Cities across the Inland Valley are preparing a wide range of Black History Month events scheduled from late January through theend of February, offering residents opportunities to engage with history, culture, art and community traditions.

The lineup includes parades, museum programming, music festivals, senior-center activities, educational forums and month-long exhibits.

Events are spread across Ontario, San Bernardino, Fontana, Pomona and Upland, with additional programs expected to beannounced in other Inland Valley cities as February approaches.

In Ontario, the Ontario Museum of History & Art will host “Studio Saturdays: Black History Month Collective” on Feb. 7 from noon to 4 p.m.

The program is designed as a family-friendly art experience, allowing visitors to take part in hands-on activities led by local artistsand educators, with a focus on African American history and creativity. It is free and open to the public.

Ontario will also offer programming geared toward older residents.

On Feb. 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Ontario Senior Center will hold special afternoon activities in recognition of Black History Month.

The event will feature themed activities and social programming for adults ages 50 and older.

San Bernardino will mark the month with its long-running Black History Month Parade, scheduled for Feb. 28. The annual parade,organized by the Black Culture Foundation, typically draws participants from across the Inland Empire and includes marching bands, community organizations, floats and local leaders.

The route runs through the city’s Westside, traditionally beginning near Graciano Gomez Elementary School and moving alongBaseline Avenue toward California Street before ending at Arroyo Valley High School.

Fontana will host a full day of celebrations on Feb. 28, beginning with the Fontana Black History Month Parade and Expo.

The parade will travel along Citrus Avenue between Summit Avenue and Sierra Lakes Parkway, followed by an expo in the Home Depot parking lot on Sierra Lakes Parkway.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include vendors, performances and informational booths.

Later that same day, Fontana will also host Jazz Fest: A Black History Celebration from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Miller Amphitheater.

The festival centers on jazz and its roots in African American history and culture, featuring live music, dance, art activities and community programming.

Pomona will add an educational component with a Black History Month Teach-In on Feb. 21.

The event, listed at a Pomona location on South Towne Avenue, is designed to create space for community learning through discussions, presentations and cultural exploration.

Upland is hosting a month-long Black History Month Exhibit at the Gibson Senior Center from Feb. 2 through Feb. 27.

The exhibit will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature displays highlighting influential African Americans and key moments in history. Admission is free.

Upland will also hold a Taste of Soul Dinner on Feb. 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Gibson Senior Center.

The dinner is designed as both a cultural celebration and a community fundraiser, centered on traditional soul food and fellowship.

While other Inland Valley cities, like Claremont and La Verne, have not yet published full Black History Month schedules, city libraries, colleges and community organizations in both cities often release programming closer to February.

Past years have included lectures, student performances, film screenings and panel discussions, and similar announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

Residents are encouraged to check city websites, library calendars and community centers for updates as more events are finalized.

With many programs scheduled on weekends and evenings, organizers aim to make Black History Month accessible to a wide range of schedules.

From creative workshops and live music to parades and educational forums, the Inland Valley’s Black History Month events reflect a region-wide effort to honor African American history while bringing communities together through shared experiences.