HOPE SF Celebrates Black History Month

       Black History Month takes place every year in February when the nation acknowledges and honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans in shaping this country. This year, communities also focused on building strong futures in San Francisco. In support of this year’s celebrations, the Partnership for Hope SF shares stories from Black History Month events this February across HOPE SF.

       Events organized by local community organizations highlighted the rich cultural heritage, adversities, and triumphs that are a part of Black history in San Francisco and across America. At the Bayview YMCA, residents and families gathered in Hunters View to celebrate “Art, Literature, and Resistance” of African Americans, with a special presentation by local elder and author Dr. Ardist Cooper.

 Dr. Cooper shared pieces from his new book, “Every Tub Sits On its Own Bottom”, and shared stories from his life in West Point with the special message to “live your life from the inside out, not the outside in”. The San Francisco Public Library was on hand with a table full of books celebrating Black culture and history for residents of all ages to take home. Residents and Community Wellness staff cooked and broke bread together, and held a raffle for black soap baskets, colorful dashikis, and household appliances.

       At Mercy Housing in Sunnydale, residents and families gathered to celebrate living history with “Back to Our Roots”, taking photos in front of a banner with “We Are Black History” across the top. Damien Posey from Us 4 Us spoke, sharing words of wisdom and inspiration. The event was full of joy and pride, with a live DJ and band in the mix spinning beats that got folks up and dancing. Everyone shared a delicious meal cooked by the Community Wellness Program and Resident Leaders, sharing their hope and love for community alongside delectable eats.

       At Alice Griffith, weekly Black History BBQs kicked off Black History Month celebrations by giving out educational Black history books, including the newest edition of the Children’s Encyclopedia: Intro to Black Wealth & Finance, by author Anthony Walker. Residents joined Brother Malik in tracking their family histories through a participatory art project where they illustrated the roots, branches, and leaves of their family trees with paper and pen.

              A very deep thank you to residents and leaders who continue to create safe spaces in community, uplifting and preserving culture across HOPE SF.