Museum of Black Women & Girls Popup: Beauty & Brilliance
June 22 – September 30 2026
Black Resource Center at AC Bilbrew Library
Honoring the Resilience, History, and Transformative Power of Black Women in California
The Museum of Black Women & Girls Pop-Up, a project of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, is one of the most significant free African American cultural events in Los Angeles this summer. Hosted at the Black Resource Center inside A C Bilbrew Library, this immersive exhibit celebrates the women who shaped California through their brilliance, grit, and lasting impact.
From historic trailblazers to political powerhouses, artists to athletes—this exhibit gives these remarkable women their flowers in real time and living color. Throughout the summer, the pop-up will feature free community activations, oral history preservation opportunities, and public programming rooted in empowerment and community building.
The exhibit honors more than 30 exceptional Black women and girls, inviting the Los Angeles community to experience the humanity, struggle, and deep resilience behind their stories.
Join us this summer as we explore books by Black women authors, engage in meaningful discussion, and participate in creative activities inspired by the stories we read. Register now to join the summer book club.
THE ORAL HISTORY PROJECT – Black California Love Stories
This exhibit isn’t just about the women featured on its walls – it’s about all of us. Submit your story virtually below or stop by A C Bilbrew Library to record your oral history in person.
Every name in this exhibit began as a story someone chose to tell. Now, we’re inviting you to share yours.
Oral histories are essential to preserving Black history. They capture lived experiences, cultural traditions, and community knowledge that have too often been left out of traditional historical records. By preserving stories in the voices of those who lived them, oral histories strengthen connections across generations and help ensure a richer, more complete understanding of the Black experience.
The Museum of Black Women and Girls Oral History Project invites Black Californians to share the moments that shaped them: the triumphs and turning points, the family stories, the everyday joys, and the quiet acts of resilience that may never appear in history books but define a life.
Together, these voices become a living archive: a record of Black California told in its own words, preserved with love for generations to come.
How to Record Your Story
- Click Submit Your Story below.
- Read the prompt at the top of the screen.
- When you’re ready, click the red record button to begin.
- When you’ve finished, click the red button again to stop recording.
- On the next screen, enter your information, review and accept the terms and conditions, then click Submit.
Your story matters. Thank you for helping preserve the history, beauty, and brilliance of Black California.
Honored Trailblazers & Leaders
Through intimate storytelling, archival materials, and curated panels, Beauty & Brilliance puts a spotlight on the dynamic history of Black women across four core pillars.
Historic Trailblazers
From the pioneering spirit of Biddy Mason to the archival brilliance of Miriam Matthews, the exhibit highlights the early pioneers who paved the way for future generations. Visitors will explore the stories of women who led the charge in civil rights, literature, and community building in early California, ensuring their vital place in Los Angeles history is permanently honored.
Featuring: Queen Califia, Mary Ellen Pleasant, Charlotta Bass, Frances Albrier, Biddy Mason, and more.
Political Powerhouses
Shining a light on the women who have broken barriers in local, state, and national governance. This section celebrates the organizers, activists, and elected officials who have championed equity, driven policy changes, and amplified the voices of marginalized communities from the steps of City Hall to Washington, D.C.
Featuring: Maxine Waters, Kamala Harris, Barbara Lee, Karen Bass, Holly J. Mitchell, and more.
Arts, Letters & Ideas
Centering the creators, authors, and storytellers who use their brilliant vision to shift culture and document the Black experience. Through literature, film, and performance, these women have captured both daily trials and profound joys, preserving collective memory and redefining American art.
Featuring: Maya Angelou, Octavia Butler, Hattie McDaniel, Ava DuVernay, and more.
Athletes & Champions
Celebrating the physical dominance, discipline, and standard-setting excellence of California’s iconic sports figures. These athletes have not only broken records on global stages but have consistently used their platforms to advocate for social justice, gender equity, and community investment.
Featuring: Allyson Felix, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Lisa Leslie, Cheryl Miller, and more.
Presented By
