{"id":84829,"date":"2025-02-05T13:58:14","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T21:58:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/?p=84829"},"modified":"2025-02-05T13:58:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T21:58:39","slug":"things-to-do-in-long-beach-this-weekend-including-celebrations-of-black-history-month-and-jazz-classics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/hi-lo\/things-to-do\/things-to-do-in-long-beach-this-weekend-including-celebrations-of-black-history-month-and-jazz-classics","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Long Beach this weekend \u2014 including celebrations of Black History Month and jazz classics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><i>The following list is a curated roundup of weekend events in Long Beach published every Wednesday on the Hi-lo and Long Beach Post. Have an event to share? Email <\/i><a href=\"mailto:robert@lbpost.com\"><i>robert@lbpost.com<\/i><\/a><i> with \u201cThings to Do\u201d in the subject line.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i>This weekend brings many Black History Month events to Long Beach, including a free resource festival Downtown. You can also check out <\/i><i>Native American jazz vocalist Julia Keefe at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center or sign up for a fun Valentine&#8217;s themed 5K at Alamitos Beach.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\">\n    <a href=\"#XHECJQES\">Link<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Meet children\u2019s author Kobina Commeh (Thursday, Feb. 6)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Long Beach Public Library will host a talk from author Kobina Commeh at the Bach Neighborhood Library from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of the library\u2019s celebration of Black History Month, Commeh \u2014 a local podiatrist turned author \u2014 will read from his children\u2019s book \u201cKwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim,\u201d a tale of overcoming fear with help from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bach Neighborhood Library is at 4055 N. Bellflower Blvd. For more information, call 562-570-1038 or click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.longbeach.gov\/library\/events\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Julia Keefe (Thursday, Feb. 6)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4-1024x283.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84836\" srcset=\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133951\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4-1024x283.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133951\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4-300x83.jpg 300w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133951\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4-768x212.jpg 768w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133951\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4-192x53.jpg 192w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133951\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4-1536x424.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133951\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4-1200x331.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133951\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4-1568x433.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133951\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4-400x110.jpg 400w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133951\/juliakeefe-artist-header-0-234471-wzslt1b8-295345-YgoVA8o4.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Carpenter Performing Arts Center welcomes acclaimed Native American jazz vocalist Julia Keefe beginning at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keefe made a name for herself in the New York jazz scene and has opened for major stars like Tony Bennett. She won local fans last year when she performed at the Carpenter Center and is returning with her quartet to perform fresh takes on jazz classics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Carpenter Performing Arts Center is at 6200 E. Atherton St. Tickets cost $58.75 to $68.75. For more information, call 562-985-7000 or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.carpenterarts.org\">carpenterarts.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Black History Month celebration (Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8)<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84833\" srcset=\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133909\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133909\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133909\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133909\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu-192x108.jpg 192w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133909\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133909\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133909\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133909\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133909\/lbpl-black-history-month-2025-351096-nahisfcy-372116-YHWYPgSu.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Long Beach Public Library is kicking off its celebration of Black History Month this weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The month-long event series, titled, \u201cFor the Culture,\u201d features family-friendly events that invite \u201cattendees of all ages to celebrate Black love, self-identity, self-care, art and joy,\u201d according to the library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first two events will kick off this weekend at the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach. The first, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, \u201cwill feature live music performances and local vendors offering unique products.\u201d The second, on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., \u201cwill feature a vibrant fashion show, a Children\u2019s Corner with storytimes and giveaways, and family portraits at the LBPL Studio photo booth, as well as music and local vendors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The African American Cultural Center is at&nbsp; 4231 Atlantic Ave. You can find more details about upcoming events <a href=\"https:\/\/www.longbeach.gov\/library\/events\/black-history-month\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>5K Cupid Shuffle Run (Saturday, Feb. 8)<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-673481409-204214394817-1-original-483047-ep2e7irv-724958-5ZsXdD8c.