The city of Santa Monica will hold a special ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, to unveil a plaque in honor of Lloyd C. Allen’s legacy of advocacy and public service in Santa Monica.
The ceremony will be held starting at 3 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave., near the Virginia Avenue roundabout entrance by the Thelma Terry building.
Featured speakers will include Mayor Lana Negrete and Mr. Allen, who just celebrated his 103rd birthday in August. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
“I am thrilled to celebrate one of our most prominent community members, Lloyd C. Allen,” Mayor Lana Negrete said. “Mr. Allen’s legacy is seen and felt every day in Santa Monica and it is truly an honor to acknowledge his decades of service and contributions to our community.”
The plaque unveiling comes after the City Council directed staff in early 2024 to honor Mr. Allen for his contributions to the community, particularly as Santa Monica’s first Black Recreation and Parks commissioner. Mr. Allen played a pivotal role in the creation of Virginia Avenue Park, where the plaque is located.
In addition to serving on the Recreation and Parks Commission, Mr. Allen was one of Santa Monica’s pioneering Black entrepreneurs in the late 1950s, establishing multiple businesses that significantly enriched the community. He served the community for 56 years through ventures including Allen Maintenance, Allen Janitorial Supplies and Equipment, and Allen Vacuum Repairs at 400 Pico Blvd.
“My commitment has always been to create spaces and opportunities where everyone regardless of background can come together, thrive and feel a sense of belonging,” Mr. Allen said.
To learn more about Mr. Allen’s many accomplishments, watch the YouTube video of the council proclamation declaring Aug. 28, Mr. Allen’s birthday, as Lloyd C. Allen Day. The proclamation can be found here.
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