Los Angeles City Council marks 100 years of Black History Month with awards and community pledges

Councilwoman Heather Hutt (10th District) opened the Los Angeles City Council’s Black History Month centennial program with remarks and a musical performance that she described as a reminder of resilience and community history. The celebration included live drumming, a rendition of ‘‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’’ and recognition of the Arthur Study Club’s long-running stewardship of local commemorations.

Council President Marquise Harris Dawson told attendees the observance offers a civic counter to efforts to erase or narrow Black history, saying the month ‘‘lift[s] up that story so that the world can see even what we’re going through now.’’ He linked local commemoration to broader national debates over public memory and education.

Honorees included Denise Nicholas, who received a Living Legends Pillar Award and reflected on her civil-rights-era activism and career in the arts; Charles Dixon, recognized for six decades of public art and civic commissions; and DMA Anderson, honored for technology and civic-access work that supports first-generation students and independent creators. Several council members and city officials—along with guests such as former Congresswoman Diane Watson—attended and presented awards.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and other presenters framed the program as both celebration and civic education: Daniel Turica (Department of Cultural Affairs) noted the city’s Heritage Month calendar and cultural guide marking a century of local Black history commemorations. Artists and honorees urged investment in cultural institutions and continued public programming.

The program wrapped with council members noting related City Hall events and student activity outside the building. Council members thanked organizers, emphasized safety measures for students walking out, and adjourned the ceremonial portion of the meeting before the council’s business agenda began.