Santa Monica’s Black History Month 2025 celebration kicks off with the theme “Black Americans and Labor”
January 28, 2025 2:22 PM
by Brandi Lockhart
Updated Jan. 29, 2025.
The city of Santa Monica's Black History Month celebration is organized by the Black History Month Committee. Staff participation in cultural events, monthly observances and affinity groups is always optional and primarily a volunteer effort, and the BHM Committee organizes these events with the support of the city's partner affinity groups, local businesses and city departments. This blog post was authored by Brandi Lockhart, co-leader of the BHM committee, and a city employee for more than 11 years, who is currently a housing specialist with the Housing and Human Services Department.
We, Jah people, can make it work
Come together and make it work, yeah!
We can make it work
We can make it work
Five days to go; working for the next day
Four days to go; working for the next day
Say we got; three days to go now, working for the next day
Two days to go (ooh); working for the next day, yeah
Say we got; one day to go: working for the ‐
Every day is work ‐ work ‐ work ‐ work!
– excerpt from “Work” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
The 2025 national theme for Black History Month is "African Americans and Labor." Here in Santa Monica, we want to also acknowledge the contributions of all of the African diaspora who have contributed to the improvement of working conditions, equitable treatment and access to higher wages and positions.
According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, 2025 also marks the 100th anniversary of the first major Black union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, created by A. Philip Randolph in 1925.
To commemorate the month, Santa Monica’s BHM Committee has curated a group of engaging and educational community events in partnership with local businesses, schools, city departments and divisions including the Santa Monica Public Library and Virginia Avenue Park, city affinity groups and community organizations.
In addition to African Americans and Labor, the 2025 Black History Month events incorporate a focus on educating the community and advocating against workplace discrimination, as well as protecting marginalized groups. As a city, we continue to fight for diversity, equity and inclusion in a changing world that seeks to be divisive with terms like “Black jobs”, whilst plucking away at efforts to eradicate discrimination in the workplace and society. We must remember that the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution had lasting effects and benefits not only for African Americans, but other marginalized groups in the United States as well.
As a member of the BHM Committee since December 2019, I am also revisiting the themes from previous years that continue to need our focus and attention in the face of current challenges. These include Service & Leadership, Black Family, Diversity & Contribution, Health & Wellness, Black Resistance, Black Media & The Arts.
I hope everyone can reflect and join us in fellowship in February. All are welcome.
Pencil these events in your calendar and check back here weekly for updates!
Black History Month Proclamation by artist Lisa Diane Wedgeworth
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Santa Monica City Hall
Film Screening & Panel Discussion – “Wade in the Water”: A Journey into Black Surfing & Aquatic Culture
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2-4 p.m., Main Library, MLK Auditorium
Tuesday Tales: A Travelin' Storytime (Black History Month)
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 10:30-11 a.m., Fairview Branch Library
Art Bank unveiling with Gary Tyler
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4-5 p.m., Santa Monica City Hall
Empowering Minds Through Healing: Mental Health & Wellness Fair presented by Santa Monica Black Empowerment Association (SMBEA) & L.A. County Dept. of Mental Health
Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., 520 Arizona
Annual Black History Greens Festival, in partnership with the Black Santa Monica Community Group
Saturday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Virginia Avenue Park
Uplifting Black Legacy
Thursday, Feb. 27, 7-10 p.m., Annenberg Community Beach House
Career & Community Resource Fair
Friday, Feb. 28, 12-3 p.m., Miles Memorial Playhouse
And throughout the month, check out these Santa Monica Public Library staff picks: Black History Month Books for Adults or pick up a Black History Month Take & Make Kit: “Garrett Morgan, Inventor” from any Santa Monica Public Library location (beginning Feb. 3, while supplies last).
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s events!
Authored By
Brandi Lockhart
Housing Specialist