9 Places to Learn about Black History Year Round in Los Angeles

There’s no better time to learn more about Black history and culture than during Black History Month, but don’t fret with the end of February approaching! LA County is home to several permanent Black history museums, centers, and resources that will have you fascinated year round.

California African American Museum

Location: Exposition Park

With galleries featuring several permanent and rotating exhibits, the museum is also home to an enormous research library related to Black history. In addition to its collection of art, artifacts, and historical documents, the museum collaborates with community organizations on programming to open dialogue on culture, connect people to wellness. Visit for free Tuesday-Sunday.

Fowler Museum

Location: Westwood

While the museum encompasses global arts and history, it’s permanently home to the Arts of Africa and the African Diaspora Collection. One of the largest collections in the US, it spans visual arts, musical instruments, and ceramics throughout history. Visit at no cost Wednesday-Sunday. The museum also hosts regular exhibitions featuring African arts.

Lula Washington Dance Theatre

Location: Baldwin Hills / Crenshaw

This dance company lives and celebrates African-American history and culture through contemporary modern dance. The theatre is home to a dance school, but also a company that stages regular performances, puts on events celebrating African-American culture, and hosts an annual dance festival. 

LA County Library Black Resource Center

Location: Athens

Housed at AC Bilbrew Library, the Black Resource Center has been serving LA County since 1978 with information, education, and research related to the African American experience. The center offers cultural awareness programs, in-depth reference services, and community connection and outreach in support of African American heritage.

African American Firefighter Museum

Location: Downtown LA

For nearly 30 years, this museum - located in a fire station, of course - has memorialized the legacy of LA’s African American firefighters spanning back to the 1850s. Although the museum is temporarily closed for construction, you can check out their podcast. Blazing Trails & Breaking Norms, featuring stories from African-American women first responders.

The Museum of African American Art

Location: Baldwin Hills / Crenshaw

Since 1976, this museum has welcomed visitors to learn about the arts through an African American cultural lens. For the low cost of free, visitors can access permanent and rotating exhibitions as well as programs that highlight the shared experiences of the African diaspora. Visit Wednesday-Sunday 11am-5pm on the second level of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.

Tuskegee Aeronautical Museum

Location: Compton

The newly renovated and renamed Tuskegee Aeronautical Museum - located at the Compton/Woodley Airport - is a living tribute to the WWII Tuskegee Airmen, many of whom have visited the museum themselves. Featuring historic exhibits and an airspace lab, a visit is well worth your time (and admission is free!). Please call prior to visiting to ensure there are volunteer staff available.

William Grant Still Arts Center

Location: West Adams

This community arts center is dedicated to visual and performing arts with a focus on African American artistry. They are home to the annual Black Doll Show (which includes doll-making workshops!) and the African-American Composers Series, as well as regular workshops and youth classes. Visit during open hours, Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-5pm.

Ebony Repertory Theater

Location: Mid-City

With the distinct honor of being the only African American professional theatre company in Los Angeles, Ebony Repertory Theater takes their position to heart. They bring plays, music, screenings, and other events featuring Black artists to the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center year-round.

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