Mayor London Breed celebrates Black History Month and Lunar New Year in San Francisco

In a vibrant celebration of cultural unity, San Francisco kicked off its joint observance of Black History Month and Lunar New Year on July 4, 2025. The event, held at the San Francisco Public Library, marked a significant moment in the city’s efforts to foster collaboration between its African American and Asian American communities.

The celebration began with remarks from library officials, who emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of both communities. The library's African American Center has been pivotal in promoting Black history and culture year-round, while this year’s Lunar New Year festivities also highlighted the Year of the Rabbit. The joint celebration was described as long overdue, reflecting a growing recognition of the shared struggles against discrimination faced by both communities.

Mayor London Breed addressed attendees, expressing pride in the event as one of the first official city gatherings to unite these two cultural groups. She highlighted the significance of arts and culture in bridging divides and fostering mutual respect. Mayor Breed reminisced about her own experiences in San Francisco schools, where cultural assemblies helped students appreciate diversity. She underscored that the city’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability to learn from one another.

The mayor also pointed out the theme of this year’s Black History Month—black resistance—linking it to the values of mercy and kindness represented by the Year of the Rabbit. She called for more kindness in the world, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences.

The event featured performances from the Dinaya Dance and Drum Company, showcasing African drumming and dance, followed by traditional Chinese drumming and lion dance. This artistic collaboration served as a powerful reminder of the cultural richness that both communities bring to San Francisco.

As the evening unfolded, the celebration not only honored the past but also aimed to inspire future connections and understanding between diverse groups. The event concluded with a call to action for attendees to carry the spirit of unity and kindness into their daily lives, reinforcing the idea that together, the communities can create a more inclusive and harmonious society.