Santa Monica celebrates Black History Month
Feb. 08, 2021 at 6:00 am
Santa Monica residents celebrated the beginning of Black History Month this week, but locals who missed the fun will have plenty of other opportunities to get involved when the festivities continue later this month.
Because of COVID and the need to stay home, this year’s Black History Month events will all be held virtually, Delana Gbenekama, Equity and Communications Coordinator for the City of Santa Monica, said. However, this month’s activities still look to highlight the history, diversity and achievements of Santa Monica’s Black community.
Gbenekama and locals kicked off this year’s Black History Month Celebration Thursday evening during The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity Opening Ceremony, which featured music, special dance performances, and segments that highlighted the cooking traditions of Black families.
Santa Monica preps for Black History Month
Jan. 26, 2021 at 6:00 am
The City of Santa Monica is ready to celebrate Black History Month this February with a number of events that will be held in a COVID-conscious manner.
In 2020, city and community leaders partnered to host the inaugural “Celebrating Black Excellence Community Mixer” on the Third Street Promenade, which provided residents and tourists an opportunity to talk with others while they enjoyed treats from various vendors and a traditional West African Dance and Drum performance.
Because of COVID and the need to stay home, this year’s roster of events will be held virtually but the activities will still highlight the history, diversity and achievements of Santa Monica’s Black community, said Delana Gbenekama, Equity and Communications Coordinator for the City of Santa Monica, as she detailed the many upcoming opportunities to learn about Black history as well as the Black community’s contributions to Santa Moni
The deadline to nominate local professionals for Santa Monica’s Black Excellence Awards has been extended, and local residents are invited to put forth those they think are worthy of being honored with one of the various awards that will be handed out this February.
Hundreds of residents gathered at the Third Street Promenade in last year for the inaugural “Celebrating Black Excellence Community Mixer,” which featured treats from various vendors, a traditional West African Dance and Drum performance and plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle with fellow Santa Monicans and the many others who stopped by for a peek at the fun.