Black History Month 2026: A century of Black History commemorations

January 28, 2026 8:12 AM
by City of Santa Monica

This year’s Black History Month theme marks an especially significant and momentous milestone: “A century of Black History Commemorations.”

In February 1926, author, historian, and activist Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month, to honor Black achievements and contributions to U.S. history.

Woodson also founded what is today known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH, which continues his legacy of disseminating knowledge about Black History. This Black History Month, ASALH encourages us to explore the “impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.”

Having just celebrated Santa Monca’s 150th anniversary last year with a variety of community-led events, our community has already been engaging in conversations and activities reflecting on both the achievements and the injustices in our city’s past – and how to chart a more inclusive and equitable future.

To continue this reflection and commemorate Black History Month, the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team, along with city affinity groups, the Library, the Cultural Affairs Division, and partners throughout the city have curated a group of engaging, creative and educational community events. All are welcome to join in, celebrate and learn.

Pencil these events in your calendar and check back here weekly for updates!

Black History Month Reading Challenge
Feb. 1 – 28 / Visit smpl.beanstack.org to register 

Explore and honor the rich history, culture, and achievements of Black men and women through books, featuring titles receiving a Coretta Scott King Book Award. These awards are given to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. Log your reading and activities to earn badges and entry into a book pack drawing. For ages 12 – 17. 

Mystery & Thriller Book Group: “While Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Abrams   
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7 – 8 p.m. / Zoom 

This community-led, monthly book discussion group meets virtually to discuss domestic and international titles in the mystery and thriller genres. During the month of February, book group participants will read and discuss Stacey Abrams’ political thriller novel, “While Justice Sleeps.” To register, email library@santamonica.gov.

SMPL Presents: The Iconic House of Ninja
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7 – 8 p.m. / Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium 

Get ready to werk! The Iconic House of Ninja brings the heat in a vogue dance performance that's guaranteed to electrify. Founded in 1982 by the late Willi Ninja, the ‘Godfather of Vogue’, The House of Ninja has made a major impact on both ballroom and mainstream culture, appearing in the award-winning documentary Paris Is Burning, and the HBO Max ballroom competition series Legendary. House of Ninja has worked alongside some of the biggest names in fashion and music, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Doechii, and their performance is sure to earn 10s across the board! 

This event was produced by Santa Monica Public Library in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica, Cultural Affairs Art of Recovery initiative.  

Locals' Night: Jazz Night
Thursday, Feb. 19, 3:30 - 10 p.m. / Santa Monica Pier

Locals’ Night is bringing the rhythm with BroadStage's Jazz Night featuring phenomenal alumni from Stanley Clarke's Artist Residency program. Enjoy serious grooves to celebrate Black History Month, while Offhand Wine Bar keeps the vibe smooth with perfectly paired selections.

Notable Fiction Book Group: “The Birdwatcher” by Gayl Jones
Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / Zoom 

This community-led, monthly book discussion group meets virtually to discuss prize-winning fiction titles. During the month of February, book group participants will read and discuss “The Birdwatcher,” a National Book Award finalist that explores Black women’s creative expression. To register, email library@santamonica.gov.

Sissies: Something Perfect between Ourselves
Saturday, Feb. 21, 3 – 5 p.m. / Annenberg Community Beach House

Bernard Brown, Director and Choreographer of bbmoves, will preview Sissies: Something Perfect between Ourselves, a performance and installation by, for, and about Black, Brown, and Indigenous Queer artists who have created spaces that feed the music, dance, fashion, and creative heartbeat of underground queer LA. 

Honoring Eddie Davis, Santa Monica’s Fire Department, 1960
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Santa Monica City Hall

Join the City in honoring the legacy of Eddie Davis, Santa Monica’s first black firefighter, as we commemorate his service, determination, and lasting impact on our community.

11th Annual Greens Festival
Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. / Virginia Avenue Park

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a day of culture, connection, and celebration at the 11th Annual Greens Festival, a joyful celebration of Black History Month, presented by the Black Santa Monica Community Group in collaboration with Virginia Avenue Park.

This year’s theme, “Boots on the Ground,” honors community and culture. Enjoy greens cooking demonstrations, music and dance, local vendors, and community booths offering resources and information for the community. Arron “Bobo” Arnell returns as the MC and DJ Dense from KJLH will be spinning throughout the event.  

Black History Month Movie Screening: “Ruby Bridges”
Saturday, Feb. 28, 3 – 5 p.m. / Main Library

Learn about Ruby Bridges, a young Black girl, and her experience integrating William Frantz Elementary School, which was previously a whites-only school in New Orleans. Runtime: 96 min. For families.

Home Under One’s Skin
Saturday, Feb. 28, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. / Historic Belmar Park

Marcella Lewis’ “Home Under One’s Skin” is created in conversation with April Banks’ “A Resurrection in Four Stanzas” at Historic Belmar Park, a public sculpture that engages histories of displacement and remembrance. Rooted in movement, voice, and direct audience engagement, Lewis’ work reflects on memory, revival, and longing – centering the intergenerational loss of “porch life,” a cultural space of gathering, storytelling, and care once central to Black communal life.

Santa Monica Public Library reading lists
Learn about African American history and the contributions of Black people in the United States with these Santa Monica Public Library staff picks lists:

Watch the Black History Month Proclamation at the Jan. 28 City Council meeting here.

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City of Santa Monica

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