City To Highlight Black Resistance During Black History Month

SANTA MONICA, CA — The city of Santa Monica will host a variety of events in honor of Black History Month this year to highlight the many displays of culture, history and political action that Black people celebrate.

The 2023 programming will cover a broad spectrum of events and activities including opportunities for people to participate in different forms of art, attend award ceremonies honoring professionals and listen to conversations about past experiences Black people had in Santa Monica.

"Our committee’s form of Black Resistance is rest, because we recognize that taking care of oneself is of the utmost importance," Santa Monica Equity and Communications Coordinator Delana Gbenekama said.

There are two main events that will be held during the month. The first will be a kickoff celebration on Feb. 1 that will feature food trucks and dancing. Attendees are welcome from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Santa Monica City yards for brunch and then at City Hall from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch.

The second will be a live reading of the book "The Two Lives of Sara" from author Catherine Adel West on Feb. 23. The reading will be held over Zoom from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and requires people to register to attend.

Throughout the month there will be additional events around the city including:

• A Reading of Black History Month Proclamation on Jan. 24 at Santa Monica City Hall at 5:30 p.m.
  
  • Author and journalist Ralinda Harvey Smith and Santa Monica High School student Jamila Williams will present a two-part proclamation at the city council meeting. The meeting can be attended in person or watched on the city's YouTube page.
• Black History Month Exhibits and Book Displays from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 at City Hall and Santa Monica Library locations
• Black History Month Concert and Documentary Film Screening on Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Santa Monica Main Library
  
  • The free program will present violin music and works by Black American composers and a cappella singing by members of Calvary Baptist Church of Santa Monica.
• Screening of "The Gabby Douglas Story" on Feb. 16 at the Pico Branch Library from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  
  • This public screening is for teens only and will give a look at the inspiring life of the talented gymnast.
• Mystery Book Group Discussion on Feb. 21 on Zoom from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • The Santa Monica Library will host a discussion of "Trouble Is What I Do" by Walter Mosely. To register for the event email library@santamonica.gov.
• Black History Greens Festival on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park
  • Details about this event are coming soon, according to the city.

“The Black History Month Committee looks forward to experiencing joy and learning alongside the community during this year’s events," Gbenekama said.

To view the full list and see more information, visit the city's webpage.