City council proclaims Aug. 28 Lloyd C. Allen Day
August 28, 2024 10:05 AM
by Delana Gbenekama
The Santa Monica City Council at its Aug. 27 regular meeting proclaimed Aug. 28 as Lloyd C. Allen Day in honor of Mr. Allen's achievements and contributions to the Santa Monica community. Today, Aug. 28 is Mr. Allen's 103rd birthday. Happy birthday, Mr. Allen! To learn more about him, check out the below text of the proclamation that was presented to him and his family. Additionally, you can watch the video of Mr. Allen receiving the proclamation and award from the City Council and giving a moving speech that included his reciting a poem.
WHEREAS Lloyd C. Allen made his journey from Shreveport, Louisiana to Santa Monica in 1939, seeking a new beginning and a brighter future for himself and his loved ones; and
WHEREAS Lloyd C. Allen became one of Santa Monica's pioneering Black entrepreneurs in the late 1950s, establishing multiple businesses that significantly enriched our community. His ventures, including Allen Maintenance, Allen Janitorial Supplies and Equipment, and Allen Vacuum Repairs at 400 Pico Boulevard, served our city for an impressive 56 years; and
WHEREAS Lloyd C. Allen's deep Christian faith has been a cornerstone of his life. As a devoted, longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, he has become a pillar in both the church and the wider community; and
WHEREAS Lloyd C. Allen’s commitment to service is evident in his remarkable list of achievements. As the first Black Commissioner of the Recreation and Parks Commission, he played a pivotal role in the creation of Virginia Avenue Park. His influence extended to the campaign that led to Nat Trives becoming Santa Monica’s first Black mayor. Lloyd C. Allen also broke barriers as the first Black member of the Santa Monica Rotary Club, held numerous positions in various Santa Monica organizations, and organized Boy Scout Troop #24; and
WHEREAS Among his many accomplishments, Lloyd C. Allen played a pivotal role in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Santa Monica, coordinating and succeeding in arranging for Dr. King to speak at the Civic Center. This monumental event left a valuable mark on our city's history, inspiring generations and solidifying Mr. Allen's legacy as a leader who brought our community together in the name of justice and equality; and
WHEREAS, Lloyd C. Allen, born on August 28, 1921, celebrates his 103rd birthday tomorrow, a milestone that allows us to reflect on his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he has left on our city's history.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHIL BROCK, MAYOR of the City of Santa Monica, on behalf of the Members of the City Council, do hereby proclaim in perpetuity August 28 as
LLOYD C. ALLEN DAY
in the City of Santa Monica, and encourage all citizens to join in honoring and celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Mr. Allen, whose dedication and service have profoundly shaped our community.
Dated this 27th day of August 2024
PHIL BROCK
MAYOR
Authored By
Delana Gbenekama
Equity and Communications Program Manager