2018 Black History Month Celebrations

Hunters-Point-Shipyard-women-workers-1-white-2-Black-making-grommets-cotton-washers-to-make-submarines-watertight-Katherine-Newlin-Ruth-Spriggs-Lucy-Cupp-Pickens-1943-44-cy-AAHCS-web-300x239, 2018 Black History Month Celebrations, Culture Currents
Women workers at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard make grommets – cotton washers that made submarines watertight – in 1943-44. From left, they are Katherine Newlin, Ruth Spriggs and Lucy Cupp Pickens. This picture is part of the AAHCS exhibit “Unsung Heroes: Black Shipyard Workers, 1940-1945” in the Second Floor Gallery at the African American Art and Culture Complex.

Join the San Francisco African American Historical & Cultural Society for a series of events to celebrate Black History Month. The national theme, “African Americans in Times of War,” has been enhanced to include “A Resilient Spirit,” the story of African American people.

Dr. Dawn Elissa Fisher, keynote speaker, chair of Department of Africana Studies, San Francisco State University, will kick off the Black History Month Celebration at City Hall Rotunda on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, at 12 noon. The public is invited.

Calendar of events

“African Americans in Times of War: A Resilient Spirit” at the African American Art & Culture Complex, Burial Clay Theater, 762 Fulton St., San Francisco, Saturday, Feb. 10, 12 noon-8:00 p.m.

  • 12 noon-1:00 p.m.: Meet & Greet Reception, Lobby
  • 1:00-2:15 p.m.: Planet Fillmore Communications featuring Lance Burton’s Video Showcase: “Cool Black Ball – Barbary Coast – Uptown Fillmore,” “Cakewalk,” “Ranger Penn Buffalo Soldiers,” “Bunny Talks Playpen”
  • 2:30-4:00 p.m.: Video Showcase: “Driver, Get Me to Fillmore” and “Fillmore Reunion – The Shack”
  • 4:00-5:00 p.m.: Forum – Questions & Answers
  • 5:00-8:00 p.m.: Opening reception for the exhibit “Unsung Heroes: Black Shipyard Workers, 1940-1945” with Sam Peoples Ensemble, Second Floor Gallery

SF Maritime National Park, “Colorful Shades of Beauty,” Maritime Museum, 900 Beach St., Saturday, Feb. 17, 10:30-12 noon

SF Human Rights Commission Equity Workshops, 762 Fulton St., Feb. 7, 13, 14, 20, 22, 23, 28; Times vary.

All events are free to the public. For more information, contact the Society at 415-292-6172.