Welcome

Support Booker T.

Welcome

Support Booker T.

Community Events & Placemaking

Three black folks play sequence at a restaurant during a scholarship dinner

The cultural heartbeat of the Fillmore & Western Addition

Events transform our space into a sacred ground of celebration, healing, and collective power. From our epic Juneteenth Festival that fills the streets with music and pride, to intimate Soul Suppers where food becomes a bridge between generations, to Winter Fest celebrations where no child goes without holiday joy, we create moments that transcend mere gatherings to become affirmations of our community's joy and resilience. These events serve thousands beyond our regular program participants, drawing former residents back to the neighborhood and reminding all who attend that despite gentrification and displacement, Black San Francisco lives, breathes, and thrives within these walls.

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major cultural events hosted annually

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major cultural events hosted annually

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major cultural events hosted annually

Two Black women holding parasols made of African fabric and holding a copy of 1619 Project
Two Black women holding parasols made of African fabric and holding a copy of 1619 Project

Photo Credit: Lorem ipsum dolor

PHOTO CREDIT: DON BOWDEN

Two Black women holding parasols made of African fabric and holding a copy of 1619 Project

PHOTO CREDIT: DON BOWDEN

PHOTO CREDIT: EMILY RUDISILL

A group of Black older adults stand with author and activist Dr. Akilah Cadet, the adults hold up signed copies of Dr. Cadet's

PHOTO CREDIT: MARCELL TURNER

The power of authentic connection

Joy can be revolutionary. More than just marking holidays, our more than 28 annual events and place-making initiatives create the connective tissue that binds neighbors into family, transforms shared meals into movements, and converts our community center into a space echoing with Black joy.  We come together because we know that we rise when we lift others. With our doors swung open, welcoming one and all, we show how solidarity works in practice.

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additional community members reached beyond regular programs

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additional community members reached beyond regular programs

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additional community members reached beyond regular programs

A group of Black older adults stand with author and activist Dr. Akilah Cadet, the adults hold up signed copies of Dr. Cadet's
A group of Black older adults stand with author and activist Dr. Akilah Cadet, the adults hold up signed copies of Dr. Cadet's

PHOTO CREDIT: MARCELL TURNER

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volunteer hours contributed annually

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volunteer hours contributed annually

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volunteer hours contributed annually

Working alongside Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful partnership can be. From book giveaways that spark a love of reading, to author programs that amplify African American voices and digitization workshops that preserve the wisdom of our elders — every effort has brought the  San Francisco Public Library, and specifically the African American Center, closer to our mission of being a library that connects communities to learning and strengthens social connections. Together, we are not just sharing resources, we are nurturing legacy and possibility.

R.O

  • Working alongside Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful partnership can be. From book giveaways that spark a love of reading, to author programs that amplify African American voices and digitization workshops that preserve the wisdom of our elders — every effort has brought the  San Francisco Public Library, and specifically the African American Center, closer to our mission of being a library that connects communities to learning and strengthens social connections. Together, we are not just sharing resources, we are nurturing legacy and possibility.

    R.O

  • What makes the Booker T. Washington partnership so meaningful to Ajani is the genuine communication and openness between staff, paired with a shared commitment to work through challenges together. That transparency and mutual respect keep us aligned around one mission, moving as one collective to create measurable, lasting impact and serve our community with intention, consistency, and care.

  • Working alongside Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful partnership can be. From book giveaways that spark a love of reading, to author programs that amplify African American voices and digitization workshops that preserve the wisdom of our elders — every effort has brought the  San Francisco Public Library, and specifically the African American Center, closer to our mission of being a library that connects communities to learning and strengthens social connections. Together, we are not just sharing resources, we are nurturing legacy and possibility.

    R.O

  • What makes the Booker T. Washington partnership so meaningful to Ajani is the genuine communication and openness between staff, paired with a shared commitment to work through challenges together. That transparency and mutual respect keep us aligned around one mission, moving as one collective to create measurable, lasting impact and serve our community with intention, consistency, and care.

Working alongside Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful partnership can be. From book giveaways that spark a love of reading, to author programs that amplify African American voices and digitization workshops that preserve the wisdom of our elders — every effort has brought the  San Francisco Public Library, and specifically the African American Center, closer to our mission of being a library that connects communities to learning and strengthens social connections. Together, we are not just sharing resources, we are nurturing legacy and possibility.

Shawna Sherman, Manager, African American Center, SF Public Library

Continue the Story

Looking forward

Looking forward