Events in Merced County to celebrate Black History Month this February
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Merced schedules film, cookout, and train tripfor Black History Month 2026.
- UC Merced hosts Edna Lewis screening and reception Feb. 19 as part of Food for Thought.
- NAACP Merced runs Feb. 7 cookout, Feb. 12 film and Feb. 28 Allensworth train trip.
This February marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
The tradition began in 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, a historian, author and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, founded Negro History Week. In 1976, it became a monthlong celebration and was renamed Black History Month.
Local groups are highlighting Black history through events across the community. There’s something for everyone in the list of events we’ve compiled , from a film shighlighting the work of Black Southern chef Edna Lewis, complete with a chance to taste her recipes, to a community trip to Allensworth State Historic Park.
Here are the details about what’s happening and when:
The film “Finding Edna Lewis” will be screened, followed by a conversation with executive producer Debra Freeman and a reception inspired by Lewis’ cookbooks. The event is part of Mitch Vanagten’s “Food for Thought” speaker series at UC Merced and is scheduled for Feb. 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The NAACP’s Merced branch will host a series of events beginning with its “Black History Month Cookout” on Saturday, Feb. 7. The website advertises food, music, games, and “even better community vibes” at Cousin’s Corner, 260 W. 18th St.
On Feb. 12 the NAACP will host a screening of the John Singleton’s 1995 thriller “Higher Learning.” The event will also take place at Cousin’s Corner on 18th Street.
On Feb. 28, the NAACP will lead a trip to Allensworth State Historic Park . Participants will travel by Amtrak train, and lunch is included in the trip, along with games, trivia, and lessons about Black history. To attend, register online.
Allensworth was the first town in California to be completely Black-governed after its founding in 1908 by Col. Allen Allensworth, the first African American to earn the title of lieutenant colonel in the Civil War.
The trip was rescheduled from its original planned date of Feb. 7, and is open to community members over age 13. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
The Livingston Public Library will host a Black History Month mosaic craft event from 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 26 at 1212 Main St.
Finally, “Black Heaven,” an original work by local playwright Kim McMillon, will be performed Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. and March 1 at 1:30 p.m. at Unity of Merced at 305 W. 26th St. Tickets are $15, available at https://tinyurl.com/3thx5dhs.
