How Santa Monica Is Celebrating Black History Month In 2021

Santa Monica CA

03 February, 2021

5:46 PM

Description

SANTA MONICA, CA — Black History Month is here. Although the coronavirus pandemic has prompted the cancelation of countless in-person affairs, the City of Santa Monica plans to offer several virtual opportunities to celebrate Black culture and spark conversations about structural and institutional racism in the wake a racial justice moment that drove thousands of Angelenos to protest for months. The city will host seven events in accordance with this year's national theme: The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity. "It's a time for us to continue our collective journey of honoring and deepening our knowledge of the history and contributions of African Americans and people of African descent that have been marginalized from mainstream curricula and discussions because of our country's legacy of slavery, and institutional and structural racism," Delana Gbenekama, the city's equity and communications coordinator, wrote in a news release. A theme is set each year by the Association of African American Life and History, founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian, teacher and author who has been called the "Father of Black History." In a moment where the coronavirus pandemic has devastated local businesses and disproportionally impacted Black Angelenos, the city has also compiled a list of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. To celebrate local Black communities this month, Gbenekama stated that activities will include "discussions by community members about their family histories and contributions to the city, reflections by current and/or former residents on memories of Historic Belmar Park and the Belmar History + Arts Project commemorating its history, and a community conversation about the novel 'Saving Ruby King,' which explores trauma, friendships and secrets that intertwine families for generations." The first event, Zumba with Miss Debi, was held virutally Tuesday. The dance class was held by Miss Debi, a UCLA graduate, dancer and local personal trainer who has a background in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and West African dance. The following events were scheduled for the month of February: The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity Thursday, Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m. On Rosa Parks Day, a virtual event will facilitate dialogue by local families. Discussion topics will include diversity, identity and history of Santa Monica's Black community. There will also be dance performances and a cooking feature highlighting the traditions of Black families. Residents were asked to submit their family stories last month to be featured during the event. RSVP here Catherine Adel West Discusses "Saving Ruby King" Thursday, Feb. 11 at 12 p.m. A book reading and conversation will be led by author Catherine Adel West. She will debut her novel "Saving Ruby King," which delves into trauma, friendships and secrets that connect families, according to the city. The Santa Monica Library has digital and print copies of the book for locals to check out. RSVP here Historic Belmar Park: Preserving History through Stories and Art Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 6 p.m. Historian Alison Rose Jefferson and social practice artist April Banks will lead discussion about the Belmar History + Art Project. The outdoor exhibition will soon encircle the new Historic Belmar Park. The outdoor exhibition features new artwork, A Resurrection in Four Stanzas and interpretative story panels out of the book "Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era," city officials said. The Historic Belmar Park area and other South Santa Monica Beach neighborhoods were once "home to a thriving African American community until they were displaced in the 1950s," according to the city. RSVP here Afro-Joy Dance Party with Tatiana Zamir Thursday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 p.m. This virtual dance party is for "all bodies and levels of experience to embody joy, healing and connect with community," according to the city. This livestream will offer Afro-diasporic music for participants to follow along to. The dance event will be led by Tatiana Zamir, a performing artist and movement instructor who has explored body movement as a " a vehicle for healing and awakening to our highest destiny." RSVP here Celebrating Black Excellence Community Awards Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. The 2nd annual award ceremony will honor Black professionals in Santa Monica for "outstanding leadership and service," according to the city. Last month, residents had the opportunity to nominate locals and submit memoriams to honor Santa Monicans lost in 2020. RSVP Here