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Black History Month

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Black History is American History

This February, San José Public Library invites you to celebrate Black History Month with a community kickoff, month-long programs, and special exhibits honoring the richness and impact of Black history and culture.

Since 1926, Black history commemorations have created space to learn, reflect, and celebrate Black life. Join us in commemorating 100 years of Black history and discover stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership that highlight Black history as an essential part of the American story.

Explore Black History Month through our collections, events, and reading lists.

Upcoming Events

Events

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Special Exhibits

Black Spartans Exhibit

On Display at Various Locations

Explore the history and lives of some of the first Black students at San Jose State University in a special photo exhibit.

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Exhibit details

Black History Exhibit at the California Room

Monday, February 2, to Saturday, March 7, 2026
King Library, California Room, Fifth Floor

Explore a unique exhibit featuring photographs and biographical information from local and historic Black figures from California Room collections.

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Exhibit details

Black History Walking Tour

Available online year-round

Discover San José Black history through an interactive map with stops, photos, and stories. Created by the California Room.

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Start the tour

Recommended Reads

Biographies

Staff Blogs

Text that reads 100 years of Black History month with confetti in the background.
Blog Post

100 Years of Black History Month: Reflecting on Storytelling

Learn how elements of Storytelling celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Black History Month.
Tiffany Bradford-Oldham
Text that reads 100 years of Black History month with confetti in the background.
Blog Post

Celebrating 100 Years of Black History

Explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.
Tiffany Bradford-Oldham
Celebrating Black History Month
Blog Post

Exhibit: Black History Month at the California Room

Black History Month is under way at the California Room.
Michael Lara

Special Collections

Special Collections

Marble sculptures by Edmonia Lewis.
Archival Collection

Edmonia Lewis

The California Room features three marble sculptures created by Edmonia Lewis: Asleep, Awake and a bust of Abraham Lincoln.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Matthew Ahmann, in a crowd at the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection

We have a special collection of materials related to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement.

Online Resources

eresources

Online Resource

Black Freedom Struggle

Primary source documents related to critical people and events in African American history.
Two open card catalog drawers.
Online Resource

Archives Unbound: African American Studies

Explore an academic collection devoted to the study of the history, culture, and politics of African Americans from 1900 to present day.
Online Resource

Black Freedom Struggle

Primary source documents related to critical people and events in African American history.
Two open card catalog drawers.
Online Resource

Archives Unbound: African American Studies

Explore an academic collection devoted to the study of the history, culture, and politics of African Americans from 1900 to present day.

2026 Highlights

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