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"470\" src=\"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-673481409-204214394817-1-original-483047-ep2e7irv-724958-5ZsXdD8c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84834\" srcset=\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133922\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-673481409-204214394817-1-original-483047-ep2e7irv-724958-5ZsXdD8c.jpg 940w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133922\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-673481409-204214394817-1-original-483047-ep2e7irv-724958-5ZsXdD8c-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133922\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-673481409-204214394817-1-original-483047-ep2e7irv-724958-5ZsXdD8c-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133922\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-673481409-204214394817-1-original-483047-ep2e7irv-724958-5ZsXdD8c-192x96.jpg 192w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133922\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-673481409-204214394817-1-original-483047-ep2e7irv-724958-5ZsXdD8c-400x200.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The You Run This Town Foundation presents the 5K Cupid Shuffle Run at Alamitos Beach from 9 to 11 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Love is in the air, and it&#8217;s time to lace up your sneakers. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned runner chasing a new personal best or a first-timer looking for a fun way to get moving, this event welcomes all fitness levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alamitos Beach is at 380 E. Shoreline Drive. Tickets start at $17.85. To register, click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/5k-cupid-shuffle-run-2025-tickets-1110669274699?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Legacy and Unity (Saturday, Feb. 8)<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-929187533-564100123097-1-original-603136-ci89qpef-477706-KPpfSPvO.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"791\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-929187533-564100123097-1-original-603136-ci89qpef-477706-KPpfSPvO-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84835\" srcset=\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133935\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-929187533-564100123097-1-original-603136-ci89qpef-477706-KPpfSPvO-791x1024.jpg 791w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133935\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-929187533-564100123097-1-original-603136-ci89qpef-477706-KPpfSPvO-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133935\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-929187533-564100123097-1-original-603136-ci89qpef-477706-KPpfSPvO-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133935\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-929187533-564100123097-1-original-603136-ci89qpef-477706-KPpfSPvO-83x108.jpg 83w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133935\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-929187533-564100123097-1-original-603136-ci89qpef-477706-KPpfSPvO-400x518.jpg 400w, https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/05133935\/https-cdnevbuc-com-images-929187533-564100123097-1-original-603136-ci89qpef-477706-KPpfSPvO.jpg 940w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Local youth-focused nonprofit Dreamz Into Goals presents Legacy and Unity: Black History Celebration on The Promenade from noon to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This vibrant outdoor festival aims to honor the rich history and contributions of African Americans while providing a vibrant platform for education. It will also honor the achievements and heritage of African Americans in the heart of Downtown, Long Beach. Come enjoy live music, learn about local African American Pioneers, shop and participate in numerous activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The event will take place at 301 The Promenade, near Ross in Downtown Long Beach, and it is free. For more information, click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/legacy-unity-black-history-celebration-on-the-promenade-tickets-1116078283189?aff=oddtdtcreator\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This weekend brings many Black History Month events to Long Beach, including a free resource festival Downtown. You can also check out Native American jazz vocalist Julia Keefe at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center or sign up for a fun Valentine&#8217;s themed 5K at Alamitos Beach.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":207,"featured_media":84839,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","inline_featured_image":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_":"","_author_alias":"","cap-aim":"","cap-description":"","cap-display_name":"","cap-first_name":"","cap-jabber":"","cap-last_name":"","cap-linked_account":"","cap-newspack_employer":"","cap-newspack_job_title":"","cap-newspack_phone_number":"","cap-newspack_role":"","cap-user_email":"","cap-user_login":"","cap-website":"","cap-yahooim":"","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_email_html":"","newspack_email_type":"","newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_hide_page_title":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_show_share_buttons":"","newspack_sponsor_byline_prefix":"","newspack_sponsor_disclaimer_override":"","newspack_sponsor_flag_override":"","newspack_sponsor_only_direct":"","newspack_sponsor_url":"","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_show_updated_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32099],"tags":[166],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"coauthors":[32320],"class_list":["post-84829","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-things-to-do","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84829","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/207"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84829"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84829\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84842,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84829\/revisions\/84842"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84839"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84829"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84829"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84829"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_spnsrs_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_spnsrs_tax?post=84829"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=84829"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}