City of Santa Monica to Highlight Family, Leadership and Service during Black History Month 2021
December 2, 2020 9:00 AM
The City of Santa Monica will celebrate Black History Month with the theme The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. Virtual events and activities that will bring this theme to life include an opening ceremony on February 4, 2021, a conversation with author Catherine Adel West about her novel “Saving Ruby King” on February 11, and the Black Excellence Awards on February 25.
“We are elated to continue sharing and reflecting on Black History—an essential part of American history—with the Santa Monica community again in 2021,” said Delana G. Gbenekama, the City’s GARE representative who is spearheading the planning for the events. “It’s a time to honor many of the unnamed heroes, including influential family figures, who have uplifted the Black community and paved the way for people like me and future generations.”
Community members are invited to submit their family stories by December 20, 2020, for the chance to be featured during the opening ceremony and events. Nominations for the Black Excellence Awards are also encouraged with a deadline of January 4, 2021. Events planned so far, include:
- Opening Ceremony, Thursday, February 4, 10:30 a.m.
The City will kick off Black History Month on Rosa Parks day with an opening ceremony featuring musical/dance performances and local families who will highlight their past and present roots in Santa Monica.
- Catherine Adel West Discusses “Saving Ruby King,” Thursday, February 11, 12 p.m.
Author Catherine Adel West joins the Santa Monica community for a book reading and conversation about her debut novel, “Saving Ruby King.” Participants will be able to submit questions for the author during the event. Digital and print copies of “Saving Ruby King” are available through the Santa Monica Public Library. To check out a copy, visit smpl.org. Need a Library card? Sign up at smpl.org/Getting_a_Card.aspx.
- Celebrating Black Excellence Awards, Thursday, February 25, 6 p.m.
The City will honor Black professionals in Santa Monica during the virtual Celebrating Black Excellence Awards. The Black History Month Committee invites the public to submit nominations for Black professionals who live or work in Santa Monica to be honored at the event. The deadline for submissions is January 4, 2021. Nominations can be submitted at this link.
For a full list of Black History Month events in Santa Monica, visit santamonica.gov/blog/blackhistorymonth2021.
Black History Month is an effort of the City’s Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) cohort and Black History Month Committee. GARE is a national network of government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. The City of Santa Monica has been a member of GARE since 2017. The Black History Month Committee is composed of City staff, including GARE members, who work in coordination with Black community leaders to make the events a success.
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Media Contact
Miranda Iglesias
Public Information Coordinator
Miranda.Iglesias@SMGOV.NET