Black-Owned Wineries
Theopolis Vineyards
Known in the industry as Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards, attorney Theodora Lee founded Theopolis Vineyards in Anderson Valley in 2003. Its first vintage scored 94-96 by the illustrious critic Robert Parker. The Mendocino boutique winery is known for its Petite Sirah.
Baker Family Wines
Former MLB player and manager Dusty Baker retired from the baseball field to the grape fields, teaming up with winemaker Chik Brenneman to create Baker Family Wines, an urban winery in Sacramento. The handcrafted, small-batch wines are sourced from Northern California grapes. Don’t miss trying the Syrah, the winery’s first homerun.
Free Range Flower Winery
Do you prefer red or white or…flowers? At Livermore's Free Range Flower Winery winemaker Aaliyah Nitoto makes award-winning wine from locally-sourced organic flowers. The current portfolio includes RoseHybiscus, Marigold and “L” Lavender Sparkling.
Black-Owned Eateries
Stream & Chill
Serial entrepreneur Athalie LaPamuk is a force in Palm Springs, owning a branding agency, vacation rental agency, technology incubator and one of the city’s favorite places for a sweet treat, Stream & Chill. The rotating flavor line-up of ice cream includes unique offerings like sweet corn, ube and black sesame, along with more traditional favorites like macadamia nut, strawberry and bananas foster.
Sharon’s Creole Kitchen
Sharon Cunningham brings the flavors of her Louisiana childhood to Murrieta with Sharon’s Creole Kitchen. Cunningham learned the history and food of the Creole people by cooking with her mom, grandma and aunts. Today she serves up southern comforts like gumbo, jambalaya, fried chicken, po boys and more to travelers and locals in Riverside County.
Street Soul Favorites
Ron Suel founded San Diego’s oldest Black-American restaurant when he opened StreetCar Merchants Chicken Bar in North Park in 2013. Since then, the restaurateur has added SuckerFree, serving southern staples in the Gaslamp Quarter and Shotcaller in Southeast San Diego, offering soul rolls, tacos and tots.
Museums & Tours
Story Telling
The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco celebrates Black History Month with an in-depth look into the show, The Proud Family, with creator and executive producer Bruce W. Smith and executive producer Ralph Farquhar, as they discuss how they have revived the show for the new generation of Disney+ viewers. For visitors unable to make the event, join the Walk Disney Family Museum online for a virtual story time with author Clothilde Ewing as she reads her book Stella Keeps the Sun Up.
Tour Time
Led by Dr. Saturu Ned, an original member of the Black Panthers, travelers to the Party’s birthplace in Oakland will learn about its history on a walking tour of historic locations in downtown. For a more lighthearted tour, join Black Food Tours on one of three food tours highlighting Black chefs and cuisine in the city.
Artistic Expression
Visitors to Seaside in Monterey County can view works by local Black artists working in all mediums at the 38th Annual Black History Month Exhibit on display at the Seaside City Hall. Afterward, pop into the Black-owned craft brewery Post No Bills to sample a local brew.
USS Iowa Museum
The USS Iowa Museum in Los Angeles honors Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr., the first African American commissioned as an officer from the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps. Gravely was the first African American to command a warship and the first to become an Admiral and then Vice Admiral. Early in his career, he served on the USS Iowa as a radio specialist during the Korean war.
Black History Celebrations
More Than a Month
The San Francisco Public Library celebrates African American accomplishments starting Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, and throughout the year as its More Than a Month program puts the focus on black leaders and change-makers in the city and beyond. The artwork for this year’s celebration is an image of Dr. Maya Angelou, drawn by local artist Lava Thomas. It will be installed near the Larkin Street entrance of the Main Library.
Music City
Written by Billboard charting artist Griot B, OURstory, the Black History Musical in downtown Fresno takes theatergoers on a history of the African-American experience not taught in school. The special event takes place on February 3, 2023, at the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno. You will leave this show educated, uplifted and entertained.
Pasadena Black History Parade & Festival
Slated for February 18, 2023, the Pasadena Black History Parade is one of California’s largest and longest-running parades celebrating the month. After the parade, a festival featuring bands, dance performances, speakers, and food will take place at the city’s Jackie Robinson Park.
OC Black History Parade
Celebrating its 43rd anniversary on February 4, 2023, the Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival honors the rich history and contributions of Black culture to the area. The parade in Anaheim will see a lineup of floats, marching bands and notable hosts. The Unity Festival brings together Black-owned businesses and vendors, entertainment and food. Highlights include a car and bike show and a break dance contest.