By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
Los Angeles, CA – The City of Los Angeles marked the beginning of Black History Month on February 4, 2026. Guests heeded the invitation from the Los Angeles City Council, Mayor Karen Bass, and Lura Daniels-Ball, President, Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC).
This is the City of Los Angeles 76th Citywide Black History Month Celebration. This year’s celebration recognizes the 2026 National Black History Month Theme— “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” This year’s events reflect both legacy and continuity, marking 100 years since Black History commemorations began in 1926, led by the “Father of Black History,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
In honoring this year’s theme, we salute the past and present members of Our Authors Study Club, Inc., who first partnered with the City of Los Angeles and the Mayor in 1950, marking 76 years of collaboration in celebrating Black achievement, resilience, and cultural legacy—while looking ahead to inspire future generations to continue keeping Black History alive and vibrant.
The festivities got underway with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit “When Black Women Lead: Communities Thrive, Everybody Wins.” The exhibit is curated by Shelby Stephens.
The Henry P. Rio Bridge Gallery was abuzz with excitement and contagious energy. Honorees and guests were in attendance for a meet and greet. The exhibit put the spotlight on women leading some of the most influential organizations in Los Angeles. The exhibit recognizes a group of trailblazing women whose work has shaped public policy, economic opportunity, health equity, housing, philanthropy, arts and culture, and community advocacy throughout Los Angeles and California.
2026 “When Black Women Lead” Exhibition Honorees:
Angela Gibson Shaw- Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce
Areva Martin- Special Needs Network; Martin & Martin LLP
Bernita Ruth Walker-Project: Peacemakers, Inc.
Carrie Griffith Henley- Winfandel Club House
Charisse Bremond Weaver- Brother Crusade
Cynthia Mitchell-Heard- Los Angeles Urban League
Janet Denise Kelly-Sanctuary of Hope
Janette Robinson Flint-Black Women for Wellness
Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker- Ward Economic Development Corporation
Joy Atkinson- (Honored Posthumously) Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI)
Kacie Y. Patterson- Social Good Solutions, Black Equity Collective
Kellie Todd Griffin- California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute
Noreen McClendon- Concerned Citizens of South-Central Los Angeles
Sandra J. Evers-Manly- Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center
Saundra Bryant & Brandy Muñiz-All Peoples Community Center
Sonya Young Aadam- California Black Women’s Health Project
Alice “Sweet Alice” Harris-Parents of Watts
Yolanda Y. Whittington- SISTAHFRIENDS
The exhibition is free and open to the public until Thursday, February 26, 2026, during regular City Hall Hours.
The celebration continued inside Council Chambers for the Black History Month Celebration Opening Ceremonies. Heather Hutt, City Councilmember, District 10, extended welcoming and opening remarks.
Kabasa Drummers, a group of legendary drummers from Leimert Park, provided an energetic and electrifying soundtrack of West African drumming to the delight of all in attendance.
Lift Every Voice & Sing was performed superbly by Lura Daniels-Ball, President, Our Authors Study Club, Inc. Additional remarks were presented by Marqueece Harris-Dawson, President, Los Angeles City Council, Councilmember, District 8, followed by Cookie Parker, Chair, YES2JOBS, Honorary and General Chair 2026 Citywide Black History Month Celebration.
“Voices of the City: Los Angeles City Council Honors Distinguished Leaders.” This was a special City Council program honoring the 2026 Living Legends Honorees.
The OASC Pillar Award honors African American individuals whose lives and contributions have served as enduring pillars within their professions and communities. The Pillar Award acknowledges living legends whose sustained influence has shaped Southern California and beyond, honoring those whose lives continue to support progress, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
Denise Nicholas- Best-selling Author (Freshwater Road, Finding Home), Actress, and Activist
Charles Dickson, Innovative, Transformative Artist/Master Sculptor
Award presented by Heather Hutt, Councilmember, District 10
The Hall of Fame- The Inspiration of Life Awards. Inductees to the Hall of Fame receive the prestigious Inspiration of Life Award, which symbolizes the inductee’s enduring impact and their role as a source of inspiration for current and future generations.
Antwone Fisher- Best Selling Author (Finding Fish), Award Winning Screenwriter
Award presented by Traci Park, Councilmember, District 11
DMA Anderson, CEO Korgi, Tech Entrepreneur, and Multi-patented Tech Inventor, Technology
Award presented by Nithya Raman, Councilmember, District 4.
This portion of the festivities concluded with the unveiling of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) National Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” and the introduction of the highly anticipated 2026 Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Black History Guide and Cover Artist. The unveiling featured Lura Daniels-Ball, President, Our Authors Study Club, Inc., Daniel Tarico, General Manager, Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), Riea Owens, (2026 Cover Artist), and Cookie Parker, Chair/Co-Founder YES2JOBS.
The Community Reception & Community Celebration continued in City Hall West Courtyard, sponsored by Council Districts 8, 9, 10 & 15. I don’t have to go into a lot of detail after stating that Dulan’s catered this reception with a mouthwatering array of soul food, topped off with desserts with a dab of ice cream. DJ MonaLisa enhanced the vibes with an eclectic soundtrack.
The City of Los Angeles proudly presents the 76th Citywide Black History Month Celebration, in partnership with Mayor Karen Bass, and Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC), under the leadership of Lura Daniels-Ball, President. The celebration is scheduled from February 4 through March 31, 2026.
The citywide commemoration is presented with the support of Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield, Mayor Pro-Tempore, (District 2), Curren D. Price, Jr., (District 9), Heather Hutt, (District 10), Eunisses Hernandez (District 1), Adrin Nazarian (District 3), Nithya Raman (District 4), Katy Yaroslavsky (District 5), Imelda Padilla, (District 6), Monica Rodriguez (District 7), Traci Park (District 11), John Lee (District 12), Hugo Soto-Martinez (District 13), Ysabel Jurado (District 14), Tim McOsker (District 15), and Daniel Tarica- General Manager, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA).
For more information about Our Authors Study Club, Inc., and to download and view the 2026 African American Cultural Guide and Calendar, visit https://www.oascla.org/events. The link is at the top of the website. Don’t forget to share with your network and to participate in the scheduled events.