SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The Black History Greens Festival, a free community event marking Black History Month, is set to take Santa Monica by storm on February 24. The city, in collaboration with the Black Santa Monica Community Group, will host the day-long celebration at Virginia Avenue Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to santamonica.gov.

Embracing the "Acknowledging the Past, Living in the Present, Building for the Future" theme, this 9th installment of the festival aligns with the strategic priority of advancing Justice, Equity & Diversity in the city. The event intends to ignite a passion for local history, acknowledging trailblazers like Santa Monica's own Lloyd Allen, who recently turned 103 and has a track record of civil rights advocacy.

Highlights of the jam-packed schedule include green cooking demonstrations by local chefs, book readings, dance performances, wellness booths, and a special appearance by KJLH radio's Arron "BOBO" Arnell as the emcee. The festivities will draw in crowds with their drumming and dance performance by Olokun Cultural Group and a blessing by Shekinah "Paradise" Shakur, event goers were told by santamonica.gov.

Virginia Avenue Park is expected to transform into a vibrant community hub, encouraging guests to bring along picnic essentials and travel on foot or by bike. The festival provides a fitting venue for liters to walk through a living kaleidoscope of culture and unity, said the city. For further details, Santa Monica's city officials advise visiting the city website or calling at (310) 458-8688.