Feb 5, 2025 | Education K-12, Local, Los Angeles, Valleys, Violations of the public trust

Inglewood Public Library Celebrates Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, history, and culture of the African American community.

Louie Cruz Beltran and Inglewood Public Library Staff, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, history, and culture of the African American community.

Inglewood Library celebrated Black History Month, on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The library welcomed Louie Cruz Beltran and his Rhythm & Roots program. The program was engaging, educational, and entertaining.

Louie took the crowd on a musical journey. Guest learned and explored Afro-Cuban beats and how they evolved into today’s musical styles. Louie Cruz Beltran explained how music from Africa influenced much of American music.

Louie demonstrated rhythms from the diaspora. Nanigo from Africa, Timba and Guaguanco from Cuba, Cumbia from Colombia, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha and Brazilian Samba. Louie kept the crowd engaged with his relevant and timely stories as they related to the program. Phyllis Battle, vocal jazz stylist, recording artist, vocal instructor and jazz theatre play write was in attendance to enjoy the program.