This February, the City of Chandler is proud to present a variety of events to celebrate the contributions and history of the Black community.
The contributions of its Black community have enriched the city and celebrates the achievements, important role and history of this community through a variety of events and exhibits all year long. Let’s continue to work together to ensure Chandler is a place of equal rights and opportunity for all. For more information, be sure to visit Chandler Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Music - The Legendary Black Love Language
Feb. 14 | 7 p.m.
Chandler Center for the Arts
Celebrate love and community with South Chandler Self-Help at their special Valentine's Day event in honor of Black History Month! Enjoy an evening filled with live music, dance showcases and delicious treats.
13th Annual African American Banquet
Feb. 21 | 6 p.m.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration as we gather for the prestigious 13th Annual Men of Action African Awards Banquet to celebrate excellence in Chandler.
Black History Month Reading List
Browse this list for new and classic books by and about African Americans curated by Chandler Public Library Staff.
Celebrate with Chandler Public Library
Family Fun Night: Black History Month
Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
5 - 6 p.m.
Basha Library: Basha Barn
5990 S. Val Vista Drive
Suitable for Families
Let's celebrate Black History Month with a special storytime, a craft, and fun for all!
Join us at Family Fun Night for stories, songs, interactive play and a craft! This is an hour program appropriate for all ages that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write, and Play to build literacy skills.
Please note, for quality customer experience, each library branch will limit capacity based on the type of Storytime and facility needs.
Toddler Time: Black History Month
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025
11 - 11:30 a.m..
Downtown Library
22 S. Delaware Street
Suitable for children 0-5
Drop-In. Join us at Toddler Time for stories, songs and interactive play! This is a 30 minute program appropriate for ages 18-36 months, that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write, and Play to build early literacy skills.
Please note, for quality customer experience, each library branch will limit capacity based on type of Storytime and facility needs.
To make arrangements for a day care or preschool group please fill out the Tour Request Form.
Create Your Own Djembe Drum
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Library
22 S. Delaware Street
Suitable for 9+
Celebrate Black History Month by making a Djembe Drum using items you may find around your house! We will provide all supplies to make a simplified version of this traditional wooden drum.
The djembe drum is originally from West Africa, and is played with bare hands. The djembe is able to create a wide range of pitches using the sounds of base, tone and slap. The djembe is a ceremonial drum, which is used to pass down culture and local traditions.
Conversations with Chandler's Historic Black Families
During February, as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to take you back in time to learn about Chandler's historic Black families.
The Arbuckle Family
Rev. Willie Arbuckle gives insight into his family's story: the Arbuckle family, one of Chandler's historic Black families.
Having moved to the Chandler area from Oklahoma in 1937, Arbuckle talks about life in Chandler in his early years, including being transferred to schools for Black children and then integrating into Chandler High School in 1949.
The Arbuckle Family
The Payne Family
Charles Payne shares the story of his family: the Payne Family, one of Chandler's historic Black families, who moved to Chandler decades ago.
Payne shares why his family moved to Arizona, what it was like to grow up here, and why Chandler is such a special place to him.
The Payne Family
The Woods Family
LaVon Woods, co-founder of South Chandler Self-Help Foundation, shares the story of her family, the Woods Family, one of Chandler's historic Black families.
Woods talks about the significance of Mount Olive Baptist Church to her family and the Black community; her grandfather’s Bar-B-Q Pit on Saragosa Street; and her career with Maricopa County as a community advocate.
The Woods Family