Events & Happenings
Mystery & Thriller Book Group: “While Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Abrams
Tuesday, February 17 from 7pm – 8 pm via Zoom
This community-led, monthly book discussion group meets virtually to discuss domestic and international titles in the mystery and thriller genres. During the month of February, book group participants will read and discuss Stacey Abrams’ political thriller novel, “While Justice Sleeps.” To register, email library@santamonica.gov.
SMPL Presents: The Iconic House of Ninja
Wednesday, February 18 from 7pm – 8 pm at the Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
Get ready to werk! The Iconic House of Ninja brings the heat in a vogue dance performance that’s guaranteed to electrify. Founded in 1982 by the late Willi Ninja, the ‘Godfather of Vogue’, The House of Ninja has made a major impact on both ballroom and mainstream culture, appearing in the award-winning documentary Paris Is Burning, and the HBO Max ballroom competition series Legendary. House of Ninja has worked alongside some of the biggest names in fashion and music, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Doechii, and their performance is sure to earn 10s across the board!
Locals’ Night: Jazz Night
Thursday, February 19 from 3:30pm – 10pm at the Santa Monica Pier
Locals’ Night is bringing the rhythm with BroadStage’s Jazz Night featuring phenomenal alumni from Stanley Clarke’s Artist Residency program. Enjoy serious grooves to celebrate Black History Month, while Offhand Wine Bar keeps the vibe smooth with perfectly paired selections.
Notable Fiction Book Group: “The Birdwatcher” by Gayl Jones
Saturday, February 21 from 11 am – 12:30pm via Zoom
This community-led, monthly book discussion group meets virtually to discuss prize-winning fiction titles. During the month of February, book group participants will read and discuss “The Birdwatcher,” a National Book Award finalist that explores Black women’s creative expression. To register, email library@santamonica.gov.
Sissies: Something Perfect between Ourselves
Saturday, February 21 from 3pm – 5pm at the Annenberg Community Beach House
Bernard Brown, Director and Choreographer of bbmoves, will preview Sissies: Something Perfect between Ourselves, a performance and installation by, for, and about Black, Brown, and Indigenous Queer artists who have created spaces that feed the music, dance, fashion, and creative heartbeat of underground queer LA.
Black History Month Reading Challenge
Sunday, February 1 through Saturday, February 28 / Visit smpl.beanstack.org to register
Explore and honor the rich history, culture, and achievements of Black men and women through books, featuring titles receiving a Coretta Scott King Book Award. These awards are given to 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. Log your reading and activities to earn badges and entry into a book pack drawing. For ages 12 – 17.
Honoring Eddie Davis, Santa Monica’s Fire Department, 1960
Tuesday, February 24 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Santa Monica City Hall
Join the City in honoring the legacy of Eddie Davis, Santa Monica’s first black firefighter, as we commemorate his service, determination, and lasting impact on our community.
11th Annual Greens Festival
Saturday, February 28 from 11am – 4 pm at Virginia Avenue Park
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a day of culture, connection, and celebration at the 11th Annual Greens Festival, a joyful celebration of Black History Month, presented by the Black Santa Monica Community Group in collaboration with Virginia Avenue Park.
This year’s theme, “Boots on the Ground,” honors community and culture. Enjoy greens cooking demonstrations, music and dance, local vendors, and community booths offering resources and information for the community. Arron “Bobo” Arnell returns as the MC and DJ Dense from KJLH will be spinning throughout the event.
Black History Month Movie Screening: “Ruby Bridges”
Saturday, February 28 from 3pm – 5 pm at the Main Library
Learn about Ruby Bridges, a young Black girl, and her experience integrating William Frantz Elementary School, which was previously a whites-only school in New Orleans. Runtime: 96 min. For families.
Home Under One’s Skin
Saturday, February 28, 3pm, 4pm and 5 p.m. at Historic Belmar Park
Marcella Lewis’ “Home Under One’s Skin” is created in conversation with April Banks’ “A Resurrection in Four Stanzas” at Historic Belmar Park, a public sculpture that engages histories of displacement and remembrance. Rooted in movement, voice, and direct audience engagement, Lewis’ work reflects on memory, revival, and longing – centering the intergenerational loss of “porch life,” a cultural space of gathering, storytelling, and care once central to Black communal life.
BroadStage
Throughout February
Join BroadStage in celebrating Black History Month this February, with a SPECIAL OFFER on A Night of Comedy with Dominique: Oh My! Mama There Goes That Woman! and New Orleans Groove Masters. Enjoy 25% off these shows using code “BHM25” at checkout. Tickets at broadstage.org!
