), Byron Rumford, Lil' Bobby Hutton (of the Black Panthers) and more. February 23, 10AM, at Mountain View Cemetery. FREE

"What I Hear, I Keep": Stories from Oakland's Griots: Art installation by Walter Hood. An audio-visual installation based on the West African tradition of storytellers (griots). The installation includes stories from African American residents of Oakland, highlighting Oakland's past and exploring identity today. Opening reception Feb. 23rd (Sat.) from 2:30-5:30 at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park (2465 24th Ave.) FREE.

Black History Month Celebration with the African American Quilt Guild of Oakland: Join the African American Quilt Guild of Oakland on Feb. 23 from 1-3PM at the West Oakland Library Branch for a Black History Month Celebration. More information here. FREE.

Bodac Cultural at Oakland Public Library Branches: Celebrate the music and dance of Africa with Bodac Cultural, an international African traditional singing, dancing, performance, and drum group from West Africa. FREE.

Ethiopian Culinary Art: February 2, 2013, 4-6pm. The African American Museum and Library of Oakland (AAMLO) welcomes Fetlework Tefferi owner and founder of Cafe Colucci in Oakland. Come grasp a deeper understanding of the Ethiopian culinary art.

Open House At AAMLO: Saturday February 9, 2013, 11am-7pm. Learn about the archives department, tour the museum, get information on upcoming events, or learn what type of materials we have in our collections and in the library.

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