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Black History Month Shines on Stage with the Return of “Black Mosaic”
By Staff Writer
Published on Fri, Feb 13, 2026
Long Beach is celebrating Black History Month by spotlighting creativity, culture and the next generation of performers. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is bringing back “Black Mosaic,” a free music and dance showcase honoring the history and contributions of the Black community, with a special addition this year: local elementary school students.
Community members are invited to attend one of three performances taking place across the city, where professionally trained actors and young performers will share the stage in a dynamic celebration of storytelling and artistic expression.
“Black Mosaic” blends literature, poetry, music and theatrical works that reflect the richness and resilience of Black history. This year, students from Burbank Elementary School’s LB WRAP After School Program join the cast, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the performing arts.
Audiences can expect an engaging program featuring works that span generations, from William Shakespeare to Maya Angelou, that weave together moments of humor, reflection and perseverance.
Performance Schedule:
- Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. — Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.)
- Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. — Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.)
- Monday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. — Long Beach Senior Center (1150 E. 4th St.)
The performances are curated and directed by Dr. Melanie Curtis Andrews — a lifelong human rights advocate and co-founder of the former Inner City Shakespeare Company. This is the second year the City has partnered with her to bring this community-centered production to Long Beach.
This year also introduces an exciting step forward for arts access citywide. Over the past year, PRM partnered with Dr. Andrews to establish the LB Performing Arts Collective, a new initiative focused on expanding performing arts opportunities in underserved neighborhoods. Through collaborative productions, mentorship and creative programming, the collective aims to connect more youth and families with the arts while creating inclusive spaces for cultural expression.
The effort supports key priorities in the Parks Make Long Beach Strategic Plan, including expanding arts programming in parks, increasing offerings in North, West and Central Long Beach, and strengthening partnerships with schools and community organizations.
For more information about the LB Performing Arts Collective, email info@longbeachpac.org. To explore PRM programs, parks and community offerings, visit LBParks.org.
