The Board of Supervisors is set to declare February 2025 as National Black History Month in San Luis Obispo County at its meeting on February 4, recommending that all citizens join in acknowledging, celebrating, and accurately representing the landmark influence of the Black community in shaping the nation.

The resolution notes that beginning in 1975, every U.S. president has declared the month of February as Black History Month, and whether that happens or not this year, you’ll have several opportunities to celebrate along with supervisors and other citizens.

Eat Out (or Dine-In!)

Since 1969 the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund has held an annual chicken barbecue to raise funds for deserving students headed to college.

This year you can dine-in or take-out on Super Bowl Sunday, February 9, at the SLO Elks Lodge from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

Go to the Movies

R.A.C.E. Matters SLO and the SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre are teaming up to screen a quartet of films honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Black community throughout history and in the arts.

First up is Buck and the Preacher, a 1972 groundbreaking film starring Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. The first major Hollywood western directed by a Black filmmaker screens on February 1 and February 3.

In 1971, visionary director Gordon Parks introduced audiences to a bold new kind of action hero—Shaft, played by Richard Roundtree in a defining performance. The blockbuster screens on February 8 and 10.

Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps star as two childhood friends who both aspire to be professional basketball players in 2000’s Love & Basketball, a timeless story of passion and perseverance on and off the court. The film screens on February 15 and 17.

Wrapping up the series on February 22 and 24 is Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project, a 2023 film that redefines the traditional biographical documentary in capturing her enduring relevance and powerful legacy.

By SLO Review

SLO Review, San Luis Obispo County's connection to arts and culture, publishes news, reviews, commentary, and original creative work.