Black History Month | San Jose Public Library

We recommend planning ahead and allowing extra time when traveling to the King Library. Road closures and traffic changes may impact travel in downtown San José.

Events
Exhibits
Walking Tour
Recommended Reads
Special Collections
Online Resources

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

Special Exhibits

Artist Alessandra Harris in front of her paintings.

Paintings in art gallery.

Two miniature statues of people in art gallery.

Paintings in art gallery.

Art of the African Diaspora Art Exhibit

On Display from January 11 to February 22, 2026
King Library, DiNapoli Gallery, Second Floor

Experience the 2026 Art of the African Diaspora exhibit. The exhibit and partners support artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community.

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.

Hanging art display from the Black Spartan Exhibit.

Hanging art display from the Black Spartan Exhibit.

Hanging art display from the Black Spartan Exhibit.

Hanging art display from the Black Spartan Exhibit.

Photgraphs and memorabilia at the California Room's Black History exhibit.

Photgraphs and memorabilia at the California Room's Black History exhibit.

Photgraphs and memorabilia at the California Room's Black History exhibit.

Photgraphs and memorabilia at the California Room's Black History exhibit.

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.

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.

Recommended Reads

Staff Blogs

Celebrating Black History Month

Exhibit: Black History Month at the California Room

Black History Month is under way at the California Room.

Michael Lara

Text: Celebrating Black History Month.

Appreciating our Volunteers during Black History Month

SJPL honors Black History Month as a reminder that every story deserves space. We celebrate the remarkable contributions of our volunteers.

Carolina Ramirez

Library interior with bookshelves, display stands, computer workstations, and Dr. King artwork on a central wall.

A Library Fit for a King

Check out our refreshed King Collection Exhibit on the 3rd Floor and the story of how our library got it's name.

Michael Lara

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

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.

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