A Century of Black History Commemorations
A Future of Possibility
Petaluma Blacks for Community Development (PBCD) is proud to present A Century of Black History Commemorations: A Future of Possibility, a month-long series of events honoring 100 years of Black history, achievement, and community in Petaluma and Sonoma County.
As we enter the centennial of Black History commemorations, this series highlights the people, movements, culture, and contributions of the African diaspora in the United States, with a special focus on Black achievement in Sonoma County. Through music, history, education, and community gatherings, we invite you to reflect on the past while imagining a more just and hopeful future.
February 2026 Events
February 6
The Dorian Mode Black History Jazz Concert
Location: Polly Klaas Community Theater
417 Western Ave., Petaluma
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Concert starts at 7:00 pm
Drinks and refreshments will be served
Tickets: $60
Purchase tickets here
Enjoy an evening of live jazz celebrating Black History Month with The Dorian Mode.
February 13
Valentine’s Night Out & Black History Exhibit Opening
Location: Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
20 Fourth Street, Downtown Petaluma
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Music starts at 6:30 pm
Whether you’re coming with a partner, friends, or on your own, join us for a stylish Valentine’s night out featuring live performances by Sky Palace and Dave Amato, champagne and refreshments, dancing, and a docent-led tour of our new exhibit:
A Century of Black History Commemorations: A Future of Possibility
This exhibit celebrates 100 years of Black History commemorations and highlights the people, events, and achievements of the African diaspora in the United States, with a focus on Black achievement in Sonoma County.
Tickets: $35
Purchase tickets here
February 21
Story Time at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
Story readings at 11:00 am and 12:30 pm
This event is for our younger community members. All children must attend with an adult. Families are invited to grab a free book, enjoy snacks, and create an art project with Jose from the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.
February 22
Lecture at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
The History of Slavery in Sonoma County from 1850
Lecture starts at 2:30 pm
Speaker: Amy Kittelstrom, Professor of History at Sonoma State University
Amy Kittelstrom specializes in American thought and culture and is the author of The Religion of Democracy (Penguin, 2015). She has written critically acclaimed essays on the state of American intellectual history and, since 2023, has been the lead investigator on groundbreaking research into the history of slavery in Sonoma County, California, in partnership with the Santa Rosa–Sonoma County NAACP.
A question and answer session will follow the lecture.
February 28
Annual Black History Month Program
Location: New Life Christian Church
1310 Clegg St., Petaluma
Doors open at 5:30 pm
This annual program will highlight the remarkable stories of previous and current generations of African Americans through music, dance, poetry, and their fight for justice and equality.
