The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and its supporting departments invite you to celebrate Black History Month with us! Through virtual and in-person events, we will be honoring Black leaders in the environmental field, who work to protect the environment for current and future generations and encourage others to become environmental stewards.
This year’s theme, Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future: 100 Years of Black Leadership in Environmental Action, celebrates a century of vision, resilience, and advocacy that has shaped environmental justice and sustainability. From early conservationists and community organizers to scientists, policymakers, and grassroots leaders, this theme recognizes the profound impact Black leaders have had in defending land, air, water, and public health often while confronting systemic inequities. By reflecting on the past and uplifting today’s leaders, we reaffirm our shared commitment to building a healthier, more just future for generations to come.
Every Weekend in February
Afro-Latinidad Presence in Early California
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m.
Description: Join us in celebration of the history of Afro-Latine communities in early California with an exhibition and family activities. This event explores the contributions of Afro-descendants who played a role in shaping the state’s history, from establishing towns and ranches to influencing political and social landscapes. Through engaging displays and discussion, we’ll explore the history from the Anza Expedition, the challenges faced under shift to U.S. rule and how Afro-Latine communities shaped the culture of California. This event offers an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of California and engage in conversations of racial, ethnic and social dynamics that continue to resonate today.
Location: Pio Pico State Historic Park, 6003 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier, CA
Cost: Free
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Black Leadership in Action: Connecting Communities to Nature
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Description: CNRA will honor the 100th anniversary of the first Black History Week by celebrating Black leaders who connect people to nature and collective action to create healthier communities. Join Secretary Crowfoot for a conservation with leaders who will share – what makes a movement – how to build trust, grow participation, and turn shared values into action across neighborhoods, parks, coastlines, and public lands. Learn how community – led efforts strengthen equity, access, and belonging across California’s natural spaces. Whether joining an existing movement or helpful build one from the ground up, this webinar will show how people power works- and how everyone can be part of it.
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://ca-water-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h7FtJiS3RkmvIJfUa9IQGw
Thursday February 5, 2026
LA Opera: An Ode to Black Opera
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Description: LA Opera Connects returns to the California African American Museum for an evening of music celebrating Black History Month and Black composers with performances by LA Opera artists Cedric Berry (bass-baritone), Ashley Faatoalia (tenor), Grace Lee (piano), and Thalia Moore (soprano).
More Information and RSVP: CAAM | LA Opera: An Ode to Black Opera
Saturday February 7, 2026
Allensworth Black History Month Festival
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Description: Join us for this celebration of the achievements and contributions made by African Americans at the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, sharing the story of Allensworth with others to educate and inspire future generations. Activities and events include food and merchandise vendors, park tours, dancing, music, and learning about Black history.
Location: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, 4011 Grant Drive, Earlimart, CA
Cost: $10 vehicles, $50 Small bus, $75 large bus
Black Genius: Tre Johnson and Mara Brock Akil
Saturday February 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Description: Join cultural critic Tre Johnson as he discusses his newest collection of essays, Black Genius, with television writer and producer Mara Brock Akil. Black Genius examines how Black American culture has been the lifeblood of American ingenuity. Drawing on personal and professional experiences, Johnson surveys Black cities, communities, and schools to explore the nuances of Black mobility.
More Information and RSVP: https://caamuseum.org/programs/talks-and-workshops/black-genius-tre-johnson-and-mara-brock-akil
Saturday February 14, 2026
Black Connections to Nature Community Hike
Time: Meet at 8:45 am and hike at 9:00a.m.
Location: Big Dalton Canyon Trail, 2041 Big Dalton Canyon Road, Glendora, CA
Description: Join the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, community partners, and guests for a 3-mile hike celebrating Black connections and leadership in nature! We'll gather at Big Dalton Canyon trailhead. Roadside parking is available but limited, so we encourage carpooling or ride sharing options where possible
Cost: Free
Monday, February 16, 2026
Black History Month Yoga and Tea Lounge
Time: 6:00p.m.-8:00pm
Location: Ritual Wellness House, 2114 P Street, Sacramento, CA
Description: Join Ritual Wellness House for a special Black History Month yoga event called Sol Stretch: From Descendants to Ascendants. This Kemetic yin yoga class, curated by Dorothy Lynn, is open to all levels of experience. Stop in at Rituals tea lounge, a calm gathering place for shared tea, community, and conscious conversation.
