Baratunde Thurston is coming to Campbell Hall on February 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Emmy-nominated host of PBS’ America Outdoors, bestselling writer and comedian Baratunde Thurston tells stories of interdependence through our relationship with nature, each other and technology. Unique in his ability to integrate and synthesize different and difficult topics in a style that’s intelligent, compassionate and humorous, Thurston is the author of the comedic memoir How to Be Black, creator of the How to Citizen and Life with Machines podcasts, former director of digital for The Onion and former supervising producer for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.

Santa Barbara Black Culture House returns in 2025 with a lineup of FREE events on Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, and 22 with events including live music, poetry slam, community talks and more, Doors open at noon and events start at 1 pm at Soul Bites on Lower State Street in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Black Culture House has also partnered with Chaucer’s Book Store at 3321 State Street, for events displaying Sally A. Foxen McNeill’s photos of noted Black music icons from February 1-28 and a book talk featuring Darrell M. McNeill’s 33 ⅓ book “The Isley Brothers: 3+3” on Sunday, February 23 at 3 pm. 

The NAACP of Santa Maria-Lompoc has planned its events at the Lompoc Library, Sunday, 2/16,  with music, arts & crafts, resources and more and a second event in Santa Maria, Saturday, 2/22, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Allan Hancock College Boyd Concert Hall, Courtyard and Terrace with a BBQ dinner, music, arts & crafts and resources.

Santa Barbara Black Culture House returns in 2025 with a lineup of FREE events on Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, and 22 with events including live music, poetry slam, community talks and more, Doors open at noon and events start at 1 pm at Soul Bites on Lower State Street in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Black Culture House has also partnered with Chaucer’s Book Store at 3321 State Street, for events displaying Sally A. Foxen McNeill’s photos of noted Black music icons from February 1-28 and a book talk featuring Darrell M. McNeill’s 33 ⅓ book “The Isley Brothers: 3+3” on Sunday, February 23 at 3 pm. 

The NAACP of Santa Maria-Lompoc has planned its events at the Lompoc Library, Sunday, 2/16,  with music, arts & crafts, resources and more and a second event in Santa Maria, Saturday, 2/22, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Allan Hancock College Boyd Concert Hall, Courtyard and Terrace with a BBQ dinner, music, arts & crafts and resources.

Black History All Year Round is a live stage production celebration presented by Sade Champagne happening February 15 from 2-4pm at Grace Life Community Church in Oxnard and February 22 from 2-4pm at Ascension Lutheran Church's gymnasium in Thousand Oaks. February 15th's event is in collaboration with Juneteenth of Ventura County. Both dates will host the same event- there are 2 chances to attend this year's celebration.

Black History All Year Round will include a variety of engaging creative presentations on science, medicine, inventions, poetry and more. Although there will be some musical performances, the celebration is edutainment (education + entertainment) and the cast includes talent of all ages and experience levels from Ventura County, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Presenting a Black History Month Celebration is one of Sade Champagne's longtime dreams, ChuiMalik is assisting as her co-director, co-producer, writer and fellow performer. They also have a few surprises in store on February 15 and 22! Admission is free, for all ages and donations are welcomed as our cast is volunteering their gifts and talents in support of Black History Month. Pouring into the community, uplifting, encouraging and empowering others are Sade Champagne's greatest passions.

Santa Barbara Black Culture House returns in 2025 with a lineup of FREE events on Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, and 22 with events including live music, poetry slam, community talks and more, Doors open at noon and events start at 1 pm at Soul Bites on Lower State Street in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Black Culture House has also partnered with Chaucer’s Book Store at 3321 State Street, for events displaying Sally A. Foxen McNeill’s photos of noted Black music icons from February 1-28 and a book talk featuring Darrell M. McNeill’s 33 ⅓ book “The Isley Brothers: 3+3” on Sunday, February 23 at 3 pm. 

UCSB Multicultural Center in partnership with the Office of Black Student Development bring back the 3rd Annual Black Flea Market. Celebrate with an evening of FREE goodies, delicious food, talented Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and organizations on campus! Wednesday, February 12, from 5-7 p.m. in the Multicultural Center Lounge/Lobby. Register today. 

Santa Barbara Black Culture House returns in 2025 with a lineup of FREE events on Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, and 22 with events including live music, poetry slam, community talks and more, Doors open at noon and events start at 1 pm at Soul Bites on Lower State Street in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Black Culture House has also partnered with Chaucer’s Book Store at 3321 State Street, for events displaying Sally A. Foxen McNeill’s photos of noted Black music icons from February 1-28 and a book talk featuring Darrell M. McNeill’s 33 ⅓ book “The Isley Brothers: 3+3” on Sunday, February 23 at 3 pm. 

UCSB Arts & Lectures is bringing saxophonist and composer Lakecia Benjamin comes to UCSB Campbell Hall on Friday, February 7 at 8 p.m. She fuses soul and hiphop with a strong foundation in the canon of modern jazz. If you love John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Ornette Coleman, you will be sure to love Lakecia. 

UCSB Arts & Lectures is bringing several events to the South Coast starting with Cirque Kalabante an ex-Cirque du Soleil performer Yamoussa Bangoura which brings African music and flavor to dazzling, state of the circus arts athleticism in a family friendly night of live music and spectacular strength and agility. Limited tickets available on Thursday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre.

Santa Barbara Black Culture House returns in 2025 with a lineup of FREE events on Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, and 22 with events including live music, poetry slam, community talks and more, Doors open at noon and events start at 1 pm at Soul Bites on Lower State Street in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Black Culture House has also partnered with Chaucer’s Book Store at 3321 State Street, for events displaying Sally A. Foxen McNeill’s photos of noted Black music icons from February 1-28 and a book talk featuring Darrell M. McNeill’s 33 ⅓ book “The Isley Brothers: 3+3” on Sunday, February 23 at 3 pm. 

Join Juneteenth Santa Barbara for a low-key, family friendly happy hour at The Mill (Third Window Brewery/Potek Winery) at 406 E. Haley Street in Santa Barbara on Thursday, January 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This is a great event for new people to come and meet our wonderful community! 

Email juneteenthsbc@gmail.com to get meeting ZOOM information and agenda - we look forward to sharing resources!

Santa Barbara County Black Leadership Meetings are a product of Juneteenth SB to help bring our leaders together, leverage each other, and share on our work. Email us to learn more!

Join us at Santa Barbara City College West Campus for an inspiring day of leadership development, community workshops, and cultural activities. Open to parents, students, and educators grades 5-12 in Santa Barbara County. Register here.

Register for the Santa Barbara event today!

Get ready to party in style at the MCC Day Party - Carnival Dance Hall Party! We will be jamming to early 2000s Hip Hop/R&B - on Saturday, July 6 from 3 - 8 PM at Fox Wine Co. in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone.

The NAACP Santa Maria- Lompoc General Membership meeting is the first Tuesday of the month starting at 6 PM. Please go to santamarialompocnaacp.org to join!

Get ready to party in style at the MCC Day Party - All White Party this Memorial Day Weekend! We will be jamming to early 2000s Hip Hop/R&B - on Sunday, May 26 from 3 - 8 PM at Fox Wine Co. in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone.

Learn more at soundofdw.com.