SAN FRANCISCO – An exciting, kinetic procession of Indian and West African dance and drums joined together with Chinese lion dancers kicks off an electrifying evening of music, dance and poetry with San Francisco’s new poet laureate Genny Lim and former poet laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin this Tuesday, February 11, at the Main Library. San Francisco Human Rights Commission and San Francisco Public Library, in partnership with Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, the API Heritage Foundation and Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, are thrilled to present the 3rd Annual Drumbeats, Heartbeats, Communities as One celebration of the Lunar New Year and Black History Month. 

“The Joint Celebration of Lunar New Year and Black History Month is an amazing opportunity to bring to gather two of San Francisco’s integral communities to celebrate unique cultures and share experiences.  In view of the movement to dismantle appreciation for diversity in the country, it is upon us to step up and amplify all the contributions of diverse communities to our City,” said Claudine Cheng, APA Heritage Foundation President. “The APA Heritage Foundation is proud to partner with the San Francisco Public Library, the Human Rights Commission and Booker T. Washington Community Center in hosting this annual celebration for the third year.” 

"Drumbeats, Heartbeats is a testament to the power of unity and cultural exchange. At a time when division threatens to overshadow our shared humanity, this event brings together the African American and Asian communities to celebrate resilience, artistry and history. As the San Francisco Human Rights Commission marks its 61st anniversary, we are reminded of our ongoing mission to advance equity, inclusion and justice for all. The San Francisco Human Rights Commission is honored to stand with our community partners in fostering a city where diversity is not only acknowledged but uplifted as our greatest strength,” said Mawuli Tugbenyoh, Acting Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. 

This year’s program highlights artists and performers representing the African American and Asian communities, and the event attendees will gather afterwards to enjoy a meal of mixed Asian and Black cuisines for all to share. Performers include Duniya Dance and Drum Company, LionDanceME, current SF poet laureate Lim, former poet laureate Eisen-Martin and the youth group Loco Bloco.  

“We’re thrilled to bring back this exciting cultural celebration,” said Michael Lambert, City Librarian. “Our City is intentional about recognizing the beauty and unique contributions of our diverse Asian American diaspora and our African American community. And that is what makes the City and County of San Francisco so special; our diversity is our strength." 

This program is produced through a partnership of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, San Francisco Public Library, the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, APA Heritage Foundation and Booker T. Washington Community Center, as well as with the community support of the Japantown Community Benefit District, Nihonmachi Street Fair, Value Culture, East West Bank, Asians Are Strong, Chinese Culture Center and Dear Community. 

Drumbeats, Heartbeats, Communities as One — Feb. 11, 2025, 5–7 p.m., SF Main Library, 100 Larkin St.