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.

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.