Celebrate Black History Month with a Book Reading and Signing for We Were Here, We Are Here: A Living History of Black Santa Barbara.

Join Healing Justice SB, author Simone Akila Ruskamp, and illustrator Reyna Iman for a meaningful community conversation and celebration of Black Santa Barbara’s history.

The event will take place:

Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at 4:00pm at the Santa Barbara Public Library

40 E Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CA

We look forward to gathering to share this powerful story and continue building connection through history and storytelling.

SELMA

A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965.

Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination remained in some areas, making it difficult for Blacks to register to vote. In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground for the fight for suffrage. Despite violent opposition, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his followers pressed forward on a march from Selma to Montgomery, and their efforts led to President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Friday, February 20 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
General Admission: $10 - Seniors/Students: $7
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime

Join us for a time of education, entertainment, encouragement and empowerment at Ventura College! Hosted by Sade Champagne and performance by The 90's Babiez.
Free and for all ages. We are also inviting more Black & African American vendors to have a FREE vendor table at the event. Email sadechampagnemusic@gmail.com for more details and to sign up.

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Santa Barbara Black Culture House continues its Black History Month programming with a panel discussion titled “100 Years of Black History Month” at The CEC Hub event space in downtown Santa Barbara, CA, 1219 State Street.  SB Black Culture House, a Black cultural events pop-up, will have distinguished guests talk about the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, founder of “Negro History Week” (which evolved into “Black History Month”) and what it means in contemporary American society. This event is open to all members of the community, all ages, and is FREE. The event begins at 1PM.

Come out and support Santa Maria Black Student Unions at Raising Cane’s!

SB Melanin February Mixer: 
Black History Month Edition

Join SB Melanin for our February Mixer as we celebrate Black History Month with community, connection, and good vibes. Come mix and mingle on the patio at Seven Bar, enjoy the ambiance, and spend the evening building relationships with familiar faces and new ones alike.

Whether you’re a longtime member or brand new to SB Melanin, this is a relaxed, welcoming space to unwind, connect, and celebrate Black culture and community in Santa Barbara.

February 3, 2026 | 6-9 PM | Seven Bar Patio | Free for members | $5 for non-members

Santa Barbara Black Culture House, Free Screening of Chuck Berry Documentary

This Sunday, February 1 at 1pm, join Santa Barbara Black Culture House (SBBCH) at the Santa Barbara Public Library, for a FREE screening of Taylor Hackford's "Hail! Hail! Rock 'N Roll," a documentary about one of the cornerstones of rock 'n roll music: Chuck Berry. 

Mr. Berry would have been 100 years old on October 18, 2026, and to celebrate, Culture House will screen Santa Barbara High School 1963 alum Hackford's revealing film, based around a 60th birthday concert tribute to the icon. Following the film, Darrell, SBBCH co-founder, will lead a Q&A on Chuck Berry, his life, his music, and his legacy.

Keynote Speaker: Leah Weber King

Monday, January 19, 2026

The Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St, Santa Barbara
11 AM – 12:30 PM

Quote:

“Being invited to deliver remarks on the holiday honoring my father-in-law’s work and spirit fills me with profound humility and purpose,” King said. “His call to our higher consciousness remains as urgent today as it was in his time. In an era of division and noise, his lessons remind us that true progress comes not from the ease of indifference, but from the difficult work of examining our hearts, expanding our empathy, and answering the call to serve something greater than ourselves.”

We Were Here, We Are Here: A Living History of Black Santa Barbara tells the story of Santa Barbara’s Black history through the eyes of our beloved ancestor, Sojourner Kincaid Rolle.

Written by our Co-Founder Simone Akila Ruskamp, illustrated by Reyna Iman, and edited by Dr. Michelle Petty - this heartfelt children’s book invites readers on a journey through the places and moments that have shaped our community.

Join Reyna Iman and Dr. Michelle Petty for a book signing on Sunday, January 18, at 1pm at United Methodist Church IV - 892 Camino Del Sur, Goleta, CA 93117

The premiere art event of the Central California Coast! Visit the studios of 28 renowned local artists over Labor Day weekend. Obtain your map of participating artist studios at the Opening Reception, Friday, Aug. 29, at the Community Arts Workshop. $25/adult.

Santa Barbara, CA (May 12, 2025) — The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) presents Juneteenth with Jon Boogz, an electrifying evening of live street dance, short films, and creative conversation honoring Black artistry and innovation in movement. The one-night-only event will take place Thursday, June 19, at 6 p.m. at Center Stage Theater, followed by a reception on the Paseo Nuevo Arts Terrace and after-hours access to MCASB’s current exhibition, Arte del Pueblo.

Juneteenth Santa Barbara (JSB) welcomes the community to the eighth annual Juneteenth celebration in South Santa Barbara County! 

Bring a lawn chair, blankets, and the family to enjoy a free celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Plaza Del Mar/Band Shell Park at Castillo Street and Cabrillo/Shoreline Streets. Come stay a while and enjoy the day!

The Takeover, a film that Rosie Bultman directed alongside Zoe McCullough - The documentary tells the story of UCSB’s Black Power movement and Black Studies department creation, featuring archival tapes and exclusive interviews with the activists involved.

The screening will be held in UCSB’s Multicultural Center theater on Thursday, May 22nd at 5:00pm, and will be followed by a short discussion with Rosie Bultman and Zoe McCullough.