Black History Month 2024

Enjoy a full month of programming celebrating Black history, culture and more this February. Centering around this year’s Black History Month theme of Black Americans and the Arts, take part in educational experiences and events celebrating the profound and evolving impact of Black artistry on our culture, national identity, and social movements that have spanned the world over. There’s plenty of family-friendly fun and learning to do—don’t miss out!

Events & Happenings

Collaborative Art Celebrating Black History Month

Ongoing | Tuesday, February 1 – Thursday, February 29

Kids and teens are invited to help complete portions of artwork celebrating Black History Month on the Santa Monica Main Library’s Youth area display wall. For youth through 17. Hosted Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays – 10:00am-8:00pm, Saturdays –  10:00am-5:00pm. 

Santa Monica Black Lives Association Resource Open House

Ongoing | Every Wednesday @ 11:00am-1:00pm.

Enjoy light refreshments and peruse the information booths each Wednesday. Hosted by SMBLA, a multi-service, community-based organization focused on addressing the health, wellness, mental health, socio-economic needs of the black community. View the list of session topics below:
February 14: Mental Health and Wellness/Housing
February 21: Business/Career
February 28: Community Engagement/Home Electrification

Special Lighting of the Pacific Wheel 

Wednesday, February 1 @ 5:30pm

The Pacific Wheel will be lit red, green, and yellow in recognition of Black History Month.

Black History Month at City Yards

Wednesday, February 7 @ 12:00-2:00pm

Welcome Black History Month with Santa Monica City Hall. Santa Monica’s Black History Month 2024 kicks off with the theme “Black Media & the Arts”. Festivities include dancing and food trucks.

Black History Month Lunch at Big Blue Bus

Thursday, February 15 @ 12:00-2:00pm

Celebrate Black History Month with music and food trucks at the Big Blue Bus headquarters located at 1660 7th Street.  The event starts at noon and ends at 2 p.m.

Locals Night at The Pier

Thursday, February 15 @ 5:00-9:00pm

Head to the Santa Monica Pier for a free evening of entertainment curated by the local community. Featuring a classic car show, silent disco, music from the Syreeta Neal Trio and BLVK H3RO and many more, the evening is all by locals, for locals – come on down and celebrate Black History Month with us!

Authors in Conversation: Rasheed Newson & Laura Warrell 

Wednesday, February 21 @ 6:00-7:00pm

Author Rasheed Newson discusses his debut novel, My Government Means to Kill Me, a fast-paced coming of age story about a young, gay Black man in the mid-1980s, with fellow novelist Laura Warrell (Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm). A book sale and signing follows.

Santa Monica Greens Festival 

Saturday, February 24 @ 10:00am-2:00pm

In partnership with Virginia Avenue Park, Santa Monica Farmers Markets and Pico Branch Library, the Greens Festival will celebrate Black History, Life, Food and Culture.

Screening of “The Wiz” 

Thursday, February 29 @ 11:30am and 3:30pm

Dorothy, an unhappy Harlem teacher, is whisked away to a fantastical Oz where she journeys down the soul-infused yellow brick road with friends seeking self-discovery, ultimately realizing the power within herself to return home. This adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” whisks audiences away into the essence of the African-American experience.

Travel Santa Monica Responsibly

Travel safely and sustainably to help maintain Santa Monica’s beauty while staying healthy with these tips.

Woman standing proudly in front of her clothing store

Support Black Santa Monica Businesses

Affirmation Effect

Shop for apparel, accessories and natural wax scented candles. Open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm.

Black Santa Monica Tours and Concierge

Owned by Robbie Jones, enjoy historical tours of Santa Monica. These tours explore the coastal city’s best kept secret: its African American history.

Cafe Ruisseau

Owner Edward Ackah-Miezah brings the coffee culture to Santa Monica with coffee and grab-and-go meals. Cafe Ruisseau prides itself on being vegan-friendly, dog-friendly and people-friendly.

Chateau Beauty Bar

Feel beautiful at this beauty bar specializing in textured hair and protective styles, thanks to Cordell and Sophia Broadus. Enjoy pampering from head to toe from elite and professional stylists any day of the week.

Chick-fil-A Santa Monica

Home to the original chicken sandwich with two pickles on a bun, visit Eddie Brown’s franchise restaurant and enjoy this popular American fast food restaurant.

Cuttin’ Up! Barbershop III

Specializing in black hair, this full-service barbershop offers an array of services for men’s and women’s hair. Make an appointment with Xavier or any of the trusted team Monday through Saturday.

Gloveworx

Break a sweat at this flagship boxing studio on Wilshire Blvd. Check out this 5,000 square foot studio and athletic performance facility, including a competition boxing ring, heavy bags, speed bags, Spin Pro bikes and more.

Inspired Method, Inc.

Make some friends and get a great workout with an Inspired Method fitness boot camp, run by Jared Rodriguez. Find where science meets inspiration with mobility, strength, cardio and lifestyle classes and get your first class free!

King’s Celebrity ATA Martial Arts

Build your confidence and reach your true potential with Taekwondo and self-defense classes. Opened in 2000, Master Victor King has taught values of confidence, leadership and fitness to children and adults through his many classes. Try a class today!

Lashing All Over the City

Give your lashes some love with premium quality strip lashes and beauty products and receive professional lash training from owner Karlene. Pick from three glamorous lash extension services, shop for the best products or sign up for a class!

Logan’s Gardens at Santa Monica Farmers Market

Tickle your tastebuds with father-son duo, Jimmy and Logan Williams’ over 1,000 varieties of rare and heirloom edible plants, available every Wednesday and Saturday at Santa Monica’s farmers market.

Tangana Wellness

Treat yourself and yours to organic and fair trade teas, superfoods, spices and more with a selection of natural goods created to encourage wellness and inspire holistic gifting for any occasion.

For more Black-owned businesses, check out the full list on City of Santa Monica’s website.

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