Black History is American History
Celebrate Black History Month with us as we honor a century of Black history commemorations. Since 1926, these observances have created space to learn, reflect, and celebrate Black life and history. This milestone reminds us that commemoration is not just looking back, but an ongoing tradition that shapes how we carry these stories forward.
Explore Black History Month through our collections, events, and reading lists.
Happening at SJPL
Exhibits
Black History
Black Spartans Exhibit (1907-1948)
Jan 20th - Feb 17th | All day
Explore the lives of some of the first Black students at San Jose State University in a special photo exhibit at Almaden Branch.
Art of the African Diaspora Art Exhibit
Jan 11th - Feb 22nd | All day
Experience the 2026 Art of the African Diaspora exhibit at the King Library. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Recommended Reads
Biographies
Picture Books
Picture Books About African Americans
My favorite picture books for Black History Month.
Graphic Novels
Black History Month: A Look at Graphic Novels
A list of Graphic Novels for Black History Month.
Special Collections
Relive history at the King Library.
Special Collections
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. Collection
We have a special collection of materials related to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement.
Online Resources
eresources
Black Freedom Struggle
Primary source documents related to critical people and events in African American history.
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.
Black Freedom Struggle
Primary source documents related to critical people and events in African American history.
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.