Black History Month celebrations are currently underway at select parks across Los Angeles County, with upcoming events scheduled at two Sylmar parks – Dexter Park and El Cariso Community Regional Park.
Presented by the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation, the monthlong series of events – which kicked off at the beginning of this month – is free to the public and intended for all ages. The purpose is to “celebrate and recognize past and present key figures and moments in Black history,” said Michelle Whitaker, manager of Recreation Services for the Sylmar District.
“The intention is to bring public awareness and attention to African American culture … by creating communities through people, parks and programs,” she said, noting that in addition to celebrating culture, they are also honoring the contributions of Black Americans throughout history – from activists and civil rights leaders like Ted Watkins to athletes like Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Black History Month itself has now become a part of Black history, added Whitaker, who said it originally began as a weeklong observance nearly 100 years ago. In 1926, scholar Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in the second week of February, to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. It was eventually expanded to Black History Month for the full month of February in 1976.
“Embracing this 400-year-long record of Black life in America with Black History Month each year is excellent – we are able to share stories of triumph, activism and achievements,” said Whitaker, adding that Black Americans have made their mark in all realms – “like poetry, athletics, music and politics.
“The list is very long, and we just want to recognize and appreciate some of our stories through all of these different expressions,” said Whitaker regarding the upcoming events at LA County parks, which will run through the end of the month.
Local Events
On Saturday, Feb. 10 starting at 11 a.m., El Cariso Park will host a Black History Month celebration with a DJ and music; games, raffles and prizes; soul food; trivia and crafts; an educational wall; and more.
Black History Month events at El Cariso Park will also be held on Feb. 12, with a gathering for seniors at 10 a.m., and youth poetry presentations at 3 p.m.
On Feb. 14 and Feb. 27 at 5 p.m., El Cariso Park will host “Scenes from Black History and Black History Icons: Chalk Murals,” a chalk art event.
On Thursday, Feb. 22, Dexter Park in Sylmar will also host a Black History Month celebration – with art, performances, educational opportunities, food tastings and more – from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
El Cariso Community Regional Park is located at 13100 Hubbard St. in Sylmar, and Dexter Park is located at 11053 N. Trail Rd. in Sylmar.
For the complete list of events being presented by the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation in honor of Black History Month, go to: https://parks.lacounty.gov/bhm.