Santa Monica's Virginia Avenue Park, the Parent Connection Group, and the Library once again celebrate the Annual Black History Month Greens Festival in-person at Virginia Park.

This year’s theme is "Acknowledging the Past, Living in the Present, Building for the Future."

The event feature cooking demos with local chefs, book readings and giveaways, dance performances, vendors, and health information. Special guest KJLH’s Arron “BOBO” Arnell is the master of ceremonies.

Highlights includes: 

• Greens Festival opening with a drumming and dance performance by Olokun Cultural Group
• Blessing by Shekinah "Paradise" Shakur
• DJ music mixing by Mark Birotte
• Book reading of “Flowing through the Elements,” by Santa Monica author Darin Glenn
• Live cooking demonstrations with local chefs of family favorite greens recipes
• Book giveaways and coloring activities hosted by the Pico Branch Library
• A farmer’s market featuring Master Gardeners giving out seedlings
• A wide variety of resource booths and vendors

Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and/or lawn chairs. Walking and biking are encouraged.