Santa Monica Celebrates Black History Month

Published on February 2, 2021

The Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel will be lit red, green and yellow on Thursday, February 4 in recognition of Black History Month.

Every February, people across the nation come together for events and activities to celebrate Black History Month and the history, diversity, and achievements of the Black community nationwide. This Thursday, February 4, Rosa Parks Day, Santa Monica’s Pacific Park joins the City of Santa Monica in celebrating Black History Month by lighting up the Pacific Wheel and officially kicking off an entire month of virtual events in Santa Monica highlighting the diversity, history, and food traditions of Black families and individuals.

 

WHAT:
Special Lighting of the Pacific Wheel for Black History Month

WHEN:
Thursday, February 4th
Dusk to midnight (around 5:30 PM)

WHERE:
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

 

 

The theme for Black History Month 2021 is The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity and is set every year by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History®, an organization founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the famed African American historian known as the “Father of Black History.” Much of the programming for Santa Monica’s Black History Month events and activities aligns with the theme, with 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.

Santa Monica will be hosting a full month of events including fitness classes led by a black-owned Zumba studio, discussions and panels from GARE/Black History Month Committee, and the second annual Black Excellence Community Awards. See a full list of virtual programing at www.santamonica.gov.

This month-long celebration will be kicked-off on February 4th with an opening ceremony on Rosa Parks Day. The event will feature a discussion by local families highlighting the diversity, identity and history of Santa Monica’s Black community. There will also be special dance performances and small segments highlighting the cooking traditions of Black families. The event will be followed by a special lighting event at Pacific Park. The Ferris wheel lights can be seen from dusk until 11:35 PM; enjoy watching the light program online at www.pacpark.com/live.
 

See the lights from home at www.pacpark.com/live.

 

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Feature image courtesy of @pacpark