Celebrate Black History Month 2011 in Los Angeles

Black History Month 2011

As Black History Month 2011 begins, I thought back to some of the books I read last year on the topic and a few that I missed. Here’s a short list of recommendations, including two favorites, bios of Louis Armstrong and Willie Mays, who lived through the Civil Rights era but stayed mostly on the sidelines of the major upheavals.

Still, their stories provided insight into the turmoil gripping America in those days. (I don’t have a good book on the topic on my nightstand right now, so suggestions are welcome.)

Celebrate Black History Month 2011

: Black History Month 2011

Now celebrated across the United States, Black History Month dates to 1915, a time when Carter G. Woodson , a Harvard graduate, and the Rev. Jesse E. Moorland researched the often overlooked role that black people played in history.

Nearly 100 years later, their efforts have turned into an annual celebration, with four weeks set aside to honor the achievements of men and woman like George Washington Carver and Rosa Parks. In honor of Black History Month 2011, here are some events taking place in the greater Los Angeles area.

Black History Month 2011 at Barnes & Noble at the Grove at Farmers Market. Each Tuesday in February, Barnes & Noble will host a reading from a selection of black history titles. Readings begin at 10 a.m. at the Grove in Los Angeles’ Farmers Market. One hour of free self-parking also is available without validation.
Target Sundays at the California African American Museum (Feb. 6). The CAAM in Los Angeles kicks off Black History Month with appearances by Kim Coles, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. The museum opens at 11 a.m. and this free event begins at 1 p.m. Parking is available at 39th and Figueroa streets for $8 per car.
Black History Month 2011 “Afternoon in the Park” (Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rowley Park). The Gardena community in Los Angeles will close out Black History Month with an afternoon of events in Rowley Park (13220 South Van Ness Ave.). Food booths, crafts and a play area for the kids will be available.
African-Americans in the Civil War Artist Reception (Feb. 5 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tribal Café). The Tribal Cafe (1651 W. Temple St.) will host a reception for artists participating in the African-Americans in the Civil War exhibition.
Black History Month 2011 with Michael McCarty (Feb. 15 at the Littlerock Library). Storyteller Michael McCarty puts a humorous spin on black history at the Littlerock Library (35119 80th St. East) on Feb. 15. McCarty will be telling his collected stories from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Black History Month Networking Mixer (Feb. 24 at Cicada Restaurant). Sponsored by the National Black MBA Association-Los Angeles Chapter (LABMBA), the mixer is a chance to socialize at network at the Cicada Restaurant (617 S. Olive St.). Tickets are $10 at the door for LABMBA members and $15 for non-members. To RSVP for the event,