By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — The city of Los Angeles will begin its annual African American Heritage Month celebration with a virtual program Feb. 3 honoring several living legends.
Mayor Karen Bass and Our Authors Study Club will honor living legends including actor and recording artist Ice Cube; gospel recording artist Erica Campbell; and R&B recording artists Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., as well as Hall of Fame honorees former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, in the legal category; Yvonne Wheeler, president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor in the labor category; Dr. David Carlisle, president of Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in the higher education category and former City Councilman Herb Wesson in the government category.
KABC Morning Show co-anchor Leslie Sykes will be the mistress of ceremonies for the program that starts at 10 a.m. To join the Zoom meeting visit https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1606977246.
Other events include an oratorical contest conducted by Mayor Bass and the 2023 African American Heritage Month Honorary Committee from 3-5 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Airport Police Community Center, 9160 S. Loyola Blvd.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., will launch a celebration of Black cinema with a party Feb. 3, a symposium Feb. 4 and a free family fun day Feb. 5.
Visit https://www.academymuseum.org/en/programs/series/regeneration-summit-a-celebration-of-black-cinema for more information.
As part of a program on mental health education and resources, Sunday Supper will hold a mental health awareness for families event from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at 441 E. Carson St., in Carson. Speakers will include Angela Adkins, founder and president; mental health first aid instructor Maurnie V. Thomas and chef Cheryl Tate. Daryl Darden will perform.
Information: 323-628-0038
Other upcoming events include a virtual worship service at First AME Church, 2270 S. Harvard Blvd., from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 12, with a special guest performance by gospel vocalist Elaine Gibbs.
A historical Black Los Angeles virtual bus tour also will be held Feb. 12 highlighting points of interest including homes, businesses, churches, and many historical landmarks. Information: www.oascla.org.
On Feb. 15, the sixth annual Black History Monthy Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex, 5001 Obama Blvd. It will feature guest speakers for an in-depth community forum on topics that affect the mind and body.
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Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
