Santa Monica Unveils Plaque Inscribed with Apology to Black Residents

The following article was submitted by the City of Santa Monica.

Santa Monica unveiled a plaque outside city hall this week inscribed with the Statement Apologizing to Santa Monica’s African American Residents and Their Descendants, on the anniversary of the statement’s adoption two years ago. 

The ceremony included remarks from Mayor Phil Brock, and Committee for Racial Justice members Angela Scott, Joanne Berlin and Robbie Jones, and Santa Monica Equity and Inclusion Manager Lisa Parson.  

“As a city, we acknowledge that decades of racist and inequitable policies have caused pain and negative outcomes for the Black community and other people of color,” Mayor Phil Brock said. “Today marks an important step in our progress toward healing as a community.” 

In addition to the unanimous adoption of the statement in 2022, the city affirmed its commitment to justice, equity and inclusion by making Racial Justice, Equity & Social Diversity one of its strategic priorities, adding programs, policies, and investments that educate the public about the history of discrimination in Santa Monica and its ongoing consequences and make progress toward rectifying it. Much of this work will be included in the city’s Equity Plan, which is anticipated to be presented to council in early 2025.  

For more information about Justice, Equity & Diversity click here. The Statement Apologizing to Santa Monica’s African American Residents and Their Descendants can be found here. For a video of the plaque unveiling ceremony, click here. 

About The Author

Damien Newton

Damien is the executive director of the Southern California Streets Initiative which publishes Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog Los Angeles, Streetsblog San Francisco, Streetsblog California and Longbeachize.

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