By Lookout Staff

February 3, 2026 -- Santa Monica is commemorating Black History Month with a series of events that help mark "an especially significant and momentous milestone," City officials said.

Titled “A century of Black History Commemorations,” the events will take place in the wake of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary celebration last year.

"Our community has already been engaging in conversations and activities reflecting on both the achievements and the injustices in our city’s past -- and how to chart a more inclusive and equitable future," officials said in a statement.

"To continue this reflection" and commemorate Black History Month, the City and its community partners "have curated a group of engaging, creative and educational community events."

The events and programs kicked of on February 1 with a month-long reading challenge that explores and honors "the rich history, culture, and achievements of Black men and women through books."

The featured titles received the Coretta Scott King Book Award, which recognizes "outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate?an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values."

Other events include a community-let monthly book discussion on February 18 that will discuss Stacey Abrams’ political thriller novel, “While Justice Sleeps.”

There will also be a Local's Night on the Pier featuring a jazz performance by alumni from Stanley Clarke's Artist Residency program and the 11th Annual Greens Festival on February 18.

Commemorations to honor Black achievements and contributions to U.S. history have taken place since February 1926, when author, historian and activist Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week.

This month, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which was founded by Woodson, encourages participants to explore the "impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.”

For more information on Black History month celebrations in Santa Monica, click here