L.A. Public Library honors Black community contributions in February.

The Los Angeles Public Library is presenting the second annual "Inspiring Journeys: African American Histories" series with free programs across branch libraries during February, concluding with an in-person event on Feb. 28 at the Central Library.

The Los Angeles Public Library is holding its second annual "Inspiring Journeys: African American Histories" series to mark African American History Month. The month features free programs for all ages at branch libraries across the city. The series aims to highlight storytelling, oral history, performance, and community conversation. It concludes with an in-person program on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 1:30–4:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles Central Library. Event highlights: - The series includes storytelling, workshops, arts activities, contemporary dance and community conversations. - "CommUnity: Your Archive, Your Legacy" is an oral history workshop that demonstrates how to record and preserve community memories and uses an oral history backpack for hands-on projects. A screening of a completed oral-history project is planned. - The Charles Reese Experience offers a performance honoring James Baldwin with themes drawn from the Harlem Renaissance and mid-20th-century Black thought. - Dr. Marne L. Campbell appears in a program related to the book "Making Black Los Angeles," which connects personal narratives to local history. - Tommy the Clown and Crew will perform to close the event, reflecting traditions of clown dancing and krumping. - Branch libraries hosting programs include Fairfax Branch (161 S. Gardner Ave.), Will & Ariel Durant Branch (7140 Sunset Blvd.) and Memorial Branch (4625 W. Olympic Blvd.). Summary: The series presents community-focused programs that document and celebrate Black Angeleno histories and artistic expression. The month-long schedule of free programs across branches culminates in the Central Library event on Feb. 28 from 1:30–4:30 p.m. Additional branch activities continue through February as part of the series.