San Antonio Public Library Celebrates Black History Month with Events that Uplift, Educate, and Inspire
The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is celebrating Black History Month 2026 with a full calendar of community-focused programs aimed at honoring the legacy, culture, and achievements of Black Americans. From poetry and art to storytelling and jazz, this year’s city-wide lineup invites residents of all ages to engage in learning, reflection, and celebration.
Black History Month, formally recognized in the U.S. since 1976, traces its roots to the efforts of historian Carter G. Woodson, who established "Negro History Week" in 1926. It is a time to acknowledge the pivotal role Black individuals have played in shaping American history—often in the face of systemic injustice. In a city like San Antonio, where cultural intersections run deep, Black History Month holds a unique resonance, especially in historically Black neighborhoods on the city’s East Side.
Spotlight on San Antonio’s Black Heritage
Running all month long, the “Go Together” exhibit at the Carver Branch Library, located at Carver Branch Library at Denver Heights Community Center, 300 Porter St., San Antonio, TX 78210, highlights the historical East Side communities that have long served as the heartbeat of Black culture in San Antonio. Hosted at the Denver Heights Community Center, the exhibit takes a local lens to the national observance, spotlighting the people and places that have kept the culture alive for generations.
The exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of how deeply rooted Black history is within San Antonio’s neighborhoods and encourages residents to explore and engage with that history beyond the month of February.
Poetry, Storytelling & Local Voices
Poet Zenobia Anderson, recipient of the 2025 Mosaic African Diaspora Award, will lead a series of Black Stories poetry and spoken word workshops at three San Antonio Public Library branches. Each two-hour session invites attendees to explore the role of storytelling in preserving the history and lived experiences of Black Americans, with a special focus on the unique narratives of Black Texans.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
The series begins on February 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carver Branch Library’s interim site inside the Denver Heights Community Center (300 Porter St., San Antonio, TX 78210), located in one of San Antonio’s most historic Black neighborhoods.
The next workshop takes place on February 8 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Potranco Branch Library (located at 8765 TX-151, San Antonio, TX 78245), serving the city’s growing West Side community.
The final session will be held on February 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Igo Branch Library (13330 Kyle Seale Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78249) in Northwest San Antonio, offering residents in that part of the city a chance to participate in this creative celebration of culture and heritage.
On February 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dr. Charles Gentry from the Office of Historic Preservation will facilitate a Community Zine Workshop at Pan American Library, engaging participants in conversations about local history through creative expression.
Later in the month, the Carver Friends Black History Month Breakfast & Lecture on February 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. will feature speaker Cary Clark discussing Martin Luther King Jr.’s final book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? Hosted at Carver Branch Library’s Interim Site, Denver Heights Community Center at 300 Porter St., San Antonio, TX 78210, the event promises a morning of thoughtful dialogue, connection, and—true to San Antonio form—breakfast tacos.
Art, Music, and Community Connection
For families and younger audiences, a watercolor-based art project will be held at the Pan American Branch Library on February 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Inspirational Quotes Art activity will use quotes from notable Black leaders and creators to guide the creative process.
Closing out the month’s programming with rhythm and soul, SAPL invites residents to a Black History Jazz Concert on February 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Collins Garden Branch Library. Local favorite DevSoul will perform in a one-hour concert celebrating the rich musical legacy of Black America.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Year-Round Impact Through Education
In addition to live events, SAPL is curating themed reading lists and film screenings across its locations. These include documentaries and creative works that spotlight civil rights milestones, Black innovators, and stories often left out of traditional history curricula. All offerings are free and open to the public.
For more information on event times, library locations, and how to participate, residents are encouraged to visit mysapl.org or call 210-207-2500.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Black History Month in San Antonio is more than a set of events—it's an invitation to engage with the past, present, and future of the city’s Black communities. By spotlighting artists, historians, poets, and residents, the San Antonio Public Library aims to help foster a sense of shared heritage and hope.
Whether you're a longtime local or new to the city, this month offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the stories that shape San Antonio—and how we carry them forward.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.