Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department marked the centennial celebration of Black History Month with a series of events throughout February 2026. This year commemorates the 100th anniversary of the federal recognition of African American history, an initiative founded by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1915.
The celebrations took place at three parks in the Santa Clarita Valley: Dr. Richard H. Rioux Memorial Park in Stevenson Ranch, Castaic Sports Complex, and Val Verde Park. Events included food tastings, cultural exhibits, and interactive activities designed to engage the community.
At the event held on February 5, at Dr. Richard H. Rioux Memorial Park, the atmosphere was vibrant and inclusive. Recreation Service Supervisor Dana Spautz noted, “These events include food tasting, a little bit of Black history, culture, crafts, and you know, have the public come in and unite with each other.” Participants enjoyed traditional dishes like banana pudding and participated in line dancing, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation.
Spautz reported a successful turnout, with at least 30 more attendees than the previous year. The celebrations continued in Castaic and Val Verde, where participants took part in a drum circle and had the opportunity to get their hair braided, celebrating the cultural heritage of the African American community.
On February 6, at the Castaic Sports Complex, Shane Coleman, founder and executive director of Heroes of Life, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of unity and cultural expression. “Black History, to me, means that we get a chance to put our flavor together. Individually, you have one sound, but when you bring it all together, you have a sound with great flavor,” Coleman stated. His organization focuses on music and production mentoring, highlighting the creative contributions of the Black community.
The event also featured remarks from Tim Williams, president of the Val Verde Historical Society. Williams expressed his commitment to preserving the history of Val Verde Park and invited attendees to future community events, including celebrations for Juneteenth.
Denise Thomas, chair of the Community Collaboration Committee for the Santa Clarita chapter of the NAACP, spoke about the historical significance of Black History Month. She explained that the observance began during the Harlem Renaissance, a pivotal period for African American intellectuals and entrepreneurs. “Black History Month was started by Black intellectuals who were concerned about the fact that our history was being diluted and sometimes even destroyed,” Thomas remarked.
According to Thomas, the month-long observance is a crucial opportunity to teach younger generations about the African American experience. “Preserving African American history is done by teaching the generations to come, but doing so in a respectful, delicate manner,” she explained. She also noted the importance of ensuring that historical education is appropriate for children, recognizing that some aspects of history may be difficult for younger audiences to process.
Thomas expressed pride in being part of a movement that elevates African American history as integral to the broader American narrative. “There’s no such thing as African American history; it’s American history, period,” she asserted, emphasizing the contributions of diverse cultures to the fabric of the United States.
The festivities concluded with food offerings that showcased the culinary richness of the African American community, allowing attendees to engage with both culture and cuisine.
With this year’s events, Los Angeles County Parks successfully celebrated a significant milestone in the recognition of Black history, providing valuable opportunities for education, reflection, and community unity. As the events unfolded, they served as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards awareness and appreciation of diverse cultural histories within the fabric of American society.
