Black Humboldt Unveils Countywide Black Liberation Month Events in February

Black Humboldt will stage a countywide slate of Black Liberation Month events throughout February, centering programming planned by and for Black and Brown community members and highlighting local artists and venues.

The nonprofit, founded in 2018, framed the month as “a month-long re-titling of Black History Month that centers events planned for and by Black and Brown community members, while keeping Black and Brown history visible, accessible, and shared across Humboldt County.” Organizers and partnering groups intend the calendar to include cultural events, family-friendly gatherings, performance nights, interactive public displays, informational sessions, and classes ranging from kung fu to karaoke.

Standout items already on the calendar include Karma’s Cabaret Noire at Playhouse Arts in Arcata on February 21 at 7:00 PM. Host Karma Moonstone will present live vocals by singer-songwriter Chï and original poetry by Eureka Poet Laureate Sarai Bordeaux, alongside burlesque dancers Clair Fuxabull, Miss Leading, Mx. Tigrizz, and Sirena Mami-Watu. An exclusive drag performance by Garlic Bread is also listed. A Black Heritage Ball is scheduled for February 28, with location and time to be confirmed.

Cal Poly Humboldt’s Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence is listed as a campus partner and host of several events. The Umoja Center said programming is “largely made possible from grant funds awarded by our on-campus organization, SHIFT (Sustainable Humboldt Initiative Futures Trust).” The center added that it is “deeply grateful for the enthusiastic support provided by SHIFT and its committee members, and look forward to future collaborations that support the vision of Black Student Success at Cal Poly Humboldt.” Students and community members are advised to “Make sure to pre-register for the events you want to attend!” Cal Poly Humboldt’s campus main office is at 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521; phone (707) 826-3011.

Local venues and presenters are involved across the county. Savage Henry Comedy Club will present a Black Liberation Month lineup produced by Josh Barnes and Jamon Jamison, county libraries are listed as collaborators, and past programming examples show continuity with earlier years that included radio specials and a Black Humboldt radio takeover on Humboldt Hot Air. KRCR noted that Black Humboldt “aims to ‘enlighten, empower and entertain Black &Brown communities on California’s North Coast through events,’” and organizers encouraged the public to “come out, have a good time, and help celebrate Black History Month.”

Economically, the month represents both cultural investment and a small but meaningful boost to Humboldt’s arts ecosystem: ticketed shows and campus partnerships can generate revenue for Playhouse Arts, Savage Henry, local artists, and service businesses that rely on event traffic. The SHIFT grant connection underscores growing institutional support for student-centered cultural programming and suggests a model for sustained funding of community arts.

Several logistical details remain to be confirmed, including full ticketing information, times and venues for the Black Heritage Ball, and dates for karaoke nights and kung fu classes. Residents interested in specific events should consult Black Humboldt’s official event listings and follow pre-registration instructions for campus-hosted sessions. For Humboldt audiences, the month offers new chances to see local talent, support neighborhood venues, and participate in community-powered cultural programming that organizers say is “something made by Black and Brown people for Black and Brown people.”