Register: Select “First time attendee” for special rate ($10 at door, $12.51 with Eventbrite fee) Yin Yoga at Ritual Wellness House Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: 715 P Street, First Floor, Sacramento, CA
Description: (For State Staff) Join us at Jesse’s Getaway Café for a Community Connections Mixer in the headquarters cafeteria. The Café will feature a culture-centric special of the day, while the Black History Month planning committee will offer games designed to foster community, connection, and allyship. Join us for lunch, meet colleagues, and bring your best strategy for a friendly dominoes duel or spades showdown. No registration required.
In Conversation: Knowing Octavia E. Butler with Sara “Sue” Hodson and Lynell George
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Description: This evening presents two perspectives on the Afro-Futurist writer Octavia E. Butler from individuals who engaged with her work in distinct ways. Sue Hodson, former librarian at The Huntington, befriended Butler and helped secure her archives at The Huntington Library. Lynell George, author and Los Angeles native, spent four years researching Butler’s archive for her book A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia E. Butler (2021). Join us to learn more about Butler and her intentional work as a writer.
More Information and RSVP: CAAM | In Conversation: Knowing Octavia E. Butler with Sara “Sue” Hodson and Lynell George
Level Up - Opportunities for Career Advancement in State Service
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Description: Looking for some guidance with application, mock interviews, or navigating the recent changes to the State hiring process? Join CNRA recruiters for a series of live mini workshops from the CNRA Career Center. The workshops are designed to help employees maximize their application packages, including resumes and statement of Qualifications. Career Center Recruiters will also be available for personalized consultations.
Location: Both virtual and in person at the CNRA Career Center
Saturday February 28, 2026
California Citrus State Historic Park Black History Month celebration
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: 9400 Dufferin Ave, Riverside, CA
Description: Come enjoy the sights, sounds, and stories of Black History in Citrus. Join various artists, performers, and presenters as they bring the experiences of Black growers and their families to life through music, dance, spoken word, and more. We'll begin the day with a hike through the groves, listening to voices of history tell stories of their own experiences. Then we will explore an outdoor multimedia exhibit, create an eco-friendly craft, and enjoy the delicious flavors of fresh citrus through a guided tasting. This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the countless contributions African Americans make to not just our local community, but to Southern California and beyond. Bring your own chairs or blankets.
Cost: Parking $7
Black History Month Lunch Jam
A Day in Nature Celebration
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: Hike begins at 10 a.m. (arrive at Conservancy’s activity booth at 9:45 am) and celebration is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Stoneview Nature Center, 5950 Stoneview Drive, Culver City, CA
Description: Join Baldwin Hills & Urban Watersheds Conservancy, County Parks, and a host of community partners for a day of cultural activities, meditation, food, music, wildlife and nature in the beautiful Parklands. For those interested in exploring, the Conservancy will be leading a round-trip hike from Stoneview to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park.
Cost: Free
Parking: Due to site parking limitations, we’re encouraging visitors to consider public transportation or ride sharing options. Check the Link schedule from Metro to Stoneview at the Baldwin Hills Parklands Link. Link fare is 25 cents per trip. All shuttles are air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.
About Black History Month
Welcome to Black History Month – a time dedicated to uplifting, learning, and appreciating Black heritage and culture. The colors Black, red, green and yellow are often associated with Black History Month and each color has its own distinct meaning and significance. There is a rich history to the colors and many alternative perspectives on their significance worth exploring, but they are commonly thought to represent:
Red - bloodshed and sacrifice in the struggle against racism, slavery, and colonialism
Green - nature, the rich greenery of Africa and our natural resources
Yellow - justice, optimism, equality
Black – resilience, a shared identity, and the colors of Black skin
Altogether the colors are a source of pride and symbol of unity!
