Justice, Equity & Inclusion: Read 'We Are Santa Monica, Black Unapologetically,' a poem by community leader Angela D. Scott
November 21, 2024 11:39 AM
by Lisa Parson
On Monday, Nov. 11, the city unveiled a plaque commemorating the City Council’s adoption of an apology to African American residents and their ancestors for the damage caused by biased and discriminatory policies and practices of the past. This act was an important first step towards repairing the harm done to the Black community and other Communities of Color in alignment with our city's commitment to:
- identify and rectify the policies, practices and behaviors that perpetuate racism, discrimination and other negative racial-based outcomes.
- cultivate an inclusive and fair environment where all people in Santa Monica, in particular disenfranchised communities of color, thrive in the areas of health, economic vitality and connectedness.
As part of the celebration, local resident and community leader Angela Scott presented a poem in tribute to the community which beautifully captured the spirit and dedication to the pursuit of equity of the Black community in Santa Monica and is shared here.
We Are Santa Monica, Black Unapologetically – By Angela D. Scott
We see you… Apologizing for over a century of racial injustice
Discrimination, and systemic policies
We are Black Santa Monicans, advocates, unapologetically
We are our ancestors' wildest dreams
A resilient people, travelers of the Great Migration
Following the Green Book through Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia
Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, North and South Cackalacky, Texas, seeking opportunities
Near the Pacific Ocean’s sandy shores of Santa Monica
We are current, displaced, and othered Black residents
Of the Belmar Triangle, relaxing at Bay Street Beach — our Inkwell
We are the impossible now reality, gently swathed
In a patchwork quilt with threads of blood, sweat, and tears – double stitched and knotted
From Pico Boulevard to Broadway to Bay Street
Our Residency, older than a century
Yet, liberation remains a mystery
We are… Survivors of urban renewal and eminent domain
Beauty from ashes like a rising Phoenix
Soaring above false promises, redlining, restrictive covenants
So, we sleep with one eye open
Faith in constant motion
Black Girl Magic Potion
My Brother's Keeper is better than a notion
Honoring our ancestors' call
We are ... Riding waves at Bay Street Beach with Nick Gabaldon
Silas White, Lloyd Allen, and LaVerne Ross
Receiving medical care from Dr. Donald Brunson
Eating fried chicken dinners at Everybody's Café
And barbecue ribs at the Arkansas Traveler
Drinking tea with the Philomatheons
Making a joyful noise at Phillips Chapel
A dream no longer deferred
We are… Your next tech giant, city councilmember, police chief
school board president, or Michelin-star restauranteur
We got skin in this game, a dog in this fight
We are in it to win it
We are minding our own Black Business
Our tomorrow is better than yesterday, greater than today
We will feel welcomed, valued contributors
To a thriving tourist city, where we proudly belong
Together, we rise, hand in hand
Building a future grand and strong
Our thanks go out to Angela and to the members of the Committee for Racial Justice for their tireless efforts towards advancing equity in our city. To learn more about the city’s equity initiatives, visit santamonica.gov/equity.
Authored By
Lisa Parson
Project Manager