The 100th Black History Month is here, and in honor of this centennial celebration, there are various events in the San Fernando Valley commemorating the achievements and cultural contributions that have been made to the United States by the Black community.
One notable celebrity is stand-up comedian and actor Cedric the Entertainer, who will be making an appearance at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) tonight, Thursday evening, Feb. 5, for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ (CSBS) Salon Series.
Modeled after the Harlem Renaissance salons – intellectual and social gatherings in private homes during the 1920s and ‘30s that fostered Black cultural solidarity and networking – the CSUN series is meant to bring together students, alumni and community members for a cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue. Proceeds will go towards the CSBS Community Endowed Professorship in Africana Studies.
The event starts at 6 p.m., so get your tickets through CSUN’s website as soon as possible.
Next Thursday, Feb. 12, you can join the Zawadi Cultural Collective for a Black Business Mixer, where entrepreneurs can connect, exchange ideas and build meaningful partnerships. It will feature a panel of financial advisors from both government and corporate sectors who provide their insight on funding opportunities, financial growth and strategies for long-term success and sustainability.
It begins at 6 p.m. at Turquoise + Salt on 12415 San Fernando Road in Sylmar.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, along with several community partners is hosting The Black Health Summit: Medical Mistrust & Moving Forward – From Fear to Empowerment. This community-centered event is meant to connect, inform and uplift, and attendees can expect to get opportunities to connect with health professionals and support services, as well as hear from special guests and be treated to live entertainment.
The museum is located in Northridge on 18904 Nordhoff St., and is situated on the historic grounds of Rancho Cordillera del Norte. This event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m.
Lastly, the Zawadi Cultural Collective is offering a Black Business Scavenger Hunt, a competition that will take you across the valley, where you and your team will use a series of clues to local Black-owned businesses and complete challenges along the way – all for the promise of a cash prize. The competition starts at Christ Community Church on 7911 Winnetka Ave. in Winnetka at 10 a.m.
For more Black History Month events at CSUN, and to purchase tickets for the Salon Series, go to https://news.csun.edu/events-feed/black-history/.
To learn more about events from the Zawadi Cultural Collective, visit https://blackinthevalley.org/index.